Bronte Summer Guide 2023

SUMMER GUIDE 2023

BRONTE AT ITS BEST SUMMER MEMORIES ARE MADE HERE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE BUSINESSES OF BRONTE VILLAGE &

Every Summer Has a Story. Make

Bronte Part of Yours!

Glorious summer days are here and we want you to make memories in Bronte all season long.

Bronte is a place where everyone is welcome and everything you need for summer enjoyment can be found – charming boutiques & cafés, picturesque patios, gorgeous harbour views and events to delight all ages. It’s the perfect setting for your summer story.

Enjoy shopping local at one-of-a-kind businesses where you’ll find nautical home décor, women’s fashion, freshly made gelato, a recording studio, an aquarium store, an eco-friendly kids’ boutique and a barbershop that’s also a bar. There’s truly something for everyone in Bronte.

Our fabulous patios make Bronte a favourite destination for outdoor dining, and if live music is your thing, we’ve got you covered with our free lakeside concerts. Tap your toes to classical music, pop tunes, Caribbean beats, and more!

The 2023 Bronte Summer Guide is our way of welcoming you to this vibrant slice of lakeside living. We hope it inspires you to spend your summer days and evenings with us. We can’t wait to welcome you!

KYLIE WILSON Executive Director BRONTE VILLAGE BIA 2360 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST, OAKVILLE

Get a closer look at some of our friendly businesses

Ever notice there’s a different feel to locally run businesses? They’re friendlier, more helpful and are passionate about what they do. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you step into one of Bronte’s incredible shops. The 175+ businesses in the Bronte BIA are the cornerstone of the community – they’re dedicated to providing an amazing experience to every customer. Get to know the incredible people behind some of Bronte’s beloved shops and services.

PURE BOUTIQUE

pureboutique.ca

2359 Lakeshore Road West

Lori is the owner of Pure Boutique, a beautiful home and lifestyle shop that opened this spring (she also has a store in Burlington). As you walk through the doors, you’ll feel like you’ve entered your happy place. Peruse thoughtfully curated products and be inspired by gorgeous in-store displays to find just about anything you need for you and your home: fashion, home decor, gifts and furnishings.

NINA DUONG HAUTE COUTURE

ninaduong.com

2344 Lakeshore Road West

Nina started making dresses at the age of 15 and is a third-generation fashion designer. She bet on herself and her talent when she opened her own store in 2001. Today, she has 22 years of experience creating one-of-a-kind luxury bridal and evening wear. All her gowns are handsewn using exquisite fabrics, especially fine silks, from around the world. Her store also offers high-end brand ready-to-wear dresses for any special occasion.

PEACH COFFEE CO.

peachcoffeeco.com 100 Bronte Road, Unit 10

A visit to Peach Coffee Co. feels like a hug in a cup. From the warm greeting at the counter to the personal message scribed on each lid, this enchanting coffee shop is a place for community and connection. It offers specialty coffee and delicious baked goods in a beautiful space. You can expect impeccable service that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through the doors and a cozy interior to unwind, catch up with friends or even strike up a conversation with a friendly stranger.

@PEACH_COFFEE_CO

@LAKESIDELIVINHOMEDECOR

@ACORNFLOWERS

@NINADUONGHC

LAKESIDE

LIVIN’ HOME DECOR

lakesidelivin.com 100 Bronte Road, Unit 2

Rose is the owner of this quaint home decor store that offers a selection of art, kitchen wares, throw pillows, home fragrances, jewellery and oneof-a-kind gifts for every occasion. Passionate about her shop, Rose knows her customers by name, and treats everyone who walks through her door like a friend – because you are! For Bronte visitors and residents, it’s easy to find inspiration in the selection of nautical and farmhouse-themed goods. Whether you’re searching for a gift or want to bring a lakeside vibe to your home, you’ll find something special here.

DUCKIES DAIRY BAR

duckiesdairybar.ca

Harbour Banquet & Conference Centre, 2340 Ontario Street

Who doesn’t love an ice cream cone in summertime? Add a lakeside setting and things, really, can’t get any better. This is the thinking behind Duckies Dairy Bar – it’s all about the experience. The interior of the dairy bar is fun and playful, making a perfect backdrop for an Instagram shot. Choose from an array of classic and delicious ice cream flavours and fun toppings, or select one of the other summer treats and snacks on offer. Take it to-go as you explore the waterfront.

@DUCKIESDAIRYBAR

SWEET! BAKERY

sweetbakery.ca

100 Bronte Road, Unit #1

Sweet! Bakery wants you to celebrate everything – with sweets, of course. After graduating with a degree in art history, owner Ashley realized she wanted to focus her creative energy on her passion: cupcakes! She trained in baking and pastry at George Brown College and worked in bakeries across Toronto before opening Sweet! in her hometown. This year, Sweet! celebrates 12 years of business making delightful cupcakes and custom cakes that are works of art. Make sure to try the new Key Lime Pie cupcake coming this summer.

Stop by Bronte Village Paint & Decor to get expert paint and colour advice for your next painting project.

aegismma.ca 2304 Lakeshore Road West

Aegis MMA is a mixed martial arts club that offers a well-rounded variety of training for kids, adults, amateurs and pros. Owners, Coach Lucas Chaston, a Krav Maga and striking specialist, along with MMA and Jiu Jitsu specialist Lyndon Whitlock, have built a reputation together for providing exceptional coaching and a welcoming environment in a top-of-the-line facility that is also staffed by their friendly dogs!

@AEGIS_MMA

LIVE WELL EXERCISE CLINIC

livewellclinic.ca 2304 Lakeshore Road West

Ryan and his team at LIVE WELL want their clients to celebrate themselves through their health journey. The team provides personalized exercise programs for people who want to take control of their health. This is a place where everyone knows your name and accepts you for you, no matter your age, stage or shape. Connection and community are waiting for you at LIVE WELL.

GOLDWYN & SONS BAR AND BARBERSHOP

goldwynandsons.com 67 Bronte Road

This one-of-a-kind business is so much more than a barbershop. Goldwyn & Sons provides flawless haircuts, unparalleled hospitality and great conversations in a unique environment. The team of barbers provide a great haircut every time you visit, and promise you’ll walk out a new man. Enjoy complimentary water or espresso, or order a drink from the fully licensed bar and fully relax while you’re taken care of. The

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND SHOP LOCAL IN BRONTE

Did you know that every time you patronize a Bronte BIA business, you contribute not only to the local economy, but to the area’s beauty, vibrancy and welcoming feel? Your support is what brings Bronte's distinctive character to life!

From ordering a latte to buying a sundress, booking a pedicure to hitting the gym, when you shop local, your dollars help fund the BIA’s efforts to create the unique experience that Bronte is known for. Every time you visit an eatery, cafe or shop, more of your money stays in the local community. Not only does this help Bronte’s local businesses thrive, it helps fund the neighbourhood beautification we all appreciate – fresh flowers, bright banners, public art and more. And, don’t forget the one-of-a-kind events and activations that take lakeside living to a whole new level.

It’s an easy and powerful way to make a positive impact. Good things come to those who support local!

SIMPLY GREEN BABY

67 BRONTE ROAD UNIT 5

The Wonder Wagon is a timeless toy for collecting memories and treasures. Handmade from rattan in a natural hue and is built to last. simplygreenbaby.com

MY GIRLFRIEND'S CLOSET

100 BRONTE ROAD #4

There are so many good finds at this upscale consignment shop! Any of these three purses would be the perfect sidekick for hitting a patio or a night out. mygirlfriendsclosetoakville.com

LAKESIDE LIVIN'

100 BRONTE ROAD #2

Summer nights are meant to be enjoyed outside! Light up your yard with these beautiful lanterns. lakesidelivin.com

CARABELLA EUROPEAN FASHION

2469 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST

These unique bags are perfect for summer excursions and come in lots of different colours.

(647) 802-5073

LANA'S BOUTIQUE

100 BRONTE ROAD UNIT 5

This outfit pairs well with cocktails and patios! You can find it, along with some excellent al fresco options, in Bronte. lanasbronte.com

PURE BOUTIQUE

2359 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST

Summer weather doesn't last long, and 'cute dress' season is short! Enjoy it while you can and look good while you're at it with help from Pure Boutique. pureboutique.ca

GOOD NIGHT GOOD MORNING

100 BRONTE ROAD UNIT 3

Swimsuit season is here and the team at Goodnight Goodmorning has you covered. Find expert advice and a wide range of options. goodnightgoodmorning.net

TRADITION

114 BRONTE ROAD

By far the most unique find in Bronte is Emily, a modern porcelain doll with painted eyes using the Dimensional Doll Painting technique. She was sculpted by Diana Effner and painted by Celia Desmond, a local award winning doll painter. traditiondolls.com

BRONTE-VILLAGE.CA

Summer Memories

ARE MADE HERE

Summer in Bronte is an ideal setting to build lifelong memories. Its small-town charm and bustling waterfront has long captivated residents and visitors. Here, you can peruse unique shops, eat al fresco on a lively patio or grab a java at a local café before strolling down the pier. Bronte is a place where everyone is welcome and this summer, there’s lots going on! Mark your calendars to catch the events scheduled through July and August, organized by the Bronte BIA through its Community Investment program. Here’s a look at what’s ahead!

Oakville Public Library Comes to Bronte

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS

BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK

Summer is the perfect time to get engrossed in a page-turner or learn something new and the Oakville Public Library (OPL) is making it easy for residents of all ages by bringing the library to Bronte. Come to Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park where OPL will lead activities three times weekly which include story time, book talks, STEAM-based sessions, nature-based programming and maker programming. Be on the lookout for the ON THE GO Book Bike, too. It returns this summer! Think of it as an ice cream truck for books serving great reads for everyone.

CRAFT Live-Afro Caribbean Canadian Waterfront Fete

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 | BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK

August is African, Caribbean and Black Canadian Appreciation Month in Oakville and Bronte is celebrating their contributions and influence in shaping our community. The musical lineup will include performances by talented African, Caribbean and Black Canadian artists, featuring live soca, calypso, reggae, steelpan, R&B, Afro beats, disco, jazz, blues and funk & soul music. Soak in the music vibes by the lake at this free, inclusive event for all ages. Sponsored by the Bronte BIA and produced by @blingeventsinternational.

Bronte Lake Notes

THURSDAY NIGHTS, 7 P.M., JUNE 22 TO AUGUST 31

THE SAILS STAGE IN BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK

There’s nothing like live outdoor music on a summer’s eve! Bronte Lake Notes returns to the harbour this year to showcase a different local band every Thursday. Pack your lawn chair, grab a friend and jive to the beat at the end of the work day. Find out who’s playing each week @BronteLakeNotes, presented by the Bronte Historical Society and sponsored by RBC, Amica, and the Bronte BIA.

Oakville Wind Orchestra Sounds of Summer

TUESDAY EVENINGS, 7 - 8 P.M., JULY 4, 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8

BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK UNDER THE GAZEBO

Don’t miss this outdoor concert band series performed by Canada’s oldest community concert band (founded in 1866). The Oakville Wind Orchestra will perform six free concerts throughout the summer. Each performance will be unique (so why not see them all?). It’s a refreshing and relaxing way to close out your day with a loved one, friends or solo – fresh air, lake views and a diverse repertoire of music to suit all ages and tastes.

Walk & Talk History with The Bronte Historical Society

WALKS BEGIN AT 3 P.M. EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28 TO OCTOBER 4

MEET AT SOVEREIGN HOUSE

Slip on your comfortable shoes and join the Bronte Historical Society for a free walking tour of this charming district. Get in your daily “steps” while learning the fascinating history of this lakeside gem of Oakville. The guided route lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Email historian@brontehistoricalsociety.ca to register in advance.

Bubble Tea Magic

PAN-tastic Steelpan Band by CCAH

2:30 P.M., JULY 4 AND 18, AUGUST 15 AND 22

BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK UNDER THE GAZEBO

Catch a Steelpan Band performance by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) on a summer afternoon. This AfroCaribbean cultural music will get you moving to the beat while you soak up the sun. Enjoy a special performance on July 25 in partnership with the Oakville Wind Orchestra.

SO MANY WAYS TO

Reach Bronte

A multi-modal destination

There are so many ways to get to Bronte: by bike, boat, bus, car or on foot. Choose your own adventure and make the most of your visit. Located on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail linking Burlington and Port Credit, Bronte is an ideal biking destination and is now certified by Ontario by Bike™ as a Bicycle Friendly Business Area (BFBA).

Got a boat? Glide into Bronte Harbour past the lighthouse, and stop at the visitors’ mooring along the pier. If you live nearby, consider walking to Bronte for a dose of fresh lake air and exercise. Oakville Transit is also a great option; Bronte has four bus stops along Lakeshore Road.

If you drive, make sure to check out our parking map on page 34 so we can help you find a place to park.

Bronte Harbour Yacht Club

You don’t need a boat, kayak or paddleboard to enjoy a Social Membership at BHYC. The fees are only $199 for a single and $299 for a family. Our clubhouse is open all year round with a full-service bar and special events.

Learn to sail without owning a boat, through the Learn to Sail program.

facebook.com/bronteharbouryc www.bhyc.on.ca

It’s patio season!

Everything tastes better on a patio in summer, whether it’s a cold beer or a chilled glass of wine, a juicy burger or locally sourced salad. There’s something just so satisfying about dining outside with a warm breeze, blazing sun and the buzz of happy people. There are plenty of incredible options in Bronte from casual fare to fine dining, so be sure to visit as many as you can this summer.

• IN BRONTE •

Bronte Boathouse

2340 ONTARIO STREET bronteboathouse.ca

Casa Mia Latin Restaurant & Café

2361 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST casa-mia-café.com

Chestnut’s Café

11 BRONTE ROAD cafechestnuts.com

Cove Bar & Restaurant

49 BRONTE ROAD coverestaurant.ca

Cucci

119 JONES STREET cucci.ca

Denninger’s Foods of the World

2400 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST denningers.com

Duckies Dairy Bar

2340 ONTARIO STREET duckiesdairybar.ca

El Spero Family Restaurant

2420 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST elspero.ca

Farm Boy Bronte

2441 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST farmboy.ca

Goldwyn & Sons Bar and Barbershop

67 BRONTE ROAD goldwynandsons.com

Hero Burger

2447 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST heroburgers.com

Peach Coffee Co.

100 BRONTE ROAD peachcoffeeco.com

Plank Restobar

67 BRONTE ROAD plankrestobar.ca

Por Vida Mezcal & Mexican

2330 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST porvida.ca

Taste of Colombia

67 BRONTE ROAD tasteofcolombia.ca

The Firehall

2390 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST thefirehall.ca

The Wine Bar

2362 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST $! @thewinebaroakville

The Royal Canadian Legion

79 JONES STREET brontelegion.com

Zara’s BBQ

2347 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST zarasbbq.com

Zara’s On Wheels

79 JONES STREET zarasonwheels.com

Bucket List

Summer days are here and we’re all looking for ways to enjoy the sunny outdoors, whether in our backyards, the community pool or about town. Be sure to add Bronte to your list of destinations to help fill your days and evenings with fun outings and experiences. The lakeside neighbourhood is brimming with activities for residents and visitors, from water activities to concerts, shopping to eating out.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a handy bucket list of fun things to do this summer in Bronte. Visit @brontebia to stay in touch and get the latest news on what’s happening.

Throw on comfy shoes and stroll the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that winds through Bronte. Or, hop on a bike and continue through Burlington, and beyond!

Grab a beach towel and hit Bronte Beach Park for a dip. Located on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, it’s also a great pit stop for cyclists.

Walk the popular pier in Bronte with a frozen treat – try The Flavour Fox or Duckies Dairy Bar.

Stroll the Moccasin Trail along Bronte Creek to learn about Oakville's history through an Indigenous lens. Begin at the kiosk at Rebecca Street and Mississaga Street.

Admire the beautiful handpainted Muskoka chairs scattered along the waterfront – try to pick your favourite design (or location) and then take a seat and enjoy the lake view.

Charter a fishing boat from the Bronte marina for a half- or full-day on Lake Ontario. Some also offer pleasure cruises, if that’s more your style.

Go shopping! Peruse Bronte’s unique boutiques that sell goods ranging from stylish clothes to charming home décor.

Bring your own chair and enjoy an outdoor summer concert by the water, see page 20 of the Bronte Summer Guide to mark your calendar.

Borrow a sizzling summer read from Oakville Public Library’s ON THE GO Book Bike in Bronte.

Pack a picnic and the kids for a fun afternoon at the playground in Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.

Visit Sovereign House and tour restored rooms filled with artifacts, photographs, archival documents and memorabilia of Bronte’s history.

Enjoy an outdoor meal with friends on a restaurant patio as the sun goes down. See page 30 of the Bronte Summer Guide.

Know BEFORE You Go

THERE’S A SPOT FOR YOU IN BRONTE

Bronte has hundreds of free and paid parking spots waiting for you. Take a minute before you leave home to know where to park your car (or bike!) once you arrive for your visit.

FREE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT

Bronte has a large municipal lot off Ontario Street with plenty of free spots. There’s no time limit, but parking isn’t allowed overnight. It’s located steps from the beautiful waterfront, but also just three blocks from local stores, cafés and restaurants. Park here and take the scenic route to the commercial district!

PAID MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT (FREE AFTER 6PM, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS)

New this summer, The Town of Oakville has opened a paid

municipal lot just west of Bronte Road on Lakeshore Road West at the inner-harbour. Park here and enjoy a quick walk to the commercial district where you can shop, dine and explore.

ON-STREET PAID PARKING (FREE AFTER 6PM, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS)

Bronte has curbside paid parking throughout the district. These parking spaces help promote turnover and ensure there are spaces for customers of nearby businesses. Look for the pay-byplate machines or use the HONK mobile app to make it even easier.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

Bronte is home to two electric vehicle charging stations. Located on Bronte Road at Marine Drive and on Ontario Street at Nelson Street, two vehicles can charge at the same time at each station.

PRIVATE PARKING LOTS

Many businesses have free parking in their commercial lots. These are privately owned and for customers only of the adjacent stores, restaurants and businesses while on the premises. Look for signage and check with the business you’re visiting to ensure you’ve parked in the right spot. While these lots might be empty, don’t be tempted. The cost of towing isn’t worth it!