Amelie CameronEvery March in Burlington, they close down a main road and it’s not for a parade. Well, kind of. The endangered Jefferson salamander gets the VIP treatment as the city shuts down the road to ensure their safe passage during the breeding season.
This unique event is only one of the many activities dedicated to local wildlife. Burlington has loads of things to do that celebrate nature just like this event, but more than that, there are a lot of other fun things to do that are less salamander-y.
Buckle up for a ride through the top 15 things to do to have fun in Burlington, whether you’re a nature lover or more into the arts, food trips, history and everything else in between. Dive into the exciting read and discover Burlington’s best.
- Immerse Yourself at the Art Gallery of Burlington
- Taste Unique Honey Soda at the Backed By Bees
- Enjoy a Relaxing Day in the Water at The Beachway
- Walk Along the Beautiful Brant Street Pier
- Enjoy Nature-Based Fun at the Crawford Lake Conservation
- Get a Glimpse of History at the Ireland House Museum
- Get a Taste of Burlington’s Best Eats at Lowville Bistro
- Enjoy Views After Hiking in the Mount Nemo Conservation Area
- Drink a Pint of Excellent Beer at Nickel Brook Brewing
- Appreciate the Flowers and Plants at the Royal Botanical Gardens
- Reminisce Your Childhood at RC’s Boardwalk Fries & Ice Cream Parlour
- Visit the Smokey Hollow Waterfall
- Peak at Lake Ontario at the Spencer Smith Park
- Eat and Enjoy at the Village Square
- Hike The Waterdown Trail and Enjoy the Views
Immerse Yourself at the Art Gallery of Burlington
Address: 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1A9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 632 7796
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 9 pm
- Open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Art lovers will be glad to know that Burlington has an institution dedicated to celebrating the arts at the Art Gallery of Burlington. It’s open to the public and celebrates pieces from different cultures, artists, and communities.
For 40 years, they have been collecting local made art and some that are donated from all over the country. The collection includes 4,000 Canadian ceramics and 2,100 publications about the history of ceramics.
They also have a rotating calendar of interactive exhibits that you can visit.
| Pro Tip: While here, don’t miss the chance to celebrate your inner theater geek at Joseph Brant Museum and Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The Arts Centre, with its vibrant theaters, hosts captivating theatrical and musical productions. |
Taste Unique Honey Soda at the Backed By Bees
Address: 6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7M 0P7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 320 6214
Hours:
- Open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
- Open on Friday from 10 am to 7 pm
- Open on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
For a taste of soda with a twist, we suggest you head to Backed By Bees. The team behind it has a strong commitment to beekeeping. They specialize in locally sourced, unrefined, raw honey.
They turn this honey into many products like their famous soda made with honey. They also have wines, mead, and beers made with the same high quality raw honey.
They keep the bees right on site and harvest their own honey. You can even buy bee colonies from them if you’re interested in starting your own bee hive. The staff there will give you a tour of the bees on site which makes for a very interesting experience.
| Pro Tip: They also have a fresh produce line. The Boxed By Bees which consists of essentials like eggs, fruits, vegetables, and even meat and milk. You can customize what items you want to be included and be assured that everything is locally sourced. |
Enjoy a Relaxing Day in the Water at The Beachway
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Address: 1100 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, Canada
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
The Beachway at Burlington Beach is a must-visit destination if your idea of a vacation is sitting out in the sun and splashing around in the water. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, this scenic beach offers great views of the water.
You can also enjoy the amenities on site like a pavilion for picnics, playground for the kids, and areas for cycling and rollerblading. There are also lots of opportunities for water based activities like swimming and boating.
| Pro Tip: We recommend ending our day with a stroll along the long boardwalk, lined with restaurants and shops that you can stop by for a good meal. The area also has winding lakeside trails for jogging if you’d rather appreciate the water from afar. |
Walk Along the Beautiful Brant Street Pier
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Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 335 7777
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30
One of the most iconic destinations in Burlington is probably the Brant Street Pier. The street pier itself is a sight to see, especially from a far, but the view of the lake from the edges of the pier is the star of the show.
You can take a leisurely walk along the Brant Street Pier which is even more striking just before sunset. It can get a bit crowded at that time, so make sure you come earlier to grab a spot.
| Pro Tip: As daylight fades, the pier comes alive with vibrant lights lining the pier itself and lights from the city. The beacon on the pier is lit up in different colors every night. On special holidays, the chosen colors also go along with the theme. |
Enjoy Nature-Based Fun at the Crawford Lake Conservation
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Address: 3115 Conservation Rd, Milton, ON L9T 2X3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 854 0234
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 7 pm
The Crawford Lake Conservation is a great place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking and biking here in the summer when the weather is perfect. A visit to the Three Sisters Garden lets you learn about indigenous agriculture and farming.
The heart of the Conservation, Crawford Lake, is a sight to see. But what makes this lake unique is its depth. Steeped in sediments, the lower half of the lake is perfect for preserving and holds material that’s dated back to almost 1000 years in the past.
| Pro Tip: A highlight of the center are the 3 reconstructed Wendat and Attawandaron longhouses. Don’t leave without checking the artifacts, exhibits, and workshops that were made by Indigenous locals. |
Get a Glimpse of History at the Ireland House Museum
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Address: 6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7M 0P7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 320 6214
Hours:
- Open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
- Open on Friday from 10 am to 7 pm
- Open on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
If you love learning about the local history of places you go to, then a visit to the Ireland House Museum right in Burlington will be a great experience for you. The meticulously restored 19th-century home offers a glimpse into the country’s way of life before.
Aside from the historic building itself, you get to see the equally authentic inside decorated with period furniture and decorative elements. There are also engaging exhibits and educational activities you can participate in.
| Pro Tip: If your schedule is flexible, try timing your visit during themed events for an immersive experience. Our favorite one is the annual tribute they make to Joseph Ireland where they retrace his journey as one of the earliest settlers of Burlington. |
Get a Taste of Burlington’s Best Eats at Lowville Bistro
Address: 6179 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 0A6, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 335 0750
Hours: Open from Thursday to Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm
For a delightful dining experience in one of Burlington’s most popular restaurants, head to Lowville Bistro. The ambiance of the place is a treat in itself, especially the outdoor patio that gives you a great view of the city.
Aside from being the perfect spot to unwind after enjoying a day exploring Burlington, the food they serve is some of the best we’ve had in the city. Their best sellers include the Cozze Marinara (mussels), truffle gnocchi, and the Lowville Burger.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to go on the weekends, it’s best to call ahead or go to their website to book a table and make a reservation. If you don’t, the wait can take around 1 to 2 hours. |
Enjoy Views After Hiking in the Mount Nemo Conservation Area
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Address: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 0A5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 854 0262
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 7 pm
The Mount Nemo Conservation Area is one of the best hiking spots we’ve been to. Not only are the views and the climb great, but the area is also teeming with wildlife.
Everything from insects crawling on the forest floors to bigger animals like woodland creatures will greet you as you make your way through the hike. Turkey vultures are particularly popular in the area along with other birds.
If you head to the Brock Harris Lookout, you’ll get to see the Niagara Escarpment and the CN Tower in the distance on clear sunny days.
| Pro Tip: The best time to visit the Mount Nemo Conservation Area is during the fall months from early September to late October. During this season, all the leaves of the many trees in the area change to red and orange hues for an amazing sight to see. |
Drink a Pint of Excellent Beer at Nickel Brook Brewing
Address: 3426 Mainway, Burlington, ON L7M 1A8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 681 2739
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Beer lovers will have fun at Nickel Brook Brewing which has been a trailblazer in Ontario’s brewing scene since 2005. The brewery has over 25 kinds of beers on tap, in cans and in bottles for you to try.
They vary from classic brews to more adventurous ones like the Pink Lemonade Sour IPA. The brewery also welcomes you to its 2 taprooms. They also offer daily tours for the entire grounds with tasting sessions led by expert beer enthusiasts.
| Pro Tip: They hold lots of fun special events at their location. Stay tuned by checking their websites so you don’t miss favorite events like their Trivia Nights on Mondays. |
Appreciate the Flowers and Plants at the Royal Botanical Gardens
Address: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 527 1158
Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 5pm
The Royal Botanical Gardens should not be missed when going on a trip to Burlington. With 4 cultivated gardens comprising some outdoor ones and some located in greenhouses, you can find over 234,000 individual plants here.
This is a great place if you enjoy looking at rows and rows of colorful flowers and plants. The gardens take up 2,400 acres of nature sanctuaries and with27 km of nature trails that you can explore.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you drop by the David Bralye & Nancy Gordon Rock Garden. This garden was the first place built and cultivated that started the Royal Botanical Gardens. |
Reminisce Your Childhood at RC’s Boardwalk Fries & Ice Cream Parlour
Address: 2013 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7R 1A1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 333 9595
Hours: Open from Friday to Sunday 12 pm to 8 pm
The RC’s Boardwalk Fries & Ice Cream Parlour is an unskippable spot in Burlington if you have a sweet tooth. This charming diner looks exactly like diners used to in the 50s. It comes complete with jukeboxes that actually work and bright retro decor.
The main selling point, though, are the ice cream, milk shakes, funnel cakes, and floats that you can order here. With over 30 flavors of ice cream to choose from, you’ll be sure you’ll find at least one that you’ll like.
| Pro Tip: If you want to take your special someone out on a date here, we suggest dressing in bright 50s inspired clothes so you fit in with the theme. The pictures you can take of yourselves inside and outside the eatery will come out amazing. |
Visit the Smokey Hollow Waterfall
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Address: Smokey Hollow Waterfall, 80 Mill St S, Waterdown, ON L0R 1R0, Canada
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
The Smokey Hollow Waterfalls, which are also known as Grindstone Waterdown or Great Falls, flow inside a forest and come from the Grindstone Creek. You can witness the grandeur of the 10 meter tall falls.
Although not the highest in the area, the high speed water flowing down a short distance creates a unique site of misty water midair. There’s a historic mill in the area that the waterfalls actually used to power in the past that you can visit.
| Pro Tip: The best way to get to the falls is by going to the parking lot on Mill Street just a short drive from Highway 5. After parking, you can make your way on the marked trail and to the viewing platform where you can see the entirety of the falls. |
Peak at Lake Ontario at the Spencer Smith Park
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Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 335 7738
Website
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm
- Open on Friday from 9 am to 6 pm
Spencer Smith Park, located just on the edge of Burlington offers panoramic views of Lake Ontario and its shores as well as the Skyway Bridge on the breakaway. There are wide open spaces you can lounge in or have picnics on.
Kids will have a fun time at the playground and the Dofasco Waterjet Park in the summer months. The Rotary Centennial Pond is the site for model boat sailing in the warmer months. In winter, it opens as a skating rink.
There are also numerous sculptures scattered around the park you can check out, with the most famous one being the Lady of the Lake Bronze Sculpture.
| Pro Tip: Spencer Smith Park is the venue for a lot of events in Burlington, so be sure to check its calendar of events. The Sound of Music Festival every June is a must attend! |
Eat and Enjoy at the Village Square
Address: 418 Pearl St, Burlington, ON L7R 2N1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 637 0963
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If you’re looking for an end all be all destination in Burlington, you should make your way to Village Square. Here, you can discover the vibrant mix of eateries that serve good food, as well as shops and boutiques that feature unique locally made items.
This tourist hotspot is also heavily visited because of the historic architecture and cobblestone roads. If you’re above 18, drop by Burlington’s Village Cigar Company & Barbershop for a unique experience of getting a haircut while enjoying a cigar.
| Pro Tip: Food lovers like us should make Son of a Peach Pizzeria the first location while exploring the Village Square. They’re a farm to table shop that also used only 96 hour cold fermented dough and handmade sauces. |
Hike The Waterdown Trail and Enjoy the Views
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The Waterdown Trail is a 11.3-km trail that takes around 3 hours to finish, but the hike sure is worth it every step of the way. The trail takes you into the Grindstone Creek Valley and across its dense forests.
People go on the Waterdown Trail to birdwatch and snowshoe too, so you’ll be bound to come across others while you’re there. The trail itself is marked well and is very safe, but can be a bit challenging especially during the winter months.
| Pro Tip: Anytime between April and September (summer and fall) is the ideal time to go. During these months, the temperature is warmer and the trail becomes more manageable. Plus, going during the fall with the auburn leaves makes it extra nice. |
