Burlington sits on a geographical sweet spot on the southwestern shore of Lake Ontario, within an hour’s drive from the country’s largest city and the most visited tourist attraction. One of the most liveable cities in Canada, it is a destination to visit solo, with friends or the entire family. In addition to providing an ideal base for exploring Southern Ontario, it’s choc-a-block with things to see and do. Waiting to be discovered - a waterfront promenade, an outstanding art gallery, museums, trendy boutiques, culinary delights, a superb hotel and luxurious spa, complete with family-friendly activities abound.

Here are just a few of the not-to-miss attractions.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Not just any garden, but Canada’s largest botanical garden complex. Within its 1,092 hectares, you can stroll through five breathtaking, cultivated gardens and tranquil nature sanctuaries, enjoy the sculpture garden, or hike 27 kilometres of trails. Nestled within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) prides itself on its year-round attractions and experiences, with something to see and do, whatever the season. On-site amenities include three restaurants. The Green Horse Café and the Rock Garden Café serve lunch; the Tea House in Hendry Park serves lighter fare into late afternoon. All feature garden-to-table local produce. The gift shop in RBG Centre features the work of local artisans and crafters, including beautiful wooden bowls carved from fallen trees.

The Art Gallery of Burlington

Here, you’ll discover Burlington’s creative bent. With a passion for ceramics, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) hosts the largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics in the world. Browse the Art Etc. gift shop for original art and gift items created by Canadian artists and artisans. AGB Digital offers fun experiences to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Gallery admission is free, with donations appreciated.

A Day of Old Fashioned Farm Fun

Springridge Farm, a short drive from Burlington in Milton, is where you will meet the Hughes family, fruit farmers for six generations. It’s where farm, food, family and fun all come together. Depending on the season, you can pick your own strawberries, peaches, corn or pumpkins. Or shop for farm-fresh produce in the market and Grandma Hughes famous pies and tarts. Playtime happens in the Fun Farmyard with its spiderweb climber, singing tractor, giant sandbox and singing chicken show. It’s delicious family fun for the young at heart, whatever your age.

Shop Small Businesses

If shopping is one of your guilty vacation pleasures, at Artist’s Walk Village Square you’ll be treated to an upscale, eclectic retail scene, that caters to the whole family. In addition two large malls, Mapleview Centre and Burlington Centre, are home to big box stores and favourites such as IKEA, Lee Valley and Mountain Equipment Co-Op.

Enjoy the Restaurant Scene

With over 200 restaurants you can enjoy a variety of options to indulge all your food cravings – from gourmet bistros to family-friendly cafés to little ethnic gems. Eat in or take out at D Hot Shoppe, a hole in the wall Caribbean eatery that, for over a decade, has been voted the Best Roti shop. Enjoy the island vibe created by Simone and Gabriel Lou-Hing opened shop after moving from Trinidad and Tobago. Four generations of the Easterbrook family have been serving best-ever hotdogs, hamburgers, French fries and real ice cream for 90 years. The great atmosphere has not changed for decade. When you go, ask how many miles of hotdogs they have served since 1930. Located on Spring Garden Road near the Royal Botanical Gardens. In addition to fine dining, Spencer’s at the Waterfront offers a breathtaking panorama of Burlington Bay and Lake Ontario by day and the twinkling lights across the lake by night. Treat yourself here for a special, memorable dinner.

Check Out the Waterfront Discovery Landing

The 14-mile waterfront trail is the city’s most popular fitness and recreation attraction. In addition to sweeping vistas of Lake Ontario, it offers 14,200 square feet of exercise and enjoyment for the entire family, including a weather observatory, restaurant, expansive children’s playground, water jet plaza and pond used for model boats in the summer and skating in the winter. Whether you like to walk, run, roll, swim, swing a golf club or skate, the exercise is complemented by the wonderful scenery, parks and attractions along the way. Brant Street Pier is an S-shaped pier that extends 137 metres over Lake Ontario. Open from 7am to 11pm, to enjoy the views in the am, afternoon or night. You can also go fishing off the pier or cycling along it.

Where to Stay

The Pearle Hotel and Spa, in the heart of the city, along side waterfront. The first Marriott Autograph Collection property in Ontario opened four years ago, quickly becoming the jewel in the city’s hospitality sector.

When you go, experience their Visitor Information Centre, 414 Locust Street.

Get to Know Burlington Ontario