Are you looking for some fun and beautiful things to do in Burlington, Ontario!?! This City has a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and residents, without having to travel to Toronto!
First of all, let’s start with some interesting facts about Burlington, Ontario
Burlington is located on the northwestern shores of Lake Ontario and is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is part of the Halton Region of Ontario, Canada. Burlington is approximately 57 kilometers southwest of downtown Toronto. It has a diverse landscapes that covers an area of around 187 kilometers which includes parks, waterfront, green spaces, commercial and residential areas.
Population
Burlington’s population is around 198,557. Considering its close proximity to Toronto which has a population of 6,372,000. The city has experienced steady population growth over the years due to its quality of life, community spirit and proximity to nature!
Natural Beauty
Known for its scenic beauty, Burlington has an abundant amount of green spaces. Burlington offers a picturesque waterfront along Lake Ontario. It features parks, marinas, trails and entertainment.
Cultural and Recreational things to do in Burlington, Ontario
This city offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene. It has numerous galleries, theatres, and community events throughout the year. Burlington is know for its festivals including the Sound of Music Festival, Canada’s largest free music festival, Canada’s largest Rib Fest, and the Winter Festival of Lights, just to name a few!
Transportation
Burlington is connected to the Greater Toronto Area through major highways which include Highway 403, Highway 407 and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). The city also has a local transit System operated by Burlington Transit. There is also 2 Go Transit stations.
Burlington offers a balanced lifestyle. It combines urban living with the natural beauty of a waterfront city.
There are a variety of things to do in Burlington, Ontario, here are a few!
Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West
Burlington, Ontario
With over 2,700 acres of stunning landscapes, extensive gardens and nature reserves, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the place to see! With educational courses, restaurants, and special events, your day will fly by with so much to see and do! There is all year long events for every season. You can even purchase a yearly pass and go back often! There is always something new to discover and an experience your entire family will not forget.
Burlington Waterfront
5420 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
Take a walk along the beautiful Brant Street Pier overlooking Lake Ontario. Each night the pier is light up with different colours. There is a natural lakefront beach at Beachway Park. Spencer Smith Park is home to the many festivals. It has a children’s playground and water park. The Rotary Centennial Pond offers skating in the winter months, and model boat racing the spring and summer months. With many amazing restaurants, boutiques and sweet treats!
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
2596 Britannia Road West
Burlington, Ontario
The unique escarpment-edge ecosystem has nature enthusiasts loving this amazing biodiverse park. Keep a look out for turkey vultures rare plants, and animals. Reservations are required to visit Mount Nemo. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Lowville Park
6207 Lowville Park Road
Burlington, Ontario
This is a location I have photographed at many times for maternity and family sessions. it features Bronte Creek, nature trails, a suspended iron bridge, and old stone one room school house and a children’s playground. In the fall you can see the salmon run, and in the spring you can see the rainbow trout spawn. With lots of green space, a baseball diamond, concession stand, and picnic areas, it will be a great spot to visit!
Cherry Hill Gate
1101 Pains Road West
Burlington, Ontario
This is another location I love to photograph at in the fall! It offers a long bridge over a marsh where you can feed chickadees, cardinals and so many other beautiful birds. it is part of the Royal Botanical Gardens. This is a location for nature lovers. Don’t forget the bird seed! The birds fly right into your hands to eat them!
Ireland House Museum
2168 Guelph Line
Burlington, Ontario
Ireland House was the home of Joseph Ireland, one of Burlington’s earliest settlers. The home was built between 1835 and 1837. Emigrating from Bowes, Yorkshire England at the age of 27 in 1819, Joseph petitioned for land at Oakridge Farm. Joseph and his descendants occupied Ireland House until 1985! The City of Burlington purchased the property in 1987 and established a museum. The homestead was retored to illustrate three distint time periods that represent the generations of Irelands who lived in the house in the 1850s, 1890s and 1920s. The majority of the furnishings are original to the Ireland family. There are guided tours, interactive programming, and heritage demonstrations. Make sure you pre-book your guided tour!
Art Gallery of Burlington
1333 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is a fully accessible facility. It is a public art gallery and community centre. Visit the Exhibitions and events. The Art Gallery of Burlington offers programs for all ages. It provides courses and workshops, camps and school visits. Shop the gallery to purchase gift items and art from Canadian artists. The Art Gallery of Burlington also offers a two rooms, a courtyard and a photography space to host your special event.
Joseph Brant Museum
1240 North Shore Blvd. E
Burlington Ontario
The museum was originally built in 1937, in recognition of Joseph Brant as Burlington’s first citizen. The official opening of the Joseph Brant Museum was on May 22, 1942. The museum features three permanent galleries, a programming area for schools and eduction groups. The exhibitions focus on development and the history of Burlington.
Special Event Things to do in Burlington Ontario
All of the above things to do in Burlington Ontario are things you can do pretty much any time of the year! Here are a few of the Special Event things to do! Make sure you mark them in your calendar!
The Sound of Music Festival event happening in Burlington, Ontario
Spencer Smith Park
Burlington, Ontario
The Sound of Music Festival usually takes place the third week of June every year at Spencer Smith Park. It started in 1980 as a marching band parade. This is Canada’s Largest Free Music Festival! A combination of new and emerging local and international talented artists. Music is performed on three stages for free, for 4 days straight! There are craft vendors, food trucks and so much more! Some events include The Battle of the Bands, Artist Meet & Greets, the grande festival parade, and of course the free concerts! This is an event you NEED to attend!
Canada’s Largest Ribfest in Burlington, Ontario
Spencer Smith Park
Burlington, Ontario
This event takes place Labour Day weekend in September every year! As Canada’s Largest Ribfest Burlington welcomes 18 “Ribber Teams” from across North America! Attendance records were broke in 2016 with 183,000 people attending. Serving more 150,000 pounds of ribs over the course of the four-day event! There is music, a Rib Judging event, games, face painting, rides, activities for young and old, and of course, lots and lots of ribs! This is another must attend event in Burlington, Ontario.
Wether you are a resident or a visitor to Burlington, Ontario, Canada there are many things to do! While you are here, why not book your family or maternity photography session with me!?!? Let’s connect and plan it out! Be sure to check out my other blogs for things to do around the Greater Toronto Area!
- https://gibsonphoto.ca/best-toronto-splash-pads/
- https://gibsonphoto.ca/things-to-do-this-weekend-in-toronto-ontario/
- What to do in Ontario
