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GETTING & AROUND
Burlington is in the centre of it all — literally.
It’s easily accessible from with the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, Niagara Region, Kitchener/Waterloo and the U.S. border. It makes for a convenient daytrip or extended-stay location in the region.
BY AIR
There are four international airports within 45-60 minutes including Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Buffalo and Toronto Pearson.
From Pearson, take the UP Express train to downtown Toronto’s Union Station and transfer to regional GO Transit trains direct to three Burlington stops.
BY RAIL
Regional GO Transit trains from downtown Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara Falls and beyond stop at three stations: Aldershot in West Burlington, Appleby in the East, and Burlington station closest to the downtown. GO Bus connections from all three stations can take you to dozens of locations in the region.
Note: Burlington Transit bus connections at Appleby and Burlington GO stations link to hotels,
attractions and destinations within the city easily. A bonus: travelling on Burlington Transit is free if connecting to/from GO Transit buses or trains using a Presto, debit or credit card for fare payment.
National VIA Rail trains heading West leave from the Aldershot GO station. Eastern and southern VIA Rail routes leave from Toronto’s Union Station accessible by GO Transit.
BY BUS
Leave the car at home or at your hotel and travel within the city on Burlington Transit with bus routes that run south of Dundas Road. Buses connect conveniently to neighbouring cities Hamilton and Oakville.
DELICIOUS FOOD SCENE
Burlington is quickly becoming known as a culinary destination with its wide selection of restaurants and foodie shops. It offers international flavours as well as local delights.
Take advantage of seasonal outdoor dining at Spencer’s at the Waterfront to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch or linger over casual cool dining at the intimate Rust Bistrobar. Indulge in modern Lebanese cuisine at Nai Restaurant , dine like a local at District Kitchen and Bar or Russell Williams Family Restaurant in Aldershot or savour Mexican flavours with flair at Pepe and Lela’s Eatery in the north.
Check out the Burlington Downtown Business Association and Aldershot BIA websites for more food & drink options. And don’t miss the Winter Taste of Burlington program, a delicious way to enjoy prix-fixe dining and try new restaurants.
PEPPERWOOD BISTRO
Michael Lyons
EVENTSFestivals
SUMMER
• SOUND OF MUSIC FESTIVAL
Father’s Day Weekend, Spencer Smith Park
• MUSIC IN THE GARDEN CONCERT SERIES
July-August, Royal Botanical Gardens
• CANADA DAY July 1, Downtown
• PGA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
July 7-10, Golf & Country Club
• FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
July 18-20, Burloak Waterfront Park
• BURLINGTON VEGFEST
August 16, Spencer Smith Park
• LATIN FESTIVAL
August 23-24, Central Park
• CANADA’S LARGEST RIBFEST
Aug 29-Sept 1, Spencer Smith Park
FALL
• TELLING TALES FESTIVAL
September, Royal Botanical Gardens
• SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWE’EN
October, Mountsberg Conservation
• THE GREAT PUMPKIN TRAIL
October, Royal Botanical Gardens
• OKTOBERFEST & CRAFT BEER FEST
October 3-5, Nickel Brook
IN AND AROUND BURLINGTON
WINTER
• FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
December, Spencer Smith Park
• WINTER WONDERS
Dec-Jan, Royal Botanical Gardens
• TASTE OF BURLINGTON
Late January, 2026
• CHILLY HALF MARATHON
March 1, 2026
SPRING
• MAPLE SYRUP SEASON
March, Bronte Creek, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake
• BURLINGTON WATERFRONT SCULPTURE TRAIL
April, Downtown
• LATINO FESTIVAL
June 20-22, Sherwood Forest Park
SCAN HERE For a list of Events
THE LOVE FORE OF
CROSSWINDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
@crosswindsgolf
North Burlington is a golfer’s paradise. Superb scenery, unique urban/rural setting and courses for all skill levels. Book a hotel and play through multiple courses over a few days.
Burlington Springs Golf & Country Club, 5235 Cedar Springs Road
Offering a par 72 over a total of 5,300 yards from the red tees or 6,582 from the golds. Enjoy a challenging yet pleasurable day of golf at an affordable rate.
Crosswinds Golf & Country Club, 6621 Guelph Line
Framed by the majestic Niagara Escarpment, this 18-hole championship golf course spans 200 serene and scenic acres in Burlington. There are no memberships, play is open to all.
Hidden Lake Golf Club, 1137 #1 Side Road
Offering two exceptional, but very distinct, championship courses that cover over 500 acres of picturesque Niagara Escarpment. ClubLink members and member guests welcome.
Mount Nemo Golf Club, 5377 Walkers Line
Nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mt. Nemo, this golf course offers a unique golfing experience. The spectacular setting provides golfers with a challenging 18-hole, par 71 championship layout.
Photo: Chris Gallo
Lowville Golf Club, 2662 Britannia Road
One of the most scenic golf courses in the area, the clubhouse and patio (open daily to the public) offer magnificent views of Mt. Nemo and Rattlesnake Point. Banquet facilities can host events up to 150 people.
Millcroft Golf Club, 2155 Country Club Drive
Located in North Burlington, this par 34, 9-hole (new) course will challenge golfers of all playing abilities. A semi-private club welcoming both members and public golfers. Intimate venue for weddings and events.
Tyandaga Golf Course, 1265 Tyandaga Park Drive
Nestled in the Escarpment, the City run Tyandaga offers an urban golf course in a convenient rural setting. Natural contours, waterways, and broadleaf woods create a unique and challenging experience that will stretch your skills – but not your wallet.
Camisle Golf, 2090 Sideroad 2
A scenic backdrop on the Niagara Escarpment is the home to Camisle’s public, pay-as-you-play, 9-hole par 34, 3,000-yard course.
INDOOR YEAR-ROUND Options
TYANDAGA GOLF COURSE
LOCAL
Familia Fine Foods Homemade Colombian food and Latin market @familiafinefoods
Loondocks Seasonal menus showcase creative Canadian cuisine made from scratch @loondocks
Jeera – Truly Indian Spice up your local dining experience with authentic Indian flavours @jeeratrulyindian
Paradiso Mediterranean fare prepared from fresh and often local ingredients @ristoparadiso
Jake’s Grill & Oyster House Fresh fish, fine shellfish, wood-grilled steaks and more for 35 years @jakesoyster
A Variety of Flavours
Burlington is home to over 400 restaurants so there is no question that there is something for all palates and cravings.
Spencer’s at the Waterfront Unique food concept featuring market fresh fish @spencers_waterfront
Table 10 A private, intimate, multi-course dining experience and wine pairings @table10dining
Satisfying Every Taste
Scan to check out the Taste of Burlington website to indulge your cravings.
Local Craft Beer
Nickel Brook has been a leader in the Ontario craft beer movement since opening in 2005. ‘Beer, Down to a Science’ is its motto. Combining premium ingredients, DIY creativity and technical expertise make awardwinning brands like Cause & Effect Blonde and Head Stock IPA popular.
UPDATE?
Burlington Brewery’s Magic Town Mexican lager and Cthulhu bourbon ale are just two of its artisanal brews that complement its taproom and catering menus. Tours and tasting events are offered.
Bee Curious
As a city that is 50% rural, agritourism is a growing sector in Burlington. Backed by Bees’ beekeepers and meadmakers take visitors from the flower fields, its 700 beehives, to curated seasonal tastings. Experience all things bees by walking the onsite Pollinator Path or book a Bee Encounter. Enjoy the serenity of North Burlington and relax on the patio with a glass of craft mead. Shop for honey and beeswax products, and locally grown fruit and vegetables.
BACKED BY BEES
cycling IN & AROUND BURLINGTON
Burlington & surrounding areas are a wonderful place to cycle in all seasons with scenic rural roads, picturesque waterfront trails and historic downtown routes. Major attractions like Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Conservation Halton also have cycling trail networks.
Explore Burlington by bike and stop at bicycle-friendly places to eat, visit & sleep
Burlington has lots of businesses that are also certified as bicyclefriendly. This means cyclists can count on secure bike lock-up areas, local cycling information on-hand, healthy local food options, access to rest areas & water, and basic bicycle repair tool sets.
The City of Burlington is a Bicycle-Friendly Community receiving a silver rating by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. We offer:
• 48 km of bike lanes
• 47.3 km of bike route streets
• 6.4 km of bike lane/ sharrow streets
• 11.7 km of paved shoulders
• 52.5 km of multi-use paths adjacent to the road
• 31.6 km of paved off-road, multi-use paths
Bicycle Friendly Businesses:
Art Gallery of Burlington
Best Western Burlington
Cedar Springs Health & Racquet Club
City View Inn
Comfort Inn Burlington
Courtyard by Marriott Burlington/Oakville
Easterbrooks Hotdog Stand
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington
Holiday Inn Burlington
Homewood Suites Burlington
Lola Choco Bar and Sweet House
Museums of Burlington
Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Russell Williams Family Restaurant
Spencer’s at the Waterfront
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
The Pearle Hotel & Spa
The Platter Company - Gourmet Market
Tourism Burlington Visitor Information Centre
Waterfront Hotel Burlington
Photo: Matt Cameron
Perfect for kids
Centennial Trail starts at Martha Street in Downtown and ends at Burloak Drive; it’s about 7.8km long and flat.
Cycling Trails in the City
Looking for a rural ride in North Burlington or something along the waterfront? We’ve got itineraries for perfect days of cycling. Burlington sections of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail are easy, mostly flat, and include on- and off-road portions with beautiful views of the water. Connect via the Great Lakes to Greenbelt Route to longdistance northern rural rides. The HamBur Loop is part of the Waterfront Trail and follows the Around the Bay Road Race route through the city and into Hamilton. Burlington is connected to cycling routes throughout the Halton Region.
Check out: halton.ca
Bike Repair
• City Bike Repair Stands Spencer Smith Park near playground, City Hall, Appleby Line at Centennial Trail, Roly Bird Park
• Brant Cycle 892 Brant St.
• Mountain Equipment Co-op 1030 Brant St.
• Trek Bicycle 560 Plains Rd. E.
• Rock and Road Cycle and Sports 2501 Guelph Line
• Rolling Horse Community Cycle 650 Plains Rd. East
• Gears Burlington 5501 Harvester Rd.
Bikes on Transit
Up to two bikes can ride on Burlington Transit buses in racks over the front bumpers. No extra charge! Hop on the Lakeshore route of the regional GO Transit train with your bike and connect from Oshawa, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, to locations in between. Dedicated bike coaches run on Niagara Falls-bound trains on weekends and holidays in the Summer with a stop at Burlington and Aldershot GO stations.
Bike Rentals
Unfortunately, we don’t have a bike share program or a bike rental business, but we’d love to chat if you’re interested in opening one!
PLAINS ROAD
ITINERARIESweekend
ADULTS ONLY
Friday
Check out hidden gem The Edison Room speakeasy and enjoy charcuterie paired with wine or local craft beer. Junoaward-winning musicians play Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations a must. Or reserve a front-row seat at RBG’s WinterTide jazz lounge during the Winter.
Sunday
Saturday
Fuel up over brunch at Lettuce Love, a plant-based café. Pick up grab-and-go locally made picnic fare at The Platter Company Gourmet Market in Aldershot then head out birding at the Royal Botanical Gardens or join the Iroquoia trail hikes along the Bruce Trail. Dine at the historic and newly renovated 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar before taking in a live show at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Pick up a good read at the independent A Different Drummer Books then relax and rejuvenate at The Pearle Spa, voted one of the top spas in America in 2023. Drop into the Bad Axe, a madein-Burlington axe throwing club, and unleash your inner warrior. Closed-toed shoes required.
EDISON ROOM
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Friday
Many of Burlington’s 19 hotels have pools, so jump into your weekend feet first. Kick it old school with a game of glow-in-thedark bowling at Burlington Bowl, then get a Taste of Burlington at any of the more than 400 restaurants in the city, including international, regional and local fare.
Saturday
Start the day shopping for locally grown fresh produce and baked goods at the Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market open May to October. In the Winter borrow skates at the Rotary Centennial Pond ice rink in Spencer Smith Park with a lakeside view. In the summer, enjoy the splash pad and playground. Visit the free Art Gallery of Burlington or pre-book a family tour at Ireland House for some interactive learning.
Sunday
Spend a couple of hours in Norton Park in the Alton Village neighbourhood with its skateboard park, basketball court and playground with splashpad. Visit the Tourism Burlington website events listing to see what else is on when you’re here. Get a dozen of the unique made-to-order flavours at Duck Donuts for the trip home.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON
NAVIGATING Neighbourhoods
ALDERSHOT (WEST)
Located on Plains Rd. East next door to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the district is a mix of nostalgic businesses and new retailers, quiet residential streets and bike routes. Kerncliff and City View Parks are local gems. Frequent Burlington and Hamilton bus connections.
DOWNTOWN (SOUTH)
Home to hundreds of local, small and unique businesses, residents, hotels, and arts & culture attractions, downtown is a walkable district located on the shores of Lake Ontario by Spencer Smith Park. Easily accessible by Burlington Transit buses and cycling routes, there are also 1,500 public parking spots. Use the HONK mobile app to pay.
NORTH BURLINGTON
With 50% of Burlington being rural –mostly the north – it’s a paradise for cyclists, nature enthusiasts and hikers with access to Lowville Park and Mount Nemo, trailheads for the Bruce Trail and seasonal golf courses that welcome visitors. Easy vehicle access, challenging cycling routes, with no transit service.
BURLOAK (EAST)
The border of Burlington and Oakville, Bronte Creek Provincial Park and the Burlington Convention Centre anchor this gateway to residential neighbourhoods like the Orchard with quiet streets, pocket parks and a commercial corridor at Appleby Line. Easy highway access and transit routes.
FROM THE FARM Fresh
There’s nothing like from-the-farm fresh. Burlington offers several seasonal market experiences.
Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market Open Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from mid-May to mid-October. An assortment of 50+ vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, meat, cheese, flowers & more. Located in the Burlington Centre parking lot (Prospect Street side).
Centro Market Open Sundays 9-11am from mid-May to mid-October located in downtown Burlington in the parking lot behind 437 Brant Street. Food-focused farmers market where you can shop direct from the maker.
Aldershot Farmers Market
Boutique market of fresh produce, baked goods, specialty food vendors open June 1 to late-September Sundays 9am-1pm. Located in an empty lot at 1016 Waterdown Rd. @ Plains Rd.
Burlington OUTDOORS 365
Burlington is a great place to visit year-round. With lots of outdoor amenities, embrace the seasons and experience something new each time you visit.
Summer Summer in Burlington has no limits. Enjoy the long days and warm temperatures. Hit a festival like Sound of Music, Burlington VegFest, Canada Day celebrations, Canada’s Largest Ribfest or Movies by the Lake. Relax on our beautiful beach and do absolutely nothing or be active and walk or cycle the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Fall Burlington is home to the Niagara Escarpment in the north and while it’s pretty all year round, the Fall is the best time for hiking with gorgeous autumn colours. Trails of varying lengths and challenges available. Mount Nemo Conservation Area offers beautiful local views and on a clear day you can see Toronto!
JAZZ ON THE PLAZA
MOUNT NEMO
Winter Free outdoor skating lakeside at Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park is a truly Canadian experience. Or enjoy skating on a lake at Cootes Paradise, Royal Botanical Gardens. Then warm up by the bonfire and grab a refreshment at the on-site snack stand. Experience an illuminated walk in the woods at Winterlit at Mountsberg Conservation and the whimsy of art installations along the trail.
Spring After a long Winter, there’s nothing better than hitting the links. Home to nine golf courses (see Fore the Love of Golf on page 14) you won’t find yourself having to play the same course twice. Don’t miss the cherry blossoms at Spencer Smith Park; a picture-perfect location for selfies and waterfront views.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Michael Lyons Photography