Are you heading to Burlington, Ontario this summer? Or maybe you already live in or close to the beautiful waterfront city and are looking for fun places to explore this summer. Our list of 20 activities and attractions is sure to have something for everyone! With stunning lake views, picturesque trails, award-winning restaurants, unique shops, events, and fun festivals, you’ll never run out of things to explore in this beautiful city, in the West GTA.

20 Fun Activities and Attractions to Explore in Burlington

1. Sound of Music Festival  

The Sound of Music Festival kicks off the week leading up to Father’s Day and is Canada’s largest FREE music festival. Grab a seat and listen to acclaimed Canadian and International performers or emerging artists on bistro patios and waterfront stages. Or stroll the downtown streets or the boardwalk along Lake Ontario, and visit some great local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

2. Royal Botanical Gardens

This world-renowned showstopper garden spreads across 900 hectares of land! Royal Botanical Gardens is a must-see for plant lovers with over 1,000 varieties of plants and flowers and the world’s most extensive lilac collection.

3. Art Gallery of Burlington

The Art Gallery of Burlington is the 7^th largest public gallery in the province, with over 100,000 visitors passing through its doors each year. The 4,100 square metre facility has over 1,000 pieces in its collection and the largest exhibit of contemporary Canadian ceramics.

4. The Burlington Pier

Brant Street turns into an S-shaped pier that extends 137 metres over Lake Ontario, offering fabulous views of Lake Ontario and Burlington’s shoreline. The dock is open for walking, cycling, or fishing from 7 am to 11 pm and is stunning at nighttime. For the best views, head up the circular staircase to the elevated deck.

5. Rock Climbing at Mount Nemo

Mount Nemo Conservation level is one of the most popular places to rock climb in Southwestern Ontario. For experienced climbers, your climb starts at a rate of 5.9, with parts that fall between 5.10 and 5.12. If you’d rather stick to the trails, the park also boasts stunning views for hikers. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the CN Tower.

6. Hike on one of the many trails

Burlington has an abundance of green space and stunning hiking trails. The Bruce Trail (which runs for 890 km and goes from Niagara River to Tobermory) runs right through the city. This beautiful world-renowned trail offers a stunning hike with picturesque views, waterfalls, and wildlife.

7. Explore Downtown

Burlington has a beautiful, historic downtown area with churches and buildings that date back to 1845. Brant St. (and the surrounding side streets) is packed full of unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Along Lakeshore Dr., you’ll find tremendous mansions tucked away along the shoreline.

8. Visit Spencer’s at the Waterfront

Spencer’s restaurant and event centre boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario for stunning views and delicious meals! Check out their Brunch menu and bottomless mimosas!

9. Enjoy Local Live Music

With approximately 30 bars offering live music, Burlington is filled with bars and nightclubs for mixing, mingling, and dancing.

10. Visit a farm

A few farms are open to the public in Burlington for farm-fresh produce. One of our favourites is Stonehaven Farms, which opened in 1904 and is still operating today. You can pick your own strawberries, pumpkins, raspberries, or corn and visit the kids’ zone with straw piles, a massive sandbox, and a straw bale maze.

11. RibFest

Canada’s Largest Ribfest happens in Burlington over Labour Day Weekend. Spoil your tastebuds, enjoy live music, and explore the marketplace. It’s fun for the entire family and all proceeds collected go to charity.

12. Spencer Smith Park

This beautiful park is home to the Brant St. Pier and boasts a small beach, several pathways along the waterfront, and a wide promenade looking over the lake. It’s the perfect place for a summer picnic with a playground, splash pad, and expansive lawns.

13. Hit up the museums

Two historic buildings in Burlington have been turned into museums (Ireland House and the Joseph Brant Museum). Ireland House was built in 1837, making it one of the oldest homes in Burlington. The Joseph Brant Museum teaches about the founding and development of Burlington and the surrounding area.  

14. Visit one of the 200 restaurants

You’ll find everything from hotdog vendors and fast food to gourmet dining experiences in the city. Whether seeking an award-winning establishment or family-friendly dining, you’re sure to find the perfect spot.

15. Play a round of golf

If you’re looking to hit the links, there are 9 golf courses within reach of the city. Public courses include Mount Nemo and Millcroft Golf Clubs, or you can become a member at the prestigious Burlington Golf and Country Club.

16. Burlington Beach  

Burlington Beach is the perfect place to spend a summer day! With an expansive sandy shoreline, and shallow water, you can walk out quite far into the lake before you hit 4 feet. There are washrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar, and a playground for a full day of fun.

17. Burlington Performing Arts Centre

This 718-seat performance centre hosts various dance, music, and opera events for those who love the theatre. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is a wonderful place to see local talent!

18. Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion

Paletta Mansion is an exquisite 11,000 sq ft estate is open for wedding and event rentals. With a beautiful location on the lakefront, you can stroll the grounds and the park for stunning views.  

19. Water sports at Lake Ontario

With over 20 km of shoreline along Lake Ontario, Burlington is the perfect spot for water sports of all kinds. Take a cruise, go for a swim, rent a canoe, launch your boat, or tour a warship.  

20. Tour local businesses

There are over 13,000 businesses in Burlington to explore. With unique shopping, events, activities, or dining experiences to get out and explore

Close to both Toronto and Hamilton, Burlington is also only a short drive from 2 major cities – for an abundance of day trips and experiences close at hand! No matter what you love, you’re sure to find something in Burlington, ON.

To learn more about this incredible area check out our guide to the West GTA.