Are you looking for some fun close to home this winter? Whether you love the cold or want to stay warm and cozy inside, you’ll find lots of fun family activities in Burlington this winter. With incredible local restaurants, shops, cafes and events, you’ll want to get out and explore this beautiful city.

Head Downtown

There is so much to see in downtown Burlington! Stroll along the lake and take in the beautiful views, visit locally owned shops, or grab a bite to eat at a quaint café or outstanding restaurant. Downtown is also home to the Art Gallery of Burlington, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and the Joseph Brant Museum. 

Visit Nickel Brook Brewing Co.

With a new tap room located at 3426 Mainway in Burlington, Nickel Brook offers in-house craft beer, merchandise, and events such as comedy shows with some of Canada’s best comedians performing.

Go skating

The City of Burlington offers a drop-in skating program with six rinks throughout the city. You can reserve a spot for drop-in skates at the following arenas:

Aldershot Arena

Appleby Ice Centre

Central Arena

Mainway Ice Centre

Mountainside Community Centre Rink

Nelson Arena

Burlington Centennial Pond is also open for drop-in skating throughout the winter, weather permitting (no reservation required).

Drop into the Burlington Public Library

The Burlington Public Library holds programs for both children and adults all year long. From baby rhyme time and family story time to computer classes and conversation circles, there’s something for everyone.

Grab a Show at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre

With a 720-seat main stage and 165-seat community theatre, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre holds over 70 shows each year. You’ll find kids’ shows, musicians, plays, magicians, and the Burlington Orchestra. 

Hit up Burlington Beer Fest

In March 2023, the city will once again host the Burlington Beer Fest. The festival brings together brewers, restaurants, and other local businesses to celebrate craft beer and delicious food.

Head to the mall

When it’s cold and grey outside, head to one of Burlington’s incredible indoor malls. Burlington Centre on Guelph Line is home to over 120 stores and restaurants, including Old Navy, HomeSense, Indigo, and more. Mapleview Centre has over 150 stores, 2 restaurants, and a food court – plenty to keep you busy and warm on a snowy day.

Enjoy nature at Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Bundle up and hike the trails at Mount Nemo to check out the panoramic views when you reach the lookout. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars if you’re an avid bird watcher – the area is popular for sightings of Turkey Vultures, Pileated Woodpeckers and Great Horned Owls.   

Go for a winter hike

As part of the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington has stunning trails no matter what time of year you visit! The city is home to over 40 trails, but here are a few of our favourites:

Royal Botanical Gardens – RBG’s nature sanctuaries feature over 27 km of nature trails. For a more challenging landscape, you’ll find some hills and steep grades.

Bruce Trail – The Bruce Trail runs from Tobermory to Niagara, right through the Burlington area. It is maintained and protected by volunteers to preserve the Niagara Escarpment.

Join Taste of Burlington

You can join Taste of Burlington twice a year to test and find your new favourite local dining spots. Burlington is becoming a culinary destination, with many up-and-coming restaurants, pubs and cafes.

Drop by a Museum

If you’re looking to get out of the house but want to stay warm and toasty, visit one of Burlington’s Museums this winter: Joseph Brant Museum and Ireland House. Both museums hold shows, workshops, and programs for both kids and adults all year long.

Take in an exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington

The Art Gallery of Burlington is the city’s public art gallery and community centre, celebrating art and culture. It is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Canadian ceramics and regularly hosts exhibits throughout the year.

See flowers & frogs at Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens is open year-round, with a Mediterranean Garden full of tropical plants, orchids, cacti, and succulents. The special exhibit for winter 2022 is all about frogs! With timed tickets and pre-registration RBG has made it easy to avoid the crowds and ensure you get time to see the displays and animals.

Grab the sled and hit the hills

Another plus of the Niagara Escarpment other than the stunning views? Great hills! Burlington is full of parks and public spaces perfect for tobogganing. Try LaSalle Park along the lakeshore, Central Park on New Street, or Tyandaga Golf Course.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down this year! Burlington has many fun-filled family activities to keep you busy until spring hits. The city is filled with wonderful shops, restaurants, and event centres – do you have any favourites to share with us?