Located on Lake Ontario's shore, this city has 115 parks, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and a lively downtown with waterfront restaurants. The summer jazz festival draws thousands annually.
Burlington stretches along Lake Ontario's shore between Toronto and Niagara Falls. You can walk 137 meters into the lake on Brant Street Pier, watch sailboats from Spencer Smith Park's waterfront promenade, or explore 27 kilometers of trails at the Royal Botanical Gardens. In summer, live music echoes through downtown during the Sound of Music Festival, while winter brings ice skaters to the Rotary Centennial Pond.
Getting to Burlington
Burlington is 45 minutes from Toronto by car via highways 403, 407, or QEW. Three GO Transit train stations connect the city with Toronto and other parts of Ontario. Within the city, Burlington Transit runs buses every 30 minutes on most routes, with more frequent service during rush hours.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens spans 1,100 hectares with four distinct outdoor gardens. Walk through the rock garden's limestone paths, or explore the arboretum's collection of trees native to Ontario. Inside the Mediterranean greenhouse, where temperatures stay between 18°C and 24°C year-round, you'll see citrus trees, olive plants, and flowering vines climbing the walls. The gardens open from 10 AM to 8 PM in summer and 10 AM to 5 PM in winter. Adult admission costs $18, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.
Waterfront Activities
Spencer Smith Park anchors Burlington's waterfront area. From December to March, you can ice skate on the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, which local model boat enthusiasts use during summer months. Walk out onto Brant Street Pier's 137-meter length for panoramic views of Lake Ontario and Burlington's shoreline. The 23-kilometer paved Waterfront Trail lets you cycle or walk along the lake, connecting multiple parks and beaches.
Downtown Burlington
Brant Street stretches from the waterfront through Burlington's center, with over 300 restaurants, cafes, and shops lining both sides. Several restaurants have waterfront patios where you can eat while watching sailboats on Lake Ontario. At the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, a 940-seat theater, you can watch productions ranging from classical concerts to comedy shows throughout the year.
Festivals and Events
During the Sound of Music Festival, musicians perform on multiple outdoor stages throughout downtown. Canada's Largest Ribfest takes over Spencer Smith Park during Labor Day weekend, filling the air with BBQ smoke while live bands play and local artisans sell their work. The Lakeside Festival of Lights brightens winter evenings with light installations throughout the waterfront park.
Best Times to Visit
July and August temperatures average 22°C, perfect for swimming and festivals. January temperatures drop to -4°C, bringing ice skaters to Rotary Centennial Pond. Spring and fall temperatures range between 10-15°C, making these seasons ideal for exploring the botanical gardens. Snow falls mainly between December and March, with an annual average of 109 centimeters.
