10 Best Parks in Burlington, Ontario: Waterfront, Trails, and Family Favourites

With a Lake Ontario shoreline on one side and the Niagara Escarpment on the other, Burlington is a city built for the outdoors. Whether you want a sunset walk on the water, a hike with a big view, or a playground and splash pad for the kids, there is a park for it. Here are the 10 best parks in Burlington, Ontario, from the downtown waterfront to hidden escarpment gems.

Best Waterfront Parks in Burlington

Burlington's lakefront is lined with parks, and most of them connect through the Waterfront Trail, so you can easily walk or bike from one to the next.

1. Spencer Smith Park

Spencer Smith Park at 1400 Lakeshore Road is the heart of the downtown waterfront and the starting point for most visits. The wide lakeside promenade is great for walking, cycling, and rollerblading, and the 137-metre Brant Street Pier stretches out into Lake Ontario for some of the best views in the city.

Kids love the Dofasco Waterjet Plaza and playground in summer, and the Rotary Centennial Pond turns into a free outdoor skating rink in winter. Spencer Smith Park is also the hub for many of Burlington's signature events.

2. Paletta Lakefront Park

Paletta Lakefront Park at 4280 Lakeshore Road is one of Burlington's most beautiful and least crowded waterfront parks. The 14-acre park features formal gardens, a mansion dating to 1930, and the Discovery Trail, which winds through wetlands and over two suspended iron bridges. The gardens include rhododendrons donated by Burlington's sister city, Itabashi, Japan, and the mature maples make it especially stunning in fall.

3. LaSalle Park

LaSalle Park at 50 North Shore Boulevard East is a 57-acre lakefront park on the city's west side. It has a marina, a boat launch, a bocce court, a seasonal wading pool and splash pad, an upgraded playground, and wide open green space for picnics. The park pavilion was first built in 1917 and rebuilt in 1997 after a fire. LaSalle is also a favourite sunrise and sunset spot, and in winter you can often spot trumpeter swans at the marina.

4. Burloak Waterfront Park

At the eastern edge of the city, Burloak Waterfront Park at 5420 Lakeshore Road East has more than 800 metres of shoreline and is a trailhead for the Waterfront Trail. It is a great pick for families, with a big accessible playground and open lake views, and a good starting point for a longer walk or bike ride along the water.

5. Beachway Park

For a classic beach day, head to Beachway Park at 1100 Lakeshore Road. This 6.8-acre park offers sandy beaches, about two kilometres of lakeside trails, a pavilion, a playground, and a seasonal concession stand. It is also one of the best places to watch the Skyway Bridge and passing ships.

Best Parks for Views and Nature Walks

Burlington's escarpment parks trade sand for cliffs, forests, and lookouts.

6. Kerncliff Park

Kerncliff Park at 2198 Kerns Road is a former quarry on the Niagara Escarpment, now part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, which protects the last intact ecological connection between the Lake Ontario wetlands and the escarpment. A wooden boardwalk winds through a marsh-like setting, and the park connects to the Bruce Trail. It is also one of the best spots in the city for golden-hour views over Burlington and the lake.

7. Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Mount Nemo Conservation Area on Guelph Line is a 169-hectare park with about 5 kilometres of cliff-edge and forest trails. The Brock Harris Lookout sits 295 metres above sea level and offers views stretching roughly 50 kilometres. The Bruce Trail runs through the park, and the ancient cedars along the ridge are more than 1,000 years old. Gate fees apply and reservations are recommended.

8. Royal Botanical Gardens Hendrie Valley

Beyond the manicured gardens, Royal Botanical Gardens protects the Hendrie Valley, a sanctuary of about 100 hectares with forested trails along Grindstone Creek. Pair a walk through the valley with a visit to Hendrie Park and the Laking Garden, which is known for its irises and peonies, for a full day of nature in the middle of the city. Admission applies to the gardens, so check rbg.ca before you go.

Best Family-Friendly Parks and Playgrounds in Burlington

9. Hidden Valley Park

Hidden Valley Park at 1137 Hidden Valley Road in Aldershot is a local favourite for families. It has two playgrounds, nature trails, picnic facilities, and a seasonal splash pad, and there is no admission fee. It is one of the best free things to do in Burlington on a hot summer afternoon.

10. Central Park

Central Park, in the middle of the city, is known for its recently remodelled playground, which includes a wheelchair-accessible swing, along with plenty of space for sports and recreation. It is an easy, central stop for families who want a playground without a long drive.

Burlington Parks FAQ

What Is the Best Park in Burlington for a Sunset?

Spencer Smith Park and the Brant Street Pier, LaSalle Park and Marina, Paletta Lakefront Park, and Burlington Beach are all great for sunset along the lake. For a city view from above, head to Kerncliff Park.

Which Burlington Parks Have Splash Pads?

The Dofasco Waterjet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park, LaSalle Park, and Hidden Valley Park all have splash pad or water-play features in the warmer months. Seasonal hours vary, so check the City of Burlington website before heading out.

Does Burlington Have Off-Leash Dog Parks?

Yes. The City of Burlington maintains four off-leash dog parks where dogs can run free.

Where Can You Have a Picnic in Burlington?

Lowville Park, Hidden Valley Park, and LaSalle Park all have picnic facilities. For larger gatherings, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Conservation Halton parks also offer picnic areas.

Where Can You Walk or Bike Along the Water in Burlington?

The Waterfront Trail links many of Burlington's lakefront parks, including Spencer Smith Park, Paletta Lakefront Park, and Burloak Waterfront Park, which is a trailhead. Burlington GO Station and Appleby GO Station both have signed cycling connections to the trail.

Explore More of Burlington

Burlington's parks are only part of what makes the city special. Follow Burlington 365 for local events, openings, and hidden gems, and check out our guides to the best things to do in Burlington and the history of Burlington.