11 Best Things to Do in Burlington, Ontario (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best things to do in Burlington, Ontario? Set on the shore of Lake Ontario and backed by the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington packs waterfront walks, world-class gardens, big summer festivals, and genuinely good views into one easy-to-explore city. Whether you were born here, just moved in, or are planning a visit, this guide covers the 11 best things to do in Burlington, from free outdoor favourites to arts, culture, and local history.

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Burlington

Burlington's biggest draw is its landscape. Between the lakefront and the escarpment, there is an outdoor activity for every season and every energy level.

1. Walk the Brant Street Pier at Spencer Smith Park

If there is one place that defines the Burlington waterfront, it is Spencer Smith Park. The park's centrepiece, the Brant Street Pier, stretches 137 metres out into Lake Ontario and opened in 2006. Its distinctive S-shape and upper lookout level make it one of the best places in the city for sunrise and sunset views.

The rest of the park is just as easy to spend an afternoon in. Discovery Landing is home to Spencer's on the Waterfront restaurant, the Dofasco Waterjet Plaza keeps kids cool with thirty water jets in summer, and wide lakeside promenades are perfect for a slow stroll.

A little local history: the land for the park was originally part of a parcel granted to Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, and the park itself was later named for Spencer Smith, a former president of the Burlington Horticultural Society who helped shape the city's park system.

2. Explore the Burlington Waterfront Trail

Burlington's section of the Waterfront Trail is one of the best free things to do in Burlington. The trail links the city's lakefront parks and is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. The stretch running from the Brant Street Pier toward the Burlington Canal is completely off-road, which makes it a great option for families and casual riders.

Burlington GO Station and Appleby GO Station both have signed cycling connections to the trail, so you can arrive by transit and ride from there.

3. Spend a Day at Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is headquartered in Burlington and is described as Canada's largest botanical garden. It is also a National Historic Site of Canada, designated in 1993.

In Burlington, start at Hendrie Park, the largest garden area at RBG, home to the Centennial Rose Garden and the Dan Lawrie sculpture collection. Then walk the Hendrie Valley trails or visit the Laking Garden on Spring Gardens Road, a four-acre garden known for its irises and peonies. RBG's wider trail network covers about 27 kilometres, from forested valley to marsh to escarpment edge.

Tip: spring is peak season for blooms, and the roses and perennials put on a show through summer. Admission applies to the gardens, so check rbg.ca for current pricing and hours before you go.

4. Hike to the Brock Harris Lookout at Mount Nemo

For the best view in Burlington, head north to Mount Nemo Conservation Area. This 169-hectare park on the Niagara Escarpment has about 5 kilometres of cliff-edge and forest trails, crevice caves, and a section of the Bruce Trail.

The highlight is the Brock Harris Lookout, 295 metres above sea level, with views stretching roughly 50 kilometres across the countryside. Mount Nemo is also known for its ancient Eastern White Cedars, some more than 1,000 years old, which is why top-rope climbing is banned to protect them.

Park gate fees apply and reservations are recommended. Stay on marked trails and well back from cliff edges.

5. Relax at Beachway Park

Beachway Park at 1100 Lakeshore Road is one of Burlington's best-loved hidden gems. The 6.8-acre park has white sandy beaches, about two kilometres of lakeside trails, an outdoor pavilion, a playground, and a seasonal concession stand. It is a quieter alternative to the downtown waterfront, with a great view of the Skyway Bridge.

6. Watch Ships at the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge

The Burlington Canal opened in 1832 and still connects Lake Ontario to Burlington Bay. The vertical lift bridge you see today was built in 1962 and sits beside the towering Skyway Bridge. When the bridge lifts, lake freighters glide through the canal just metres from the shore. It is a surprisingly entertaining free stop, especially for kids.

Best Festivals and Events in Burlington

Burlington's event calendar is packed with seasonal traditions, and Spencer Smith Park is the hub for many of them.

7. Canada's Largest Ribfest

Around Labour Day weekend, Spencer Smith Park hosts Canada's Largest Ribfest. Competing ribbers, live entertainment, and carnival rides for the kids make it a late-summer tradition for many Burlington families. The festival has served more than 150,000 pounds of ribs over its four days.

8. Skate at Rotary Centennial Pond

In winter, the 10,000-square-foot Rotary Centennial Pond at Discovery Landing becomes a free outdoor skating rink, with skate rentals available on weekends. In summer, the same space is used for model sailboats. It is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the waterfront in the colder months, and the nearby Festival of Lights and holiday events make December especially festive.

Best Arts, Culture, and History Things to Do in Burlington

Burlington has a strong arts scene and a rich heritage story, and most of it sits within a short walk or drive of the waterfront.

9. Visit the Art Gallery of Burlington

Founded in 1978 and located at 1333 Lakeshore Road, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is a public art gallery and community centre steps from Spencer Smith Park. It is home to the largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics in the world, with more than 4,000 works. The gallery stages as many as 12 exhibitions a year and has a shop featuring Canadian artisans, which makes it a great stop for gifts.

10. Step Back in Time at the Museums of Burlington

The Museums of Burlington include two heritage sites. The Joseph Brant Museum, at 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, is named for Burlington's first citizen, Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea, 1742 to 1807), and includes a replica of his homestead that can be viewed from the rooftop garden.

Ireland House Museum, at 2168 Guelph Line, was built in the 1830s as the home of Joseph Ireland, one of Burlington's earliest settlers. The house has been restored to show three distinct eras: the 1850s, 1890s, and 1920s. Hours and programming change seasonally, so check ahead before visiting.

11. Catch a Show at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre

Steps from the waterfront, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) hosts live theatre, comedy, and music year-round in a venue known for its acoustics. Pair a show with dinner downtown or a pre-show walk on the pier for an easy night out.

Planning Your Burlington Visit

When Is the Best Time to Visit Burlington?

Late June through early September offers the warmest weather and the busiest event calendar, including Ribfest. Spring is ideal for garden blooms at RBG, and winter brings skating and holiday lights to the waterfront.

How Do You Get to Burlington Without a Car?

GO Transit serves Burlington, and Burlington Transit routes 4 and 10 reach the downtown waterfront. Cyclists can connect to the Waterfront Trail from the Burlington and Appleby GO stations.

What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Burlington?

The Brant Street Pier, the Waterfront Trail, Beachway Park, the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge, and winter skating at Rotary Centennial Pond are all free to enjoy.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Burlington With Kids?

The Dofasco Waterjet Plaza and playground at Spencer Smith Park, the playground at Beachway Park, ships passing through the Lift Bridge, and the family-friendly events at Ribfest are all kid favourites.

Where Can You Eat in Burlington?

Spencer's on the Waterfront offers lakeside dining at Spencer Smith Park, and many restaurants downtown and along the shoreline have patios. Keep an eye out for Taste of Burlington, a prix-fixe dining event held at restaurants across the city.