Burlington, Ontario, sits in the heart of the Golden Horseshoe, surrounded by vibrant cities and charming towns that make for perfect day trips or weekend getaways. From the urban energy of Hamilton to the upscale elegance of Oakville, the rural charm of Milton, and the wine-soaked romance of Niagara-on-the-Lake, these nearby destinations—each within an hour’s drive—offer a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Here’s your fun and engaging guide to the best things to do in Burlington’s neighbors in 2025, no matter the season!

Why Explore Burlington’s Neighbors?

Burlington’s prime location means you’re just a short drive from diverse experiences: urban art scenes, scenic trails, historic sites, and world-class wineries. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just craving a change of pace, these neighboring gems have it all. Pack your camera, charge up your playlist, and let’s hit the road!

Top Destinations and Things to Do

1. Hamilton (15-20 min drive from Burlington)

Nicknamed the “City of Waterfalls,” Hamilton blends gritty urban cool with natural beauty, making it a hotspot for adventure and culture.

• Chase Waterfalls: Hamilton boasts over 100 waterfalls, with Tew’s Falls and Webster’s Falls in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area being must-sees. Hike the trails for stunning views and photo ops, or visit Devil’s Punchbowl for a dramatic gorge experience.

  • Where: 581 Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5K8 (Dundas Valley)

  • Pro Move: Reserve trail access at conservationhamilton.ca, especially on weekends, and wear grippy shoes for uneven paths.

• Explore the Art Scene: Wander the James Street North Art Crawl (second Friday of each month) for galleries, street art, and live music. Check out local haunts like The Brain for craft brews and a quirky vibe.

  • Where: James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2K3

• Visit the HMCS Haida: Tour this historic naval ship at HMCS Haida National Historic Site, a WWII destroyer docked on Hamilton’s waterfront. It’s a hit for history buffs and families alike.

  • Where: 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 4V7

  • Pro Move: Book tickets online at pc.gc.ca for skip-the-line access.

• Foodie Stop: Grab a gourmet burger at Hambrgr (49 King William St) or artisanal coffee at Cannon Coffee Co.(179 Ottawa St N).

2. Oakville (10-15 min drive from Burlington)

Oakville is Burlington’s upscale neighbor, offering a mix of waterfront charm, high-end shopping, and cultural gems.

• Stroll Downtown Oakville: Browse boutique shops and art galleries along Lakeshore Road, then relax at Tannery Park with views of Lake Ontario. The area’s historic charm and trendy cafés make it perfect for a leisurely day.

  • Where: Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville, ON L6J 1H9

  • Pro Move: Pop into Taste of Colombia (67 Bronte Rd) for a cozy coffee and authentic pastries.

• Hike Bronte Creek Provincial Park: Explore 6.4 km of trails through forests and meadows, or visit the park’s Spruce Lane Farmhouse for a dose of 19th-century history. The park also has a disc golf course for some fun competition.

  • Where: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, ON L6M 4J7

• Catch a Show at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts: This intimate venue hosts concerts, theater, and comedy year-round. Check the schedule for local and international acts.

  • Where: 130 Navy St, Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4

  • Pro Move: Book show tickets early at oakvillecentre.ca for the best seats.

• Foodie Stop: Savor farm-to-table dishes at The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro (149 Lakeshore Rd E) or indulge in gelato at Dolce Vita (250 Lakeshore Rd E).

3. Milton (20-25 min drive from Burlington)

Milton’s small-town charm and vast green spaces make it a haven for outdoor lovers and families seeking a laid-back escape.

• Climb Rattlesnake Point: Part of the Niagara Escarpment, this conservation area offers hiking trails with epic cliff-top views and rock-climbing opportunities for thrill-seekers. The Buffalo Crag Lookout is a must for photos.

  • Where: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9

  • Pro Move: Reserve parking at conservationhalton.ca, especially in peak seasons.

• Shop at Toronto Premium Outlets: Score deals on brands like Nike, Coach, and Michael Kors at this sprawling outdoor mall. It’s a shopper’s paradise with a small-town backdrop.

  • Where: 13850 Steeles Ave W, Halton Hills, ON L7G 0J1

• Visit Andrews Farm Market & Winery: Taste local wines, pick seasonal fruits (berries in summer, apples in fall), or enjoy family-friendly activities like wagon rides and corn mazes.

  • Where: 9365 10 Side Rd, Milton, ON L9T 2X9

  • Pro Move: Check andrews.farm for seasonal events like wine tastings or festivals.

• Foodie Stop: Dig into comfort food at The Ivy Arms (201 Main St E) or grab a craft beer at Orange Snail Brewers (488 Main St E).

4. Niagara-on-the-Lake (50-60 min drive from Burlington)

This picturesque town is Canada’s wine country gem, blending historic charm, world-class wineries, and a vibrant arts scene.

• Tour the Wineries: Sample award-winning wines at Peller Estates, Inniskillin, or Trius Winery. Many offer guided tastings, vineyard tours, and dining experiences with lake views. Don’t miss icewine, a local specialty!

  • Where: Peller Estates at 290 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

  • Pro Move: Book tastings in advance via winery websites, and consider a guided wine tour to hit multiple spots safely.

• Explore Old Town: Stroll Queen Street’s historic charm, lined with boutique shops, galleries, and cozy cafés. The Prince of Wales Hotel is a great spot for afternoon tea.

  • Where: Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

• Catch a Performance at the Shaw Festival: This renowned theater festival runs April to December, showcasing plays by George Bernard Shaw and contemporary works in historic venues.

  • Where: 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

  • Pro Move: Reserve tickets at shawfest.com for popular shows.

• Foodie Stop: Dine at Treadwell Cuisine (114 Queen St) for farm-to-table dishes or grab a sweet treat at Nina Gelateria & Pastry Shop (37 Queen St).

Travel Tips

• Getting Around: A car is the easiest way to explore, but public transit like GO Transit connects Burlington to Hamilton and Oakville. For Niagara-on-the-Lake, consider a guided tour for wine-focused trips to avoid driving.

• Timing: Weekdays are quieter for outdoor attractions; weekends are livelier for festivals and urban exploration.

• Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes for hiking, layers for changing weather, and a reusable water bottle for eco-friendly adventures.

• Check Events: Visit tourism websites like hamilton.ca, visitoakville.com, discovermilton.com, or notl.com for up-to-date event calendars.

Final Thoughts

Burlington’s neighbors are like a choose-your-own-adventure book, packed with waterfalls, wine, shopping, and culture. Whether you’re hiking Hamilton’s trails, sipping chardonnay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, shopping in Oakville, or climbing cliffs in Milton, these destinations offer a perfect mix of excitement and charm. So grab your road trip snacks, crank up the tunes, and explore the best of Southern Ontario!