Explore Bustling Burlington this Fall

Looking for a new adventure outside Toronto? Consider Burlington, home to a vibrant waterfront, notable restaurants, Royal Botanical Gardens and much more! Experience the changing fall colours in the area by the Niagara Escarpment, as the forest is transformed with the hues of red and orange.

Take GO Transit to Burlington

Getting to Burlington with GO is easy too, with connections from Union Station to Burlington GO Station, Appleby GO Station, and Aldershot GO Station,  along the Lakeshore West line. If you're heading over with friends or family on a weekday, take advantage of the GO Weekday Group Pass starting at $30. On weekends, you can enjoy unlimited one-day travel with the GO One-Day Weekend Pass for only $10! And remember, kids 12 and under ride free, so a family outing is hassle-free.

On your journey to Burlington, enjoy free GO Wi-Fi Plus across GO Transit so you can relax and unwind and leave the driving to us.

Get your bearings in Burlington

Start your adventure at the Burlington GO station, conveniently in the city centre, to make the most of your autumn getaway. Just a short walk away is Downtown Village Square, Burlington's vibrant hub filled with culinary delights, specialty shops, and personal services.

From there, it's easy to access the stunning Burlington Waterfront and Spencer Smith Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the picturesque pier, perfect for an autumn picnic. The Burlington Waterfront Trail offers a scenic path to soak in the brilliant fall colours adorning the trees, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride towards Hamilton.

Take a walk to the Art Gallery of Burlington. This museum is a short walk from downtown and delivers thought-provoking exhibitions, learning opportunities, and public programs that spark meaningful connections for people to learn, see, think, and make.

With everything within walking distance, you'll find that Burlington is the ideal destination for a memorable fall experience!

Fall-themed events in Burlington

Looking for a family-friendly outing or a couple's date? There are lots of exciting events and attractions taking place in Burlington this fall!

Get into the Halloween spirit at Royal Botanical Gardens with the annual The Great Pumpkin Trail. From October 16^th to 19^th and October 24^th to 26^th, you can savour the flavours of the season with a selection of sweet and savoury delights while enjoying live entertainment and pumpkin-themed activities. Simply follow the candlelit glow of jack-o-lanterns deep in the Hendrie Valley. Be on the lookout for live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities, and fall-inspired treats.  For more information on how to buy tickets, please check out this page.     

On October 4th and 5th, build your family's fall reading list and delight in inclusive multi-arts programming at the Telling Tales Festival at Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG). Engage with over 100 leading children's authors, illustrators, and storytellers! Meet headlining artists like award winning throat singer Tanya Tagaq and Adventure Time character designer Matthew Forsythe. With programming for tots to teens, the Festival gives you access to RBG, book signings, live performances, interactive walks, and more!

Want some Halloween to take home with you? Telling Tales is offering 50% off merchandise during the event if you show your PRESTO card before purchasing!

Shop and dine in Canada's Burlington

Burlington is also home to numerous dining spots for the gastronomically inclined visitor. Enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfront while you dine on fabulous food.

When you start your day in Burlington, why not buy fresh and seasonal produce, baked goods, and meats at the Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market? The market is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from mid-May to mid-October and features some of the freshest items in the region—ready to be eaten!

Spencer's at the Waterfront is renowned for fresh market fish, mouth-watering steak and exceptional seafood. You'll get spectacular views from the glass-walled dining room or the stunning patio.

The Martini House is located in downtown Burlington and is one of the few restaurants that incorporates fine dining with the coziness of down-home familiarity.

Russell Williams Family Restaurant will surely please the whole family with its home-cooked food, which visitors have enjoyed since 1932.

Want a healthy bite before heading back? West Plains Bistro offers fresh and tasty ingredients for the calorie-conscious eater, with a variety of salads, soups, and mains, including fish, pasta, and meat.

If you are more of a home cook and want Spencer's new cooking oils in your pantry, check out The Olive Oil Dispensary. They boast of over 60 different Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.

If you want even more options, don't forget to stroll through Burlington's downtown shopping district, which features many high-fashion boutiques, one-of-a-kind accessories and quaint gift shops. Stop by Nickel Brook Brewing Co. Tap Room, crafting innovative and award-winning beers since 2005, earning a reputation as one of Ontario's most beloved breweries, and plan the rest of your time in Burlington.

Bye Bye Burlington – until next time!

That's a pretty good day out in Burlington, isn't it? As you stroll back to Burlington, Appleby or Aldershot GO Station to catch the train home, enjoy a last look at the waterfront. It's been a busy day, and you are probably pretty tired, but it's good to know you don't have to deal with driving on the way home. Instead, enjoy free entertainment on GO Wi-Fi Plus or chat about your favourite part of the trip – rest assured, your ride to and from Burlington will be hassle-free.

Looking to stay overnight and try to do it all? Indulge your senses with a relaxing spa day at the Pearle Hotel. Burlington's newest luxury hotel and spa is located in downtown Burlington, steps away from the shores of Lake Ontario.