The Best Things to Do in Burlington in the Summer

Summer is finally here, eh? It’s the perfect time to stay local in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and soak in all that Burlington has to offer. Nestled along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, this gem of a city combines natural beauty, vibrant events, and mouth-watering eats. What could be more Canadian than supporting local businesses while enjoying the great outdoors? Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with your kids, a quiet escape with your partner, or just a solo adventure to recharge, Burlington is ready for you. Best of all, GO Transit keeps things simple and affordable, so there’s no excuse not to get out and explore.

From the peaceful Waterfront Trail to the lively Downtown Market Square, we’ve got the ultimate guide to planning your summer day (or weekend!) in this charming local spot.

Explore Local with GO Transit: GO Discover Burlington

Why bother with a trip abroad when you’ve got Burlington just around the corner? There’s no need to stress over traffic or parking fees when GO Transit can get you there without a hitch. With family-friendly fare options like Kids GO Free (yep, kids under 12 ride for free!), the $10 One-Day Weekend Pass, and Weekday Group Passes starting at $30, you can save your loonies for some fabulous local goodies instead. After all, there’s no better time to support local businesses and celebrate what makes our corner of Canada so special!

Whether you’ve got your heart set on a family outing, a meal by the Lake Ontario, or a solo hike along the waterfront, GO Transit has you covered. Staying local, supporting our communities, and making new memories has never been easier. Pack your sunscreen, gather your crew (or just your trusty backpack), and set your sights on Burlington this summer. It’s all happening right here at home!

The Waterfront Trail

Begin your Burlington adventure with a visit to the stunning Waterfront Trail, a destination celebrated for its serene beauty. This 22-kilometre trail winds along Lake Ontario, offering paths for walking, cycling, and jogging. It’s an ideal spot for unwinding in nature or snapping some Instagram-worthy lake views.

Highlights include Spencer Smith Park, a vibrant space that features grassy expanses perfect for picnics, playgrounds for kids, and shaded areas to cool off. Don’t miss the Brant Street Pier, which juts gracefully into the lake and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the shore and surrounding water. Time your visit for sunset, and you’ve got yourself a magical experience.

While at Burlington’s waterfront, you can’t miss Beachway Park! A picturesque 2km stretch of waterfront along Lake Ontario. This unique natural sand-dune formation serves as a scenic barrier to Hamilton Harbour. The park offers fine sandy beaches, a waterfront trail ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, and amenities like washrooms and accessibility ramps. Visitors can enjoy paddle boarding and paddle boat rentals from a historic Pump House.

How to Get There with GO Transit: Take GO Transit to Burlington GO Station, then hop on Burlington Transit for a quick connection or enjoy a 30-minute stroll down Brant Street to reach the trail.

Burlington Sound of Music Festival

The Sound of Music Festival, running from June 12–15, 2025, transforms Burlington’s waterfront into a vibrant hub of musical talent. Featuring a diverse lineup of bands and solo artists across multiple genres, this event draws music lovers from across the region.

The festival isn’t just about the tunes. Visitors can also enjoy delectable eats from food trucks, interactive family zones, and artisanal crafts from local vendors. Could there be a better way to spend a summer evening than dancing with friends or relaxing on the grass while live music fills the air?

Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot near the main stage or check out smaller stages for emerging artists before they hit it big. Don’t forget to pack a blanket or folding chairs for optimal comfort.

How to Get There with GO Transit: Take GO Transit to Burlington GO Station, then hop on Burlington Transit bus No. 10, 2, or 3, all of which drop you close to the festival grounds. For a free connection, use your PRESTO card to transfer from GO Transit to local buses.

Burlington Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting May 21, 2025, the Burlington Centre Lions Farmer’s Market becomes the go-to spot for fresh, locally-sourced goodness. From crisp fruits and vegetables to freshly baked bread and gourmet meats, you’ll find everything you need to build the summer picnic of your dreams.

This market isn’t just about shopping. Vendors love to share stories about their family farms or recipes featuring their ingredients. Meet the people behind your food as you sip on locally roasted coffee or nibble on a just-baked pastry.

For kids, the market features colourful displays and musicians who provide live entertainment, making it as much a fun family outing as a shopping trip.

How to Get There with GO Transit: Take GO Transit to Burlington GO Station, then hop on Burlington Transit bus No. 1 for a short ride, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through Burlington’s neighbourhoods to reach the market.

Waterfront Dining

Savour the finest flavours Burlington has to offer while taking in unmatched views of Lake Ontario. The city’s lakeside dining scene is brimming with options to satisfy your taste buds.

• Spencer’s at the Waterfront combines an upscale vibe with a menu emphasizing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Their specialty? Fresh-caught Lake Ontario perch, paired with a glass of Niagara-region wine.
• Sunset Bistro is the epitome of casual elegance. Alongside comforting staples like fish and chips, they’re known for their mouthwatering citrus-glazed salmon.
• Port House Social Bar & Kitchen offers laid-back dining where you can feast on artisan pizzas and enjoy a local craft beer flight.

How to Get There with GO Transit: All these restaurants are within a short trip from Burlington GO Station. Take Burlington Transit or enjoy a scenic walk along the Waterfront Trail to extend your outing before dinner.

Downtown Village Square

Bustling with life, Burlington’s Downtown Village Square is a hub of activity during summer. It’s the perfect place to find handcrafted souvenirs, browse vintage jewelry, or grab cool summer snacks from food carts.

Look out for scheduled community events like outdoor yoga sessions, live performances, and artisan fairs. Even if you just grab a coffee to-go, sit back and people-watch while soaking up Burlington’s energetic vibe.

Hidden Gems: Stop by local favourites Son of a Peach Pizzeria for delicious pizza that makes everything in-house, or explore Tamp Coffee Co., a coffee shop with locally roasted coffee that prides themselves on providing a great cup of coffee (alongside delicious, sweet and savoury treats too)!

How to Get There with GO Transit: Take GO Transit to Burlington GO Station, then take Burlington Transit or enjoy a brief walk to the buzzing centre of downtown.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is a must-see for anyone visiting Burlington in summer. Spread out over 2,400 acres, RBG is Canada’s largest botanical garden and includes five unique garden areas, each showcasing seasonal blooms like redbuds, magnolias, spring ephemerals and hydrangeas. To see what is in bloom before you visit, check out their RBG Instagram page for updates.

History buffs will appreciate that RBG’s origins trace back to 1941, when it was officially founded to promote conservation and education. Today, it’s a serene escape for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families alike.

Hike one of the tranquil nature trails, join a guided garden tour, or attend summer workshops on sustainable gardening. Picnicking here feels even more special, with vibrant flowers as your backdrop.

PRESTO Perks: Use your PRESTO card to get 15% off admission to make your visit even more rewarding.

How to Get There with GO Transit: Take GO Transit to Burlington GO Station, then hop on Burlington Transit for an effortless commute to this enchanting oasis.

Burlington Awaits

With its mix of natural beauty, cultural events, and incredible dining, Burlington truly comes alive in the summer. Thanks to GO Transit’s affordable fares and accessible routes, planning your next summer outing has never been easier.

Don’t wait to experience the magic of Burlington! Grab your PRESTO card, plan your itinerary, and enjoy everything the city has to offer. From sunrise or sunset walks along Lake Ontario to evenings filled with live music, Burlington is ready to welcome you!