Burlington has a storied history stretching back around 250 years, but on the whole city is very modern with infrastructure to match. Your dentist in Burlington has compiled seven must see sights in the city for visitors, and what you can expect from them.
Burlington Art Gallery
One of the largest galleries in the province, it features over a thousand pieces of art, including a comprehensive collection of Canadian ceramics that form the largest of its type in the country. With spotlights on local artists and pieces of contemporary art from throughout the history of the area, it is a fascinating journey not just through the various styles and artistic visions, but of the people and ideas that shaped the region.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, the gallery also hosts a number of art related events and exhibitions throughout the year, and is the perfect place to connect with the local art community.
Brant Street Pier
While a thoroughly modern attraction, completed in 2013, Brant Street Pier is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. Stretching out over Lake Ontario in an S shape, it is 137 metres long, and features a glorious, eye-catching sculpture at the end.
Enjoy the very best views along the coat when you walk or cycle along it, or stop and try a bit of fishing from the end of the pier. It’s a beautiful place to be, and open between 7 AM and 11 PM, so whether watching the sun come up or go down, you will have a fantastic time.
The Royal Botanical Gardens
The largest gardens in Canada, The Royal Botanical Gardens are a slice of history, covering over 900 hectares with four separate gardens as well an indoor display and a really nice gift shop. With several restaurant options on site, you can spend a day here and still not see it all, but one thing you must catch is the spectacular display of Lilacs. The largest in the world, it is an incredible collection and a definite on of a kind.
Outside, you can enjoy the carefully crafted gardens, and if you are lucky, spot some of the rarer birds that visit the area depending on the season.
See the historic city
Burlington is a very modern city, however history is still an integral part, and if you travel past City Hall and its wonderful fountain, head toward downtown Burlington and you can see history unfold in front of you. Victorian mansions sit overlooking the lake, the historic Zimmerman House, dating from 1860, and the even earlier Knox Presbyterian Church from 1845 all take us back to the beginnings of Burlington itself.
The contrast between these historic buildings and the modern sculpted designs, such as the pier, really show how not just technology, but how we interact with the world around us, have changed over the years.
For more historical and reknowned things Burlington is known for, have a look at our other article here.
World Class Nature Hikes
Traveling from the Niagara River to Tobermory, the Bruce Trail is renowned across the world as one of the great hiking trails to enjoy. It passes right through Burlington, and while you may not have time to tackle the entire 890 kilometres, you can sample the spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air without ever losing sight of the city.
A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, you will discover stunning waterfalls, spectacular views and a wealth of wildlife in just a short trip along the trail.
Take in a Festival
Burlington has festivals throughout the year, and whether you prefer the delights of Ribfest, the annual rib eating festival, one of several Beer Festivals or prefer something more laid back such as Movies under the Stars, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Held in the many parks around Burlington, festivals are a chance for the community to have fun and enjoy their favourite things, and it wouldn’t be a visit to Burlington without taking in at least one.
Relax in the Sun
Finally, not everything has to be energetic or even an event. Sometimes, you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Burlington has a number of parks to enjoy, but Spencer Smith Park is the one to choose. Home to Ribfest (yes, please!), Beer festivals and more, it is also a wonderful place to just spend time, with tree lined pathways, lush grass meadows, picnic areas and more.
You can sit within the greenery or overlook the lake for a completely different outlook, whichever you want, and with a dedicated children’s playground too, it is perfect for a family day out.
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