Entertainment & Tourism

Burlington is home to many fun and exciting events and attractions. Rest assured that there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year in and around the area. Whether it's adventure, history, culture, recreation or relaxation, Burlington has it all. Learn more about them below!

Tourism Burlington

New this year is the spectacular Waterfront at Downtown Burlington. Enjoy a scenic drive along the historic Kings Highway from Burlington to Port Credit.

Take a stroll on the waterfront trail, explore Royal Botanical Gardens, one of North America's largest botanical gardens, and enjoy Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Hike on our nature trails, and take in scenic landscapes along the Niagara Escarpment.

Participate in special events such as The Sound of Music Festival, Burlington Jazz n' Blues Festival, Art in the Park, Lakeside Festival of Lights and Rotary Ribfest. Experience our history in the Museums of Burlington, and take a tour of the Burlington Art Centre. Elevate your experience in Burlington!

Check out Burlington's Events Calendar.

Burlington Public Library

The Burlington Public Library of the future is a bustling, dynamic place that is staffed by a warm, welcoming, enlightened, courageous, and pro-active team. It holds all the resources for individuals in the community to grow and expand in a supportive and genuine way. It is a destination for all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. It provides an inspirational space for learning, research, entertainment, gathering and quiet reflection.

In the future, BPL acts as a catalyst for community improvement and is responsive to the diversity within our community. Library administration and processes work seamlessly and invisibly. Customers’ needs are foremost. The Library promotes partnerships and works continuously to improve its services. Burlington Public Library of the future is innovative and accountable as it embraces new trends and ideas.

For contact information and hours of operation for Burlington Public Library locations, click here.

Burlington Arts Centre

The Burlington Art Centre has thrived as a vital focal point for the visual arts since 1978. It is the seventh largest public art gallery in Ontario and attracts over 100,000 visitors from Burlington, the Bay Area, Toronto, and across Ontario and the U.S.A.

The exhibition and educational programs, studios and activities are essential to our community and region. The Centre is a non-profit registered charitable organization which provides free admission, seven days a week, with full accessibility for the physically challenged.

Equally important, the Centre encourages and supports the work of amateur and professional visual artists and an advocate for the community as a whole.

Mission Statement: The Burlington Art Centre champions the role and value of art in life. We provide diverse experiences and discovery as a leading and sustainable organization through:

  • Nurturing artistic development
  • Being a home to our art and fine craft guilds and active and affiliate groups
  • Exhibitions and education programs
  • Special events and community outreach services
  • Our acclaimed permanent collection of contemporary Canadian ceramic art
  • Volunteer and active community participation opportunities
  • Retail services, membership and corporate partnerships

The BAC is working to increase its self-sustainability within our community. The Burlington Art Centre Foundation is developing an Endowment Fund which will provide an essential cornerstone for the future of the Centre.

All you need to qualify for membership in the BAC is an interest in the arts.

Discovery Landing

Discovery Landing is a 14,200 square foot landmark building that faces out to the lake and offers prime storm and weather watching views. Designed by Baird Sampson Neuert, it has given residents and visitors a unique place to discover, celebrate, play, and relax by our lake.

Discovery Landing is open daily and features The Observatory, Spencer’s on the Waterfront Restaurant, the Bite Café, and information about the Waterfront and Burlington. Surrounding features include the Joseph Brant Museum, the Burlington Art Centre, and Tourism Burlington.

Discovery walking tours tell the story of the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington, how it came to be, and how our life and environment has been and is shaped by our unique lakeside location. To book a private group or personal tour call 905-335-7600 ext. 7391.

Performing Arts Burlington

The site for the proposed Performing Arts Centre is the former police station at the southwest corner of Locust and Elgin Streets.

PAB represents a large and diverse membership from the Burlington and Hamilton performing arts communities. Through programming and working with member groups, PAB provides opportunities for residents to participate in and explore the realm of local theatre, music, and dance.

Spencer Smith Park

The land for this park was originally part of a parcel granted to the Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, in recognition of his service to The British Crown during the American Revolution.

During the 19th century and into the 20th, Lakeshore Road was immediately adjacent to Lake Ontario. There was no protection from storms, and waves frequently washed over the road, threatening nearby property. In 1939 the federal government stepped in and built a seawall. That same year, the Burlington Horticultural Society became involved in cleaning up the shoreline just west of the foot of Brant Street. That land, known as Lakeside Park, was renamed Spencer Smith Park in honor of Spencer Smith - a former president of the society. In 1965 construction was begun on Confederation Terrace and Spencer Smith Park as a Centennial Project for the City of Burlington.

In recent years, Spencer Smith Park has been redeveloped with community input by the Waterfront Team to become the recreational centre of our waterfront trail. The wide promenade allows a magnificent view of the lake, beach and Skyway Bridge while sitting on the breakwall, walking, cycling or roller blading. The park boasts:

  • Several performance areas
  • Historic monuments
  • Children's playground
  • Japanese Garden
  • Expansive lawns for leisure activities

An exciting expansion will begin in this park in 2004 and will include a Waterfront Centre with restaurant and year round water feature/skating rink, expanding the playground, adding water play elements, increasing performance areas and behind the Travelodge, adding a 150 foot pier and marina. Watch for further information on this Downtown Waterfront Project or contact 905-335-7600 ext. 7423.

For visitors to the area, a Tourist Information Centre operated by Tourism Burlington is located at 414 Locust St. across Lakeshore Road from the park. Spencer Smith is a major attraction for both local residents and tourists, as it is in the heart of downtown and is the venue for major community events along the waterfront such as the Sound of Music Festival, Children's Festival and Rotary Ribfest.

Joseph Brant Museum

Located on North Shore Blvd., is a replica of Joseph Brant's original home built in 1800. Joseph Brant, "Thayendanegea", was one of Canada's most colourful native heroes and one of the founding fathers of the Burlington area.

Inside this replica of the Brant Homestead, visitors enjoy exhibits that explore Burlington's heritage including traditional Iroquois life, the European settlement of the region, the importance of the waterfront, and the life of Joseph Brant.

The Museum also houses one of Ontario's finest Victorian costume and costume accessories collection and features an extensive historical reference library.

Ireland House at Oakridge Farm

Located on Guelph Line, was built by Joseph and Ruth Ireland between 1835-37 and has been passed down through four generations of the Ireland family.

The historic building, now resting on 4.5 acres of original farmland, is interpreted to three distinct time periods, 1850's, 1890's and 1920's, and represents the generations of Ireland family who lived in the house. The family owned the house from 1837 until June 1987.

Visitors to Ireland House at Oakridge Farm enjoy tours of the house, exhibits, demonstrations, special events, and participatory activities in keeping with the character and history of the House and the Ireland family.