Summer 2023 in Burlington demonstrated again that it’s among the best places to live in the entire country. How was your summer? Ours was about growing! And we’re looking ahead to a spectacular autumn.
Seasons: they’re one of the best things about living in Canada in general, and Burlington, in particular.
The onset of Fall means cooler weather is coming and it’s time to reach for jackets and sweaters if you’re heading out to see autumn colours. The peak time for this year’s leaf-a-palooza is tough to pinpoint but the first half of October should bring noticeable changes to the forest canopy.
Later in the month, the Niagara Escarpment should be ablaze with swaths of red, orange and yellow. Lucky for us, prime sightseeing spots are only a short drive away. Among the best is Kelso Conservation Area in Milton. Plan ahead now to book a chairlift ride for an aerial view of the fall tapestry from the top of the escarpment. Rides are available on weekends throughout October including the Thanksgiving long weekend. Click here for details.
Among the other top locations for autumn leaf-watching is Burlington’s own Mount Nemo. The gentle terrain is ideal for families. Hike all or part of the 8.6 km loop for great views of the city and forests. Feel free to bring your pet (on leash). Other recommended options are Dundas Valley Conservation Area, and the Chedoke Radial Trail, about 30 minutes away in Hamilton. No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Good rainfalls this Summer were a boon to operations at the Urban Farm on Brant St., proudly supported for a third year by the Molinaro Group, which contributed the vacant downtown property in 2021, and additional materials for each growing season.
Supporting the Burlington Food Bank, the farm produced another bumper crop of herbs and vegetables for distribution to local families who are experiencing food insecurity. The final 2023 total is still TBC, but it’s expected to match or exceed the 1,600 pounds of produce harvested in 2022. We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed again this year.
For Molinaro Group President, Vince Molinaro, it’s part of his late father’s legacy.
“Being based here in Burlington for the last 20-some years, we firmly believe in supporting the community, something my father (Domenic) always did and instilled in us. We continue to do it today, it’s great. It makes us feel great and it helps a lot of people,” he says.
Year One at the Farm was a steep learning curve, explains Vince. That inaugural season was a test to see how well the hay bale growing medium would work to grow vegetables and herbs. “They can be put anywhere, so the ground doesn’t have to be tilled,” says Vince. “There’s no need for underground utilities and the bales break down and work better over time.”
With growing veggies in mind, Halloween is coming up and stacks of pumpkins are appearing all over town. Local grocery stores have plenty, but it’s prime time to visit local farms to select your orange gourd(s) for display, decoration and/or cooking.
Pick your own at Hutchinson Farm (6202 Walkers Line), 20 minutes by car from our midtown Burlington location at Paradigm Grand. The Farm is just north of Mount Nemo Conservation Area so make a day of it, hiking and pumpkin-picking. Don’t forget to grab some heirloom garlic while you’re there. Check their website for business hours.
Here are some of the other highlights on the October events calendar:
- Applefest Fall Fair: October 1, from 10 am – 2 pm. Hosted by Ireland House Museum (2168 Guelph Line), it’s a celebration of fall for the entire family. The lineup includes live music, performance artists, a scavenger hunt and food supplied by a vendor market and food truck. Click here for admission cost and booking.
- Burlington Culture Days: daily through October 15 at Spencer Smith Park and various locations.
Every cultural institution in town is hosting events during the Culture Days festivities with the focus on, or close to, the waterfront. The 14th annual event is a showcase for local artists and creators of all descriptions to share their talent, culture and skills with the public, free of charge. Stroll past temporary art projects installed along the Waterfront Trail; a schedule of interactive events will help you gain a better understanding of the creative process through the eyes of fellow residents wishing to entertain and enlighten you.
WALKING THROUGH THE FIRE Indigenous Collaborations featuring Sultans of String & Friends: October 22 at 7 pm, Burlington Performing Arts Centre. This is a truly, one-of-a-kind event, and uniquely Canadian. Join the JUNO-nominees, Sultans of String, in concert with outstanding Indigenous performers from across the country for this one-night-only celebration. Click here for more details and ticket info.
FRANKENSTEIN: A Living Comic Book: October 31, 7:00 pm
What would Halloween be without the gothic legend of the half-man, half-monster? A tale that never gets old, it continues to inspire writers, performers and other artists to create a new twist on the classic. BPAC is host to the playful horror in this family-friendly stage show on Halloween eve.
- Burlington Eagles Hockey: Burlington’s resident rep hockey program features a staggering 23 tournaments and 258 games in the month of October! Boys and girls teams in all age groups compete against regional rivals, home and away, in the opening month of the ’23-24 season. There’s fast-paced action every day of the week. Check the online schedule for details.
Fall living is better in Burlington! Enjoy!