5 Activities to Do In Burlington This Summer
With Summer in full swing, we’re ready to get outside and enjoy the warmer months. The season tends to fly by, so let’s make the most of it and relish every minute of being by the lake, eating lunch on the patio and hiking through picture-perfect trails. Here are some of our favourite activities to do in Burlington this summer: Explore Downtown Burlington Take a stroll in the heart of downtown Burlington, and discover all the unique shops, delicious restaurants, and local attractions. With the lake close by, make it a family outing with ice cream and a gorgeous stroll along the water. If you’re looking for new date night options, Burlington has plenty of great spots to experience patio dining. There’s Boon Burger Café specializing in vegan burgers, Pintoh Cuisine for authentic Thai food or La Crème de la Crème Creamery for delicious treats! For more local restaurant recommendations, check out this blog post! Boat Ride One activity Burlington residents look forward to every year is finally getting out on the water. Take your boat out for the day and experience the breathtaking views of the Burlington skyline. Head over to LaSalle Marina, in Hamilton Harbour and spend time under the sun, enjoying the lake. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, snacks and a few cold drinks! Picnic One of the best things about a suburb such as Burlington is the number of parks and green space the city has to offer! One of the best summer activities is having a picnic at the park. From Spencer Smith Park to Laselle Park and Loweville, there are so many options to choose from, all with lush greenery and beautiful surroundings. Round up the family and make a whole day of it! Prep your picnic basket with your choice of fruit, sandwiches and sparkling water and enjoy the day at the park. Hike Summer months mean more hiking! While this activity can be done in all seasons, there is something special about hiking during the summer, with a slight breeze, surrounded by all the beautiful greenery. One of our beloved trails to hike is the Mount Nemo Conservation Area, with stunning views of the escarpment and five kilometres of trails to discover. If you’ve already hiked Mount Nemo, there are so many other trails to explore, including Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Kelso Summit and Rattlesnake Point! These parks require a small fee and reservations, which you can make here. Golfing Nothing says Summer quite like a round of golf! Try the Burlington Golf and Country Club, overlooking the Burlington Bay. This top-rated golf course has incredible views, a beautiful clubhouse and 18 holes designed by Stanley Thompson. To make it a family-friendly activity, take the kids for a round of mini-golf! What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
Our Favorite Restaurants In Burlington
Calling all foodies! Burlington is home to multiple amazing restaurants, many of which are located in the heart of downtown. Head over to your favourite bistro and pick up some takeout for dinner or make a reservation to have lunch on the patio. From Italian food to Thai options to healthy juice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Here are our favourite places to eat in Burlington: PinToh Cuisine Located in downtown Burlington, PinToh Cuisine creates unique dishes by combining authentic Thai ingredients with current food trends. They have a stunning, contemporary atmosphere for everyone to enjoy their delicious meals. Pizzaiolo Gourmet Pizza With multiple locations and a wide variety of pizzas, Pizzaiolo is the perfect choice for a family outing! Pack up the car with a blanket, grab a couple of pizzas for the family and head to the park for a picnic. Pizzaiolo offers gourmet meat, veggie, vegan and gluten free pizzas, with the option to design your own. Check out the Burlington location today! Boon Burger Café If you’re looking for some vegan options, Boon Burger Café is the place to be! With phenomenal food quality, consistency and taste, they specialize in vegan burgers. Their food is not only healthy, but also great for the environment! Bodhi Bar In the mood for a healthy treat? Head to Bodhi Bar for cold-pressed juice, smoothies, juice cleanses and health shots! All their fruits and vegetables are organic and juiced in a cold-press juicer. Bodhi Bar juices are also available to purchase online. Lettuce Love Café Here’s another plant-based option! Lettuce Love Café offers delicious vegan, gluten free meals, smoothies and treats. All their ingredients are sustainably sourced, fair trade, and non-GMO. Every meal is prepared fresh, so grab your favorite bowl for family game night! The North Coal This restaurant is a hybrid lifestyle brand, half restaurant and half general store, they want to inspire you to live life to the fullest. A full kitchen and bar, The North Coal offers great food, drink and apparel, so you can continue ‘Canadian Living’. Grab a seat on their patio starting on June 15th! The Block Co. Looking for an easy date night? Order a beautiful charcuterie board from The Block Co. with unique meats and cheeses. They work with your budget and food preferences to create a custom charcuterie board for you to enjoy at home and are available for pickup. Kelly’s Bake Shoppe Everyone has heard of this adorable bake shop! Everything at Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is made from scratch daily, with high quality plant-based, gluten-free and peanut free ingredients. Take a weekend stroll to their delightful storefront and indulge in their tasty desserts. La Crème de la Crème Creamery With everything from handcrafted artisan chocolate to ice cream to fondue, La Crème de la Crème Creamery is perfect for an after-dinner treat! Pop by their store and indulge in their delicious desserts, and then head to the water and enjoy. Sunshine Doughnuts This iconic spot is a Burlington staple! Visit Sunshine Doughtnuts and treat yourself to some of their delicious, handcrafted doughnuts and tasty coffee. What’s your go-to restaurant in Burlington?
Our Favourite Spots In Burlington For Outdoor Exercise
The weather has finally warmed up and we’re excited to go outside and get some exercise. The city of Burlington is a wonderful, family friendly city and has so many beautiful outdoor areas to discover. Here are some of our favourite spots in Burlington to go for an open-air sweat session: Royal Botanical Gardens This beautiful garden is a Burlington staple, with five cultivated garden areas, 27km of nature trails and 2,400 acres of nature sanctuaries. It’s Canada’s largest botanical garden, with multiple parks and trails which are gorgeous to explore! Round up the family and take them on a day trip for a socially distanced walk around the trails at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Or visit the Arboretum for an English landscape experience. There are a variety of beautiful trees and plants, and this garden is the perfect location for a long walk with your partner. Spencer Smith Park Just a short walk from our Illumina construction site, visit this family friendly park for the ideal outdoor workout. During spring months, the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms have bloomed, creating an exquisite feature in the area. With a park for the kids to run around, and a stunning promenade to explore, you’re sure to have a great time at Spencer Smith Park! Go for a leisurely stroll by the water and take in the gorgeous view of the lake, or bring out the bikes and enjoy a quick ride in the park. Brant Street Pier Right by Spencer Smith Park is the Brant Street Pier, located at the waterfront in downtown Burlington. The pier extends over Lake Ontario and provides picturesque views of the water and shoreline. Wake up early and go for a morning run along the pier to catch the beautiful sunrise or bring the whole family down for an evening walk to unwind and destress. The Burlington Greenway The Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) is a great spot to visit for a walk or bike ride during all seasons, but especially in spring. With eight miles of paved path, there’s room for cyclists, runners and walkers to enjoy this Burlington gem, so everyone can get their exercise for the day! The Burlington Greenway connects to multiple major parks, residential neighbourhoods and beaches, with stunning views of both the city and shoreline. Grab your cycling buddy and enjoy a long, scenic bike ride together in this beautiful spring weather. Mount Nemo Conservation Area Want an outdoor workout away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a long, peaceful hike in Mount Nemo, a small park with five kilometers of trails to explore. There’s also the rock clicking routes for the more adventurous type, and a look out point with beautiful views of the escarpment. You can book your reservation over the phone or by visiting the Conservation Halton website. What are your favourite outdoor places to exercise in Burlington?
Local COVID-19 Champions
Amidst all of the negative news surrounding COVID-19, it’s important that we take the time to highlight some of the local businesses in Burlington that are doing their part to help bring a sense of normalcy into our lives during such uncertain times. However, we would be remiss if we failed to recognize the first responders, health-care workers, bus drivers, and all other workers deemed essential who are keeping Burlington safe, fed, and ticking. It’s no surprise that the inspiring businesses below are helping out these first responders, so it’s clear their contributions aren’t going unnoticed. West End HBA The West End Home Builders Association is doing their part during this pandemic by getting involved in an initiative alongside local Burlington businesses Utter Morris Insurance, The Leggat Auto Group, and John Trim Group at Scotia Capital Wealth Management. As a gesture of thanks and support to our front-line workers, they’ve been delivering lunches provided by local restaurants to essential employees who continue to work during this pandemic across the Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton areas. The idea originated when Jim Thorpe, President of Utter Morris Insurance Brokers, and Glenn Marshall at Greening Media were looking for something unique they could do to make a difference. With assistance from sponsors Leggat Auto Group, the John Trim Group at Scotia Capitol Wealth Management, and the West End Home Builders Association, they were able to collaborate with multiple local BBQ restaurants who were all excited to help. Thousands of meals have been delivered, with more coming every week! A special thanks goes out to restaurant partners Camp 31 BBQ, Thirsty Cactus Cantina and Grill, La Piazza Allegra Hamilton, and Denninger’s Food of the World. Businesses and organizations interested in joining the cause can help by sponsoring a lunch delivery. Check out the article here! Caffé Demetré Caffé Demetré owner, Amer Kassem, and members of his staff handmade and delivered 100 crepes and waffles for the staff at CAMA Woodlands long-term care home in Burlington. “We’re in it together, and together we can really fight it,” Kassem said. “If we reach out to others maybe we will put on a smile, and satisfaction in our own hearts as well.” Kassem plans on delivering desserts once a week throughout the pandemic to ensure everybody’s spirits remain high – and sweet-tooth’s well-fed. Stitch-It Alan Baird, owner of a local dry-cleaning and alteration business called Stitch It, has refused to run and hide due to COVID-19. Instead of waiting it out, he came up with an idea to use his sewing machines to create non-surgical face masks at a time when supplies are dwindling. This also meant he didn’t have to lay-off all 400 members of his staff. “We have the capacity and we have the skills and we have the passion for doing it, so that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said. So far, Alain and his staff have shipped out 14,500 masks to various locations all across the GTA. They are Eco-friendly, water and droplet repellent, and washable. For more information and to order your own masks click here: https://zcu.io/ox7w This is only a small collection of Burlington businesses going out of their way to make a difference. If you know any other local businesses stepping up for the cause, feel free to leave a comment on Facebook! We’re all going to get through this together, as is evident by the way people across the world are lifting each other up. Perhaps once everything has calmed down and life gets back to normal, we’ll all remember the compassion and togetherness that has become the foundation of our new daily lives during this pandemic.
GOING LIVE: Burlington Condo Project Sees Advantages in New One-Stop Shop Approach
Modern technology is allowing for more interactive experiences at presentation centres for prospective buyers, but making those various tools available to the consumer is not always the most convenient process for builders. The Molinaro Group, however, believes it has solved the puzzle with a new platform for its upcoming Illumina condo project in downtown Burlington. Seven years in the making, Neezo Studios’ LiveSite interactive sales experience is being launched in conjunction with Illumina. The package includes supplying the usual project model and brochures, but steps it up when it comes to the tech side, with an in-house image- rendering farm, aerial photography and 3D interactive experiences. In order for the marketing story to remain relevant throughout the year and so that purchasers could relate to the building during the time of year they were looking to purchase, Neezo incorporated visual effects to emulate all four seasons in the interactive application so homebuyers could see how the condo will look against Mother Nature’s varied canvas. From a homebuyer standpoint, the offerings include dozens of condo floor plans, with the option to compare units side by side and to zoom in on a particular plan to read its measurements more easily. Users can filter units by inventory, floor, bedrooms, square footage, orientation, floor plans, building amenities and features/finishes. The software also provides the sales staff with back-end knowledge, real-time stats and reports of what has been sold and how much inventory is left to be sold. Users can also explore transit routes, as well as the distance to get to various local amenities. “Our renderings sell the lifestyle, but it’s our 3D interactive technology that sells the product,” says Neezo Studios founder Marvin Maalouf, whose software benefits from his company’s video and visual effects division gaming engines. Sam DiSanto, Chief Financial Officer at Molinaro Group, loves the one-stop shop aspect of the format. “It’s very convenient for us—as a marketing tool, as a tool for our sales staff, for consumers or clients coming in, the reality of seeing what a unit will really look like, the 3D imaging, seeing the different seasons and different times of day. It’s soup to nuts,” says DiSanto, who worked with Neezo on Molinaro’s Paradigm project. And the reaction of those walking in off the street? “Everyone loves it,” DiSanto says. “It’s very easy to use. You have a model to look at and 2D brochures, but then you also get the 3D visualization. People become really engaged. It clarifies any questions they have, like, ‘What’s my view going to look like?’ ‘Where’s the road?’ ‘Where’s the front door?’ If you have an educated consumer who understands, it makes the sale process easier.”
Burlington Spotlight: December Happenings
The weather outside might be frightful, but that’s no reason to hibernate in your homes all holiday season. Being one of Canada’s best communities, it’s no surprise that Burlington offers a wide array of events that will have you decking the halls, dashing through the snow, and rocking around the Christmas tree. Check out our list of 3 holiday-based events in Burlington this December that not even the Grinch would want to miss. The North Coal Christmas Market Taking place in the historic Village Square in downtown Burlington, this outdoor European Style Christmas Market will be hosting an array of local vendors, beverage lounges, and festive food huts where you can eat, drink, shop, and explore to your heart’s desire. The market will be open for 5 days, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get your shop on. Date night anyone? Date & Time: Wednesday December 4 – 4:00PM – 10:00PM Thursday December 5 – 12:00PM – 10:00PM Friday December 6 – 12:00PM – 11:00PM Saturday December 7 – 11:00AM- 11:00PM Sunday December 8 – 11:00AM – 9:00PM Burlington Symphony – Christmas Spectacular Bundle up the kids and bring them over to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for a family concert full of Christmas magic. Featuring the Burlington Civic Chorale and renowned symphony conductor Denis Mastromonaco, you and your family can experience and sing along to all the Christmas classics you’ve heard since you were a child. Date & Time: Sunday December 8 – 3:00PM – 5:00PM Winter Lights at the Rock Garden Running every weekend this December is the Winter Lights event at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Thousands of festive lights lead you through a nighttime winter wonderland of charming Christmas tunes, soul-warming food and drink, and the Escarpment Train Exhibit. This unique holiday experience gives you and your loved ones a special evening to capture those perfect holiday memories. Dates & Time: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-23 – 6PM to 9PM (last admittance is 8:30PM) Remember that two of these events happen on multiple weekends so if you happen to be out of town this December, you’re not out of luck. So get out and celebrate the holiday season – or you can just stay inside and cozy up next to the fire, that sounds nice too.
Burlington Spotlight: October Happenings
Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean your fun has to. Burlington has claimed the #1 spot on MacLean’s 25 Best Communities in Canada 2019 and it has a lot to do with the sheer amount of activities available year round. Let’s take a look at some of the events that you absolutely cannot miss! The Burlington Performing Arts Centre The month of October sees the Burlington Performing Arts Centre host multiple exciting musical performances all month long: Sloan First, check out Canadian pop-rock royalty as they make a stop in Burlington on their North American tour. Date & Time: Friday October 4 8PM – 10PM April Wine Next, check out this Canadian powerhouse band as they churn out their countless arena rock hits that have earned them numerous gold and platinum selling albums. Date & Time: Thursday October 10 8PM – 10PM Legacy: A Tribute to Gord Downie Then, celebrate the man, the myth, the legend – Gord Downie. The night will include musical performances by multiple Canadian artists with all proceeds going directly to the Downie/Wenjack Fund Legacy. Date & Time: Thursday October 17th 8PM – 10PM The Rocky Horror Picture Show Finally, what better way to spend Halloween than with the an acoustic arrangement of the cult classic? Head down to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Halloween night to groove along to all your favourite hits from the iconic movie. Date & Time: Thursday, October 31st 8PM – 10PM Raise The Woof Comedy Night Back by popular demand, Burlington Humane Society presents RAISE THE WOOF comedy night. Come help the animals and join us for a night filled with laughter, food, and drinks! Raise The Woof is a stand-up comedy event that works with animal shelters and rescue groups to help them receive much needed fundraising. Date & Time: Saturday, October 19th 7:30PM – 10PM Treats In Our Streets Come and celebrate Halloween at the wildly popular FREE trick-or-treating event located in downtown Burlington. Families are welcomed by businesses to trick-or-treat in costume throughout the downtown, collecting goodies at participating downtown businesses. Trick-or-treating locations are highlighted on maps provided, and include activities along the way. Plus, volunteers will also be on the lookout for the best costume, the winner of which will win a grand prize! Date & Time: Saturday, October 26th 10AM – 1PM Keep your eyes open for our winter events blog in November!
Burlington Spotlight: Summer Isn’t Over Yet!
The kids are going back to school, the morning air is a little cooler, and there are a few more leaves on the ground than there were a couple weeks ago. But don’t worry, summer isn’t over yet, and there’s still a ton of fun stuff to do in Burlington before we wind down for autumn! Check out our list of the events that you simply need to check out this September: Canada’s Largest Ribfest – Aug. 30th to Sept. 2nd Known as the largest and most successful community event in Burlington, the Rotary Ribfest has been a staple in the area since 1996. Not only can you enjoy a plethora of BBQ, including ribs, wings, and brisket, you can also check out the wide range of live music performances from bands like Freedom Train, The Dreamboats, and Blush. Best of all, you can feel good about attending an event that contributes all of its proceeds directly back into the community. Doggy Dip and Mutt Marketplace – September 7th, 10AM – 3PM Your dog wants to enjoy the end of summer too, so why not bring them down to the Doggy Dip and Mutt Marketplace at Bronte Creek Provincial Park? This event will feature local unique canine services, products and businesses who are all there to get your dog’s tail wagging. Also, from 10:30 to 1:30, your dog can enjoy a dip in the pool with up to 50 other dogs! Event details will be posted on the park Facebook page @OPBronteCreek. 39th Annual Burlington Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research – September 15th, 8AM – 12PM Why not get in an outdoor run before the weather gets cooler and your stuck on the treadmill? The 39th annual Terry Fox run in Burlington is not only an event that’s fun for the whole family, but it’s for a fantastic cause! The Start/Finish line is located at the east end of Spencer Smith Park by the Pier in front of the Waterfront Hotel, so you know the views during your run will be fantastic. Following the run, enjoy free food, face painting, balloon animals, massages and tattoos, while you groove to live bands, DJs and MCs. E-A-T Burlington – September 29th, 1PM – 4PM Are you hungry to participate in an exploration of Burlington in a brand new way? E-A-T is a food-centric event created for community members to navigate the neighbourhood and sample the most delicious and authentic food that Burlington has to offer. While you’re enjoying your food, you’re also supporting an incredible local charity that aims to fight child hunger in Burlington called FOOD4KIDS. For more ways to make the most of Summer 2019, check out the City of Burlington’s festival and events page: https://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and-play/Festivals-and-Events.asp
4 Reasons Why You Should Be Living In Burlington
On August 8th, Maclean’s released their 25 Best Communities in Canada 2019 list, which calculates the cities and towns that offer the best quality of life in our country. If you’re lucky enough to live in Burlington, you’re probably not surprised that it came in at #1, with amenities, a low crime-rate, and thriving culture/community being the most touted features. But there are many great things about living in Burlington that many of us who live there might take for granted. The Proximity Whether you’re looking for big-city excitement, cottage-country living, cross-border shopping, or wine-country adventures, Burlington has you covered. Plus, with Highway-407 and 403 easily accessible, road-tripping across Southern Ontario is a breeze. However, living in Burlington means you don’t need to leave the comfort of your own backyard to have a good time. The Festivals Some of the biggest festivals in the country take place in Burlington, including the Sound of Music Festival, the Burlington Beer Festival, Marques d’Elegance, and Canada’s largest Ribfest to name a few. The gorgeous waterfront plays host to many of these festivals, providing visitors with amazing views and cool breezes. The many festivals held in Burlington each year help to enrich the community, and attracts visitors from all over Ontario. To keep up with what’s going on, check out the City of Burlington Festivals and Events page. The Nature Take a stroll along the Burlington Waterfront Trail, or experience the beauty of nature at the Royal Botanical Gardens. In fact – there are more than 100 parks and green spaces in Burlington for you to discover. Provincial parks, conservation areas, the Niagara escarpment, and Burlington Beach are just a few examples of the wide variety of outdoor spaces that you can take advantage of in Burlington. The Community Somethings, however, are less tangible than others – like the feeling of community spirit and togetherness in Burlington. Neighbourhoods are safe, family-friendly places where neighbours are always there to lend a helping hand. It’s a city full of people who are proud to live in Burlington, who continuously strive to make it the greatest city in Canada.
Community Spotlight: Building A Better Burlington
Joseph Brant Hospital Joseph Brant Hospital’s mission is simple: to provide quality patient care. They do this by always following and living by their core values: compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. So in 2012, when they embarked on a multi-year revitalization project to expand and modernize their facilities, Molinaro Group jumped at the opportunity to help with a $1 million dollar donation. “We’re happy to give back to support the community. Burlington has been very good to us,” said Vince Molinaro, president of the Molinaro Group for the past 12 years. For their contribution, JBH recognized the donation by naming an inpatient unit for the Molinaro Group and included them on their Pillars of the Community installation erected in the Meditation Gardens just outside the hospital. “This amazing show of community leadership has inspired all of us at Joseph Brant and we could not be more appreciative,” said Eric Vandewall, president and CEO of Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital. “The Molinaro Group is truly a pillar of the community and we look forward to recognizing the company as such in our new, state-of-the art facility.” The Molinaro Group’s $1M gift was the first major donation to the $60M hospital expansion campaign. Carpenter Hospice Carpenter Hospice is a home in the heart of Burlington that offers both residential-based care to people in the last stage of their lives, and community-based programs for people dealing with grief or a life-limiting illness. It is staffed by an incredibly dedicated team of healthcare professionals and volunteers whose primary role is to provide compassionate, quality care to meet residents’ needs. For the past 2 years, Vince Molinaro and his Wife Tina have had the honour of being the Co-Chairs at the yearly gala for Carpenters Hospice. Through their efforts, they’ve helped to raise over $400,000 for the organization. They’re back at it again this year, and will be Chairing the 2020 Gala and look forward to raising even more money for this important part of the Burlington Community. Building a better Burlington; it’s not just a tagline. It’s about giving back to a place that’s maintained its title as one of Canada’s Best Mid-Sized Cities for several years in a row. What makes Burlington so great isn’t just the safe, clean environment, great amenities, and abundant green spaces. It’s also the people. And where you’ll find some of the best people is at Joseph Brant Hospital and the Carpenter Hospice.
