Burlington Ontario is well known for its many friendly neighbourhoods and its beautiful waterfront. With miles of waterfront trails for walking and cycling, an avid cyclist can travel from downtown Burlington all the way to Confederation Beach Park in Hamilton passing many landmarks and taking in the stunning vistas of Lake Ontario.
Beginning at Spencer Smith Park, a well-known gathering spot for picnics and festivals in the heart of Burlington, cyclists can travel the flat paved path that hugs Lake Ontario, offering such enticing stops as the Joseph Brant Museum, Dunky’s Beach Shack, and The Burlington Canal Lighthouse.
Just across the Burlington Channel Bridge, riders can continue pedalling along the waterfront all the way to the War of 1812 Naval Memorial site.
Burlington’s waterfront trail is an exceptional, highly scenic urban path offering unobstructed views of Lake Ontario, the Burlington shoreline and the Toronto city skyline.
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Burlington is More Than a Waterfront Paradise!
Waterfront trails aside, did you know that Burlington also offers a multitude of walking and hiking trails through acres of Carolinian forest ecosystems. Burlington’s mild climate zone supports many beautiful leafy deciduous trees.
Areas along the Niagara Escarpment feature mixed woods and cliff-edges that a thriving wildlife population call home.
Although Burlington has many community parks to enjoy, some of the best Burlington trails are just a short drive from the city centre and worth a visit. If you enjoy a scenic hike you will love hiking in Burlington.
Summer, Fall and Winter are each uniquely spectacular seasons to explore the area forests and take in the bountiful birds & wildlife of Summer, the vibrant Autumn colours or the pristine snowy forest floors of Winter.
In no particular order, here are three of the absolutely must see and must experience trails you’ll want to enjoy in Burlington no matter what the time of year.
Thinking about a move to Burlington and wondering what neighbourhood might be right for you? The posts below can help you assess your options:
- Shining a Spotlight on the Neighbourhoods of South Burlington
- A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Neighbourhoods of North Burlington
- Christopher and Mallory Move to Burlington: A Team Logue Case Study
Mount Nemo Conservation Loop
This 7.7 km loop meanders over a rugged limestone cliff-edge with breath-taking lookouts such as the Brock Harris Lookout where you can see the Toronto skyline on a clear day.
The trail features several small caves within the ecosystem. Keep an eye out for the soaring turkey vultures overhead!
Post-hike dining tip:
Once you’ve completed the loop, head over to Mount Royal Family Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or one of their Greek specialties. Located on Mt Forest Dr. this country restaurant is both budget and family friendly.
The Kerncliff Loop
This trail offers an easy 6.3 km loop traversing a limestone quarry with both dirt paths and marshy boardwalks. Hikers will be treated to views across Lake Ontario and the greater Burlington region.
Children will particularly enjoy spotting the turtles and frogs that occupy this significant wetland habitat. This Burlington trail also connects to the Bruce Trail network for those wanting a longer day of hiking.
Post-hike dining tip:
Just a short drive from the Kerncliff loop you’ll find Firebat Coffee Roasters. This is one of Burlington’s true hidden gems.
If you love coffee, this family-owned roastery sources their own beans from shade-grown farms in El Salvador. Their superb coffee is complimented by pastries from Urban Baker Co.
Seating is limited, so we recommend a latte and cheddar scone to go!
Are you inspired to begin your home search in Burlington? The posts below can help you build your strategy:
- How to Buy a House in Ontario: Insider’s Edition
- What to Look for in a Forever Family Home
- When is the Right Time to Buy a House in Ontario?
Hendrie Valley Sanctuary
The most romantic of the Burlington trail systems is unanimously the Hendrie Valley Trail. Long flat boardwalks and charming wood bridges guide you alongside the Grindstone Creek, a part of Canada’s largest botanical garden system, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Burlington.
This trail system is considered a premiere site for birdwatching and a true wildlife sanctuary. Keep your eyes sharp and you’ll spot herons, turtles, ducks and deer among other sanctuary inhabitants.
Post-hike dining tip:
After a beautiful hike at Hendrie Valley, head over to Rose Garden Restaurant for a traditional Canadian breakfast of bacon and eggs, or a homemade milkshake sure to please the whole family.
These are just a few of the spectacular walking and hiking trails Burlington has to offer. Coupled with the Burlington waterfront trail, there is no shortage of nature and adventure awaiting visitors and residents alike.
With the Fall season now upon us, there is no better time to lace up your favourite sneakers and head out to one of these or the many other trails in Burlington and take in the changing leaves making up Burlington’s most colourful canopies.
Burlington Ontario is consistently rated one of the top cities to live in Canada. A robust economy, many desirable neighbourhoods and top ranked schools, and an admirable work-life balance make Burlington a highly sought-after city to live, work and play.
If you would like to learn more about moving to or within the city of Burlington, we invite you to contact a member of Team Logue at at 905.331.6790 or sarah@sarahlogue.ca.
At Team Logue our agents don’t just work here, we live here too!
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