Just an hour’s drive away from the city, the small, waterfront city of Burlington is packed with weekend activities. A selection of restaurants, spas, accommodations and hikes are all at the town’s disposal, and the gorgeous waterfront offers spectacular, calming views at almost every location. If you’re looking for a day–or even a weekend–away from the city, look no further than Burlington, Ontario, and check out some of our recommendations below.
A Burlington gem: The Pearle Hotel and Spa
The Pearle is a one-stop shop for a weekend getaway. The renovated café is serving up some sweet treats and light and delicious meals, and the vibe inside is trendy yet calming: it’s designed with a sunset in mind and offers sun-drenched windows and modern wood details. There are pizzas, ready-made salads, desserts and specialty coffees on offer, and the entire space is connected to the spa and hotel for easy access. You can dine in or take a meal to go and enjoy it along the Burlington waterfront or at one of the natural wonders.

There’s a dynamic pedestrian area and tons of restaurants
Tucked near the Pearle and not far from the Burlington waterfront, there’s a gorgeous, European-vibe pedestrian zone that’s got brick-lined streets and tons of local businesses inside gorgeous buildings. Stop in for a pint or a bite at The Dickens Pub before exploring the rest of the area, called the Village Square, which also offers a chocolate shop, a boutique offering handmade goods, and a spa, among other attractions.
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The entire town of Burlington offers great waterfront restaurants, from Spencer’s At The Waterfront, Rust Bistro, Buvette, and Rayhoon Persion, leaving a ton of options for those who choose to indulge in more than one meal.
Burlington’s nature is on full display
From the Botanical Gardens to Spencer Smith Park to the Burlington Waterfront Trail, there are tons of natural wonders to see and explore in the town. Mount Nemo Conservation Area offers panoramic scenic views that are particularly picturesque in the fall as the leaves change, and the Brant Street Pier is perfect for sitting and enjoying the breeze and sounds of the water.
