The many natural advantages of this area attracted aboriginal people long before the arrival of the first white settlers along the lakefront in the late 1700’s.  In 1669 famous French explorer Rene Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle landed where La Salle Park is now located.

For visitors interested in local history Joseph Brant Museum, is located on North Shore Blvd. and 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.

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

Spruce Lane Farm House at Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a living history museum recreating a glimpse of life in 1900.  The farmhouse offers educational programs to school groups, as well as a taste of history to visitors, with special events such as the Maple Syrup Festival offered each year in March.

Stroll the historical streets of the downtown area to discover some of the first homes built in Burlington, dating back to the late 1800’s. For more history on Burlington refer to About Burlington - History