Outdoor Adventure Getaway
January 31, 2023
In spring/summer, you can enjoy swimming, paddling, walking, hiking, and cycling at the waterfront, in local parks or in conservation areas. In cooler weather, there are indoor options for fitness, sports of all sorts, climbing, winter sports etc. Here are a few of the more unique opportunities.
Day 1 – Waterfront
Bring your bikes, blades or your runners and plan to follow the waterfront trail. If you start in the downtown area you can head towards the Royal Botanical Gardens where you can enjoy lunch at one of their on-site restaurants and then return downtown to spend the evening. Within a short walk of the downtown is The Beachway where you will find a hidden oasis just minutes from shops, dining, attractions etc. We often walk from our office to the lift bridge at lunch or after work and it is a great place to take a break, get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful lake views.
You may want to plan your getaway around some of the many runs/walks/rides that are hosted here in the city including the Robbie Burns Run – last Sunday in January, the Chilly Half Marathon – 1st Sunday in March, or the Around the Bay Race – last Sunday in March.
Evening Options
If you want to extend your activity into the evening here are a few options for you. A couple of new options have opened up recently including Bad Axe Throwing and Activate which has unique game rooms. Enjoy some mini-putt or practice your drive at Within Range. Have fun and socialize while trying glow-in-the-dark bowling at Burlington Bowl. We had a summer staff get-together there and had some great food from Brooklyn’s. This on-site restaurant was featured on the t.v. show Restaurant Makeover and has a fun 50s theme. Another fabulous bowling and laser tag location is Splitsville. For other unique ideas check out Fun Activities.
Day 2 – Escarpment
In all seasons you can spend a day visiting area parks and conservation areas such as Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Kelso, Glen Eden, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Rattlesnake Point, Robert Edmondson and Mount Nemo Conservation Areas. Walk, ski, jog or cycle through their scenic trails with breathtaking waterfalls and hidden lakes and streams. Travel north of Dundas Street and encounter the Bruce Trail, one of Canada’s most spectacular world biospheres the Niagara Escarpment. If you are really adventurous you may want to try Rock Climbing at one of the conservation areas or if the weather is not cooperating visit Climbers Rock an indoor climbing facility. If you’re golfers, you have many wonderful courses to choose from in the area, many are nestled into the escarpment with magnificent views.
Refueling
Let’s face it, often getaways of any kind involve discovering great food. When you come to Burlington you may be surprised by the wonderful variety of culinary experiences and we encourage you to discover our local terroir (taste of the earth). Plan your getaway to coincide with the popular Taste of Burlington Fixed price dining program End of February – March OR mid-end of August – you won’t be disappointed! Or stop at one of the many on-farm markets in the picturesque countryside such as Springridge Farms or Stonehaven Farms for fresh produce or bakery items (in season). There are many healthy choices for dining here too with several restaurants featuring local foods Spencer’s at the Waterfront or vegan options such as Lettuce Love in the downtown. OR if after all that exercise you want to forget the diet and indulge a little, you can splurge at The Works, (great burgers) many ice cream shops (seasonal), Lola Choco Bar & Sweet House or Kelly’s Bake Shoppe all located downtown.