Burlington's waterfront is one of the best day trips in the Golden Horseshoe — a genuinely beautiful stretch of Lake Ontario shoreline anchored by Spencer Smith Park, the Brant Street Pier, and a walkable downtown that runs right up from the water. Whether you're coming from Toronto, Hamilton, or just across town, here's how to make a full day of it — from the pier to Brant Street.
Start at Spencer Smith Park
The heart of Burlington's waterfront. Spencer Smith Park stretches along the lake with wide paths, gardens, open lawns, and unbeatable water views. It's the city's gathering place — home to the biggest events of the year, from summer festivals to Canada's Largest Ribfest on Labour Day weekend. On an ordinary day it's perfect for a long walk, a picnic, or just watching the sailboats.
Walk the Brant Street Pier
You can't miss it — the 137-metre pier curling out over Lake Ontario is Burlington's signature landmark. The elevated viewing platform gives you panoramic views of the lake, the Skyway bridge, and on a clear day, the Toronto skyline across the water. Sunset from the pier is the classic Burlington photo. It's free, fully accessible, and open year-round.
Follow the Waterfront Trail
From the pier, the Waterfront Trail runs in both directions along the shore — east toward Burlington Beach and the canal, west toward LaSalle Park. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists share a flat, scenic route with the lake beside you the whole way. Even a short stretch of it makes the day feel like a proper escape.
Head Up Brant Street
Here's the great thing about Burlington's layout: the waterfront and downtown aren't separate trips. Brant Street runs straight up from the lake, and within a few blocks you're in the middle of downtown — independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and patios that fill up on summer evenings. It's the natural second half of a waterfront day: water and park in the afternoon, dinner and a stroll downtown in the evening.
Stop Into Pepe Cannabis on Brant Street
As you make your way up Brant, you'll find us right on the main strip:
📍 Pepe Cannabis — 892 Brant Street, Burlington, ON
We're a licensed cannabis retailer just up from the waterfront, which makes us an easy stop on your way through downtown. Whether you're a regular or visiting Burlington for the first time, our budtenders are happy to walk you through the menu and answer questions. Find store hours and directions here, or browse the menu ahead of time.
A quick note for visitors: cannabis is for adults 19+ with valid ID, and Ontario restricts public consumption — parks, the pier, and patios don't permit it, so save it for a private space that does. And never drive impaired.
Where to Eat and Drink
Downtown Burlington's food scene punches above its weight. Village Square and the blocks around Brant, Pearl, and John Streets are dense with options — lakeview patios, pubs, sushi, Italian, and coffee shops for the afternoon lull. On a summer evening, grabbing a patio table after a waterfront walk is about as good as the city gets.
Time Your Trip Around an Event
The waterfront is worth the trip any day, but Burlington's event calendar can turn a day trip into a highlight. Summer brings free concerts, outdoor movies, festivals at Spencer Smith Park, and the season's giant finale at Ribfest. Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Burlington to plan around what's on.
A Sample Day, Pier to Brant
- Late morning: Arrive, coffee in hand, and walk a stretch of the Waterfront Trail.
- Midday: Spencer Smith Park — find a bench, watch the lake, walk the gardens.
- Afternoon: Out to the end of the Brant Street Pier for the views, then start up Brant Street.
- Late afternoon: Browse downtown's shops — and stop into Pepe Cannabis at 892 Brant.
- Evening: Patio dinner downtown, then back to the pier if you're chasing the sunset.
FAQ
What is there to do at Burlington's waterfront?
Spencer Smith Park, the Brant Street Pier, and the Waterfront Trail are the anchors — plus seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, and a walkable downtown starting right at the water on Brant Street.
Is the Brant Street Pier free?
Yes — the pier is free, open year-round, and fully accessible, with an elevated viewing platform over Lake Ontario.
How far is downtown Burlington from the waterfront?
They're connected — Brant Street runs directly from the lakefront into the downtown core, with shops and restaurants starting within a couple of blocks of the water.
Where is Pepe Cannabis in Burlington?
Pepe Cannabis is at 892 Brant Street, on the main street running up from the waterfront through downtown Burlington.
Cannabis products are for adults 19+ in Ontario. Please consume responsibly and only where permitted.
