Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Burlington offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, urban amenities, and small-town charm. Whether you're visiting for business, exploring the waterfront, or using Burlington as a base to discover the Greater Toronto Area, finding the right accommodation is essential for a memorable stay.
Getting to Burlington
Burlington is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Visitors have several transportation options:
- By Car: Take Highway 427 South to the QEW West toward Hamilton. Burlington is approximately 50 km from the airport.
- By Public Transit: Take the UP Express from Pearson to Union Station, then the GO Train from Union to Burlington GO Station.
- By Taxi/Ride Share: Direct service is available, though this is the most expensive option at approximately $90-120.
- By Airport Shuttle: Several companies offer shared shuttle services at more affordable rates.
Why Visit Burlington?
Burlington consistently ranks among Canada's best mid-sized cities to live in, but it's also becoming a popular destination for visitors. Here's why:
- Scenic Waterfront: The beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline offers parks, trails, and recreational opportunities.
- Royal Botanical Gardens: Canada's largest botanical garden spans 2,700 acres.
- Vibrant Downtown: Shop, dine, and enjoy events in the walkable downtown core.
- Proximity to Attractions: Easy access to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Hamilton.
- Year-round Festivals: From Sound of Music Festival to Ribfest, there's always something happening.
- Diverse Culinary Scene: From waterfront dining to international cuisine.
The Best Hotels in Burlington
1. The Pearle Hotel & Spa
The crown jewel of Burlington's waterfront, The Pearle Hotel & Spa offers luxury accommodations with stunning Lake Ontario views. This Autograph Collection property combines upscale amenities with a prime location in the heart of downtown Burlington.
Highlights:
- Luxurious waterfront property with modern rooms
- Full-service spa with comprehensive wellness treatments
- Heated indoor pool and fitness center
- Multiple on-site dining options including waterfront restaurant
- Walking distance to Spencer Smith Park and downtown amenities
- Valet parking
Perfect For: Luxury travelers, couples seeking a romantic getaway, spa enthusiasts
Address: 3 Elizabeth Street, Burlington, ON L7R 0G3
2. Courtyard Burlington
Consistently rated for exceptional service, the Courtyard Burlington offers a perfect combination of comfort and convenience for business and leisure travelers alike.
Highlights:
- Exceptional service and cleanliness
- Tesla chargers available
- Family-friendly saltwater pool
- Well-equipped fitness center
- Variety of dining options
- Beautiful views of adjacent park
Perfect For: Business travelers, families, electric vehicle owners
Address: 1110 Burloak Drive, Burlington, ON L7L 6P8
3. Best Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites
The Best Western Plus offers excellent value with a range of amenities that keep guests returning. Complimentary breakfast and easy highway access make this a convenient choice.
Highlights:
- Clean, spacious rooms with comfortable beds
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Free hot breakfast
- Easy highway access and ample parking
- Great value for the price
Perfect For: Value-conscious travelers, families, road trippers
Address: 2295 Wyecroft Road, Burlington, ON L7R 4L3
4. Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
With an unbeatable downtown waterfront location, this hotel puts you in the heart of Burlington's best attractions, restaurants, and shopping.
Highlights:
- Prime downtown location
- Spacious rooms with comfortable king beds
- Lake Ontario views from many rooms
- On-site restaurant and pub
- Steps from Spencer Smith Park, pier, and downtown shopping
Perfect For: Tourists wanting to explore downtown Burlington, event attendees, lake view enthusiasts
Address: 2020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7R 4G8
5. Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington
Perfect for extended stays, Homewood Suites offers apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens and separate living areas.
Highlights:
- Spacious suites with full kitchens
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Evening social (Monday-Thursday)
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Friendly, attentive staff
Perfect For: Extended stays, families, business travelers
Address: 975 Syscon Road, Burlington, ON L7L 5S3
What is the Best Area to Stay in Burlington?
Burlington offers several distinct areas for visitors, each with its own character:
Downtown/Waterfront: The most popular area for tourists, offering waterfront access, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The Pearle Hotel and Waterfront Hotel are located here.
QEW Corridor: Convenient for business travelers and those wanting easy highway access. Most major chain hotels (Best Western Plus, Courtyard, Homewood Suites) are located along this corridor.
North Burlington: A quieter residential area closer to natural attractions like the Niagara Escarpment and Mount Nemo Conservation Area.
For most visitors, downtown Burlington offers the best experience with walkable access to the lake, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Is Burlington a Good Place to Stay?
Absolutely! Burlington offers several advantages for visitors:
- Central Location: Positioned between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Burlington is perfect for exploring the Golden Horseshoe region.
- Waterfront Beauty: Lake Ontario access with beautiful parks and trails.
- Safe Environment: Burlington consistently ranks as one of Canada's safest communities.
- Excellent Dining: Diverse culinary scene with waterfront options.
- Less Expensive: Hotel rates are generally lower than in Toronto.
- Small-Town Feel with Big-City Amenities: Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere while still having access to excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment.
How to Spend a Day in Burlington, Ontario
Morning:
- Start with breakfast at one of downtown Burlington's cafés like Kelly's Bake Shoppe or Lola Choco Bar & Sweet House
- Explore Spencer Smith Park and Burlington Waterfront
- Walk the Brant Street Pier for panoramic lake views
Afternoon:
- Lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants like Spencer's at the Waterfront or The Dickens
- Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens or shop at Mapleview Centre
- Stop by Pepe Cannabis Store at 892 Brant Street to browse their curated selection of premium cannabis products and speak with their knowledgeable staff
Evening:
- Dinner in the downtown core at one of Burlington's excellent restaurants
- Catch a show at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
- Enjoy a sunset stroll along the waterfront trail
Cannabis Information for Visitors
For visitors interested in exploring legal cannabis products during their stay, Burlington offers several licensed retailers. Pepe Cannabis Store, located at 892 Brant Street in central Burlington, is particularly convenient for tourists.
What Visitors Should Know:
- Legal Age: Must be 19+ years to purchase or possess cannabis in Ontario
- ID Requirements: Valid government-issued photo ID is required
- Purchase Limits: Up to 30 grams (about 1 ounce) of dried cannabis or equivalent
-
Consumption Rules:
- Smoking or vaping cannabis is permitted wherever tobacco smoking is allowed
- Not permitted in enclosed public places, vehicles, or near playgrounds
- Most hotels are non-smoking, including cannabis
- Some hotels may have designated outdoor smoking areas
Why Pepe Cannabis for Visitors:
- Central Location: Just steps from the Burlington GO Station and easily accessible from downtown hotels
- Expert Staff: Knowledgeable budtenders to help first-time or occasional users
- Wide Selection: Carefully curated products including traveler-friendly options
- Educational Approach: Clear information about products and usage guidelines
- Tourism-Friendly: Staff experienced in assisting visitors with questions about local regulations
For International Visitors:
- Cannabis cannot legally cross international borders
- Consume all products before leaving Canada
- Penalties for international trafficking can be severe
Final Tips for Burlington Visitors
- Burlington is very walkable, especially the downtown core
- The Burlington Transit system connects major attractions
- Consider renting a car if you plan to explore beyond the city
- Summer is festival season with multiple waterfront events
- Winter offers beautiful lakeside views and indoor attractions
- Always book hotels in advance during major festivals like Sound of Music (June)
Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Burlington offers a welcoming environment with excellent accommodations to suit every budget and preference.
