Spend a Beach Day at Beachway 

June 26, 2026

A full summer day in Burlington doesn’t get much better than time by the water at Beachway Park. Soft sand, Lake Ontario views, and easy access to nearby patios, treats, and parks make it the kind of place you can settle into for hours. This itinerary takes you from a slow morning to a golden-hour finish, with simple stops along the way so you can enjoy the best of the shoreline without rushing. 

Morning: Arrive Early and Settle into the Sand 

Start your day at Beachway Park while the air is still cool and the shoreline is quiet. Early arrival makes a difference here, especially on weekends when parking fills quickly. 

Parking tips before you go 

If you’re a Halton Region resident, you can take advantage of up to 10 free weekend parking days between May and September at Beachway Park. Each exemption covers one full day and applies only on Saturdays and Sundays when paid parking is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

A few things to keep in mind: 

• Valid for passenger vehicles and motorcycles only  

• One license plate per household  

• Must already secure a legal parking spot before applying the exemption  

• RVs and trailers are not permitted  

• Once your 10 days are used, regular parking fees apply  

This helps make spontaneous beach days a little easier while still keeping access organized during peak season. Learn more here. 

Late Morning: Slow Walks, Swimming, and Beach Time 

Once you’re settled, the pace slows down naturally. This is the time to switch off and enjoy the shoreline. 

You can: 

• Take a walk along the water’s edge  

• Set up a towel or blanket and relax under the sun  

• Cool off with a swim in Lake Ontario  

• Bring a light picnic or snacks to stay by the beach longer  

• Bring a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the calm waves 

Beachway has a laid-back feel in the morning, making it ideal for reading, lounging, or just listening to the waves. 

Lunch: Head to Spencer’s at the Waterfront 

When you’re ready for a change of scenery, make your way toward Spencer Smith Park and enjoy lunch at Spencer’s at the Waterfront. 

Their lakeside patio is one of Burlington’s most scenic dining spots, with wide-open views of Lake Ontario and a menu that works well for a relaxed mid-day break. 

You can explore their offerings here. 

If you’re using the Discover Burlington Patio Pass, this is also a great place to check for weekly features and seasonal specials that rotate throughout the summer. 

Early Afternoon: Cool Off at the Waterfront 

After lunch, take a short walk over to the Dofasco Waterjet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park. It’s an easy way to cool down, especially on warmer beach days. 

• Walk through the splash zone or nearby waterfront paths  

• Enjoy the shade along the park’s seating areas  

• Grab a coffee or just sit by the water and unwind  

This stretch of waterfront is a nice reset before heading into the rest of the afternoon. 

Mid-Afternoon: Explore, Browse, or Join a Workshop 

If you’re looking to add something different to your beach day, head into downtown Burlington and stop by the Discover Burlington Visitor Centre. 

You can: 

• Pick up local recommendations and seasonal guides  

• Learn what’s happening nearby that day  

• Explore local art or rotating exhibits  

For something more interactive, the Art Gallery of Burlington offers workshops and programs that are a great indoor break from the sun. Learn more here. 

It’s a nice balance if you want a mix of beach time and creative downtime. 

Late Afternoon: Return to the Shoreline 

Head back toward Beachway Park as the sun starts to soften. This is one of the best times of day at the beach. 

• The crowds thin out  

• The water feels calmer  

• The light turns warm and golden  

It’s the perfect window for one last swim or a quiet walk along the sand. 

Evening: End the Day with a Sweet Stop 

Before heading home, make a final stop at Sunshine Doughnuts for something sweet. 

Fresh doughnuts are the kind of treat that fits perfectly after a beach day, especially when you’re still sandy and sun-warmed. 

Then, if you want to stretch the evening a little longer, take a final stroll along the waterfront or sit and glow of sunset over the skyline. 

A Simple Burlington Summer Day 

Beachway Park makes it easy to slow down. With swimming, sand, nearby patios, and small local stops woven in, the day naturally builds itself around the shoreline. 

It’s not about packing in everything. It’s about staying close to the water, moving at a relaxed pace, and letting Burlington’s waterfront do the rest. 

Check out our Official Burlington Visitor Guide for more recommendations to help plan your perfect day in Burlington! 

Looking for an affordable and convenient way to get to Burlington? 

Skip the traffic, sit back, relax and enjoy the FREE WiFi on GO Transit to Burlington.  And there are lots of ways to save on your travel — from the One Day Weekend pass to Weekday Group Passes, and kids 12 and under always ride for FREE. Plan your trip to Burlington with GO Transit here.