Thanksgiving Itinerary in Burlington: A Perfect Long Weekend Guide
October 6, 2025
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and creating memories with the people who matter most. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of cozy fall traditions and scenic adventures, Burlington offers it all including sweeping lakefront views, colourful autumn trails, festive farms, and warm local dining.
We’ve curated a day-by-day Thanksgiving itinerary in Burlington to help you make the most of the long weekend. From Friday through Monday, this guide offers a mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly fun, and delicious holiday-inspired meals.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Friday Evening – Kick Off the Long Weekend
Day 2: Saturday – Fall Adventures & Local Discoveries
Day 3: Sunday – Thanksgiving Traditions & Festivities
Day 4: Monday – Relax & Reflect
Day 1: Friday Evening – Kick Off the Long Weekend
Check in to One of Burlington’s 19 Hotels
Seeking comfort, class, or just a place to unwind? Burlington welcomes you. With 19 unique hotels to choose from, there’s something to suit every style and budget. Plan your stay today and discover the charm and hospitality of Burlington’s finest accommodations.
Dinner: Comfort Food with a Twist
Celebrate the season at Radius, where cozy, flavourful dishes shine. Their Maple Miso Brussels (with balsamic, miso aioli, and crispy onions) are a crowd favourite, and their On Cloud Nine date night feature offers indulgent mains like filet, short rib, or lobster linguine for two. They also offer fall desserts such as Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Cheesecake, and the warm and comforting Apple Pie of My Eye skillet, served with local vanilla ice cream.
Evening: Arts & Culture
Wrap up your day with some cultural flair, if it’s live performance or visual arts, Burlington’s downtown hub offers inspiring options:
- See The Music of The Secret Path at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. On Friday, October 10 at 7:30 pm, BPAC presents The Music of The Secret Path with Special Guests, in support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
- Browse contemporary art at the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB). The AGB is currently hosting “Gikinoo’amaatowin – This Is All Learning” from September 20, 2025 to January 25, 2026—an exhibition exploring Indigenous knowledge and creative expression.
GO Transit tip: Coming in on the Lakeshore West GO? The Burlington GO Station is just a few stops from downtown. From there, hop on local transit or a short taxi ride to BPAC or AGB; no parking stress, just seamless access to Burlington’s arts scene.
Day 2: Saturday – Fall Adventures & Local Discoveries
Morning: Farmers’ Market Finds
Start your day at the Burlington Centre Lions Farmers’ Market, open on Thanksgiving weekend (Saturday mornings). This long-running community market is the perfect spot to pick up seasonal produce, freshly baked pies, bread, and vibrant flowers to brighten your holiday table. With over 50 vendors, you’ll find everything from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal treats and local specialties; ideal for last-minute Thanksgiving essentials or simply enjoying the festive market atmosphere.
Midday: Autumn Hike with a View
Explore Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Valley Trails for family-friendly paths lined with fall colours, or hike up to Mount Nemo Conservation Area for panoramic views of the escarpment and Lake Ontario.
Afternoon: Downtown Discoveries
Spend the afternoon exploring Village Square and Brant Street, where cobblestone walkways and historic architecture create a cozy, small-town vibe. Browse local shops and boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, from home décor treasures at Centro Garden to fashion-forward pieces at Pure Boutique. Along the way, stop into one of the inviting cafés for a warm drink or sweet treat, and soak up the charm of Burlington’s downtown core.
Dinner Featuring Fall Flavours
Start your weekend with a cozy meal at Spencer’s at the Waterfront. On Burlington’s lakefront, Spencer’s combines modern design with sweeping views of Lake Ontario. Their special three-course Thanksgiving Dinner ($85 per person) is available Saturday, Oct. 11 through Monday, Oct. 13, featuring: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with nutmeg and crème fraîche, Dried Apricot Stuffed Breast of Turkey with whipped potato, baby vegetables, brioche stuffing, and buttermilk thyme gravy, and Apple Crumble with brown butter ice cream, followed by petit fours.
Evening Waterfront Stroll
After dinner, wander the Burlington Waterfront Trail and Spencer Smith Park. The crisp air, glowing pier lights, and sound of the lake make for a peaceful end to your first night.
Coming in for the day? GO Transit makes it easy to arrive car-free. Pack light and hop on the Lakeshore West line for a relaxed trip into town.
Day 3: Sunday – Thanksgiving Traditions & Festivities
Morning: Pumpkin & Apple Picking
Kick off the day at Springridge Farm in nearby Milton, just a short drive from Burlington. This family-run farm offers a classic fall experience with a vibrant pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and pick-your-own apples. Kids will love the Farmyard Play Area with tube slides and farm animals, while adults can browse the Barn Market for fresh pies, jams, and seasonal décor. Don’t leave without trying their famous butter tarts or warm cider, perfect fuel for a festive fall outing.
Midday: Family Feast
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a meal at 400 Brant, a downtown Burlington gem that embraces the flavours of fall. Seasonal dishes like Butternut Squash Ravioli with shaved parmesan and pecans or their cozy Smoked Tomato Bisque with grilled cheese croutons make this spot ideal for a festive family gathering.
Afternoon: Scenic Drive & Culture Days Adventure
Spend the afternoon soaking in Burlington’s stunning fall scenery. Take a leisurely drive along the Niagara Escarpment or meander through the winding roads near Bronte Creek Provincial Park, where fiery reds and golden yellows light up the season. For a picture-perfect stop, head to Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion, where heritage architecture is framed by brilliant autumn colours and sweeping lake views. While you’re exploring, make time to unlock even more experiences with the Build Your Own Burlington Adventure Pass, a fun way to check in at arts, culture, and heritage spots around the city while you enjoy the fall colours.
Evening: Family Tradition
If it’s board games at your hotel, watching the sunset over Lake Ontario, or sipping hot apple cider, Burlington provides the perfect backdrop to wind down after your Thanksgiving feast.
If relatives are visiting, recommend staying in Burlington’s hotels, easy to reach by GO Transit, making travel stress-free for out-of-town family members.
Day 4: Monday – Relax & Reflect
Morning: Cozy Coffee Start
Ease into the last day of your long weekend with a stop at one of Burlington’s welcoming cafés. At Lakeshore Coffee House, sip their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, a fall favourite that pairs perfectly with views of the waterfront. Or head to Tribeca Coffee Co., where the Cinnamon Bun Cream Cheese Latte offers a sweet, spiced twist to start your morning on a cozy note. Both spots are ideal for slowing down, warming up, and reflecting on the weekend before heading out for one last Burlington adventure.
Midday: Scenic Ride or Lakeside Stroll
Soak up the crisp fall air with a refreshing outing along the Burlington Waterfront Trail. For something a little different, rent an electric scooter through SCOOTY and glide past vibrant fall leaves, waterfront parks, and public art. Prefer a slower pace? A simple lakeside walk offers just as much charm, with colourful foliage framing Lake Ontario and plenty of spots to pause and take in the view. It’s the perfect way to wind down and reflect on your Thanksgiving weekend before heading home.
Afternoon: Farewell Lunch at Earls
Before hitting the road, enjoy a relaxed holiday lunch at Earls Kitchen + Bar, a spot that blends cozy comfort with seasonal flair. Their signature Pumpkin Pie topped with cinnamon, sugar, and Chantilly cream captures the flavours of autumn, while shareable favourites like Yam Fries with garlic aioli bring a warm, familiar touch. It’s a delicious send-off meal that keeps the Thanksgiving spirit alive right up until your departure.
Avoid the post-weekend highway traffic, hop on the GO Train for a calm, comfortable ride back.
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your long weekend with Burlington’s events, farms, restaurants, and cultural highlights. Check out our Events Calendar for the latest events during the Thanksgiving weekend.
With stunning fall colours, cozy meals, and a welcoming atmosphere, Burlington is more than a destination, it’s the perfect holiday escape where family traditions and scenic adventures come together. And with GO Transit, getting here is easier than ever.
