Sports & Recreation
Whether you are in Burlington for a sports tournament, a visit with family and friends or a weekend getaway, we have a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities to tempt sport & recreation enthusiasts year-round.
Activities to Try
Birding
Discover the beauty of birding in Burlington
Bird watching is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the world. It’s accessible, inexpensive, and offers a peaceful way to connect with nature. Burlington is home to an impressive variety of bird species, including some newly established in Ontario. With scenic trails, lush parks, waterfront lookouts, and botanical gardens, the city offers prime birding locations that inspire exploration and curiosity at every turn.
Grab your binoculars and start your birding adventure, visit here for more details.
Cycling
Pedal through Burlington
Did you know that Burlington has been awarded the Bicycle Friendly Community Award – Silver designation by Share the Road Cycling Coalition? Burlington and the surrounding area is a fantastic place to cycle year-round, with scenic rural roads, picturesque waterfront trails, and charming historic downtown routes. Stop by our Visitor Centre for trail maps of Burlington and nearby areas.
Ready to ride? Explore our Cycling page for top cycling routes, local tips, and everything you need to plan your next adventure on two wheels.
Equestrian
Saddle up for a true Equestrian experience in Halton.
In the Halton area, you’ll discover a thriving equestrian community featuring premier horse breeding farms, top-tier coaching and training facilities, riding schools, summer camps, boarding stables, and everything in between. From clinics to tack shops, farriers to feed suppliers—Halton has it all.
Prefer to watch from the stands? Catch the excitement of seasonal harness racing at the Woodbine at Mohawk Racetrack, home to a unique 7/8-mile oval track.
Fishing
Discover prime fishing havens in Burlington
Burlington is surrounded by natural waterways that offer peaceful, scenic, and rewarding fishing experiences. Spend a relaxing day by the shore at Conservation Halton Parks, or explore Bronte Creek Provincial Park for a chance to catch migratory species. Don’t miss the Royal Botanical Gardens Fishway, where efforts to protect native species and wetlands from invasive fish are in action.
Explore our Fishing page to find top fishing spots, local species, and the regulations you need to know before you go.
Geocaching
Turn every trail into a treasure hunt
Geocaching is a great opportunity to get out and explore new areas or find hidden treasures in your own community. Spend a few hours or plan a day trip to the Burlington area to find one of many hidden geocaches in the Halton Region.
- Bronte Creek – has 2-4 virtual geocaches available
- Royal Botanical Gardens – Offers geocaching programs in some of their camps, youth programs and birthday parties
- Conservation Halton – Please check with Conservation Halton before hiding a cache to avoid interfering with environmentally sensitive areas
Golf
Tee off in Burlington
Burlington is a golfer’s paradise, home to nine beautifully maintained golf courses offering everything from championship-level challenges to casual public play. Many courses feature driving ranges, putting greens, fully stocked pro shops, and dining or banquet facilities that deliver a country club atmosphere without the membership.
From indoor simulators and scenic lakefront views to mini-putt fun and countryside fairways, Burlington has a golf experience for every type of player.
Plan your next round by visiting our Golf page for course details and everything you need to hit the green.
Hiking
Hike your way through Burlington
Burlington has a trail for just about everyone. You can hike along the rugged cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, take a peaceful stroll by Lake Ontario, or explore forested paths through local conservation areas. The city’s trail network includes multi-use routes that are great for walking, cycling, jogging, and more. It’s a mix of natural beauty and city convenience, all connected through well-maintained paths.
Lace up your shoes and explore our Hiking page for trail maps, top routes, and tips for your next outdoor adventure.
Rock Climbing
Reach new heights
Burlington is a fantastic base for both outdoor and indoor rock climbing adventures, offering options for every skill level.
Outdoor Climbing
For an unforgettable outdoor climbing experience, Rattlesnake Point is a must-visit. Located just a short drive from Burlington in Conservation Halton, this scenic escarpment features three designated climbing areas and over 200 established routes, catering to climbers seeking both technical challenges and breathtaking views. Mount Nemo, another nearby gem, offers an additional 200+ routes, making it one of Southern Ontario’s premier climbing destinations. Both areas are known for their rugged limestone cliffs and require climbers to bring proper gear—helmets, harnesses, ropes, climbing shoes, and other safety equipment are essential. Climbing permits and reservations are often required, so be sure to check with Conservation Halton before heading out.
Indoor Climbing
For year-round climbing, Climber’s Rock, located right in Burlington, is one of Ontario’s top indoor climbing gyms. The facility offers bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced climbers. First-timers can book an introductory lesson with a certified instructor, while seasoned climbers can take advantage of memberships, training programs, and high-performance routes. The gym also offers gear rentals including climbing shoes and harnesses, making it easy to try climbing without needing to invest in equipment right away.
Water Sports
Paddle, float, relax
With over 20 km of scenic shoreline along Lake Ontario, Burlington is the perfect destination for water lovers. From paddleboarding and kayaking to lounging on the beach, there’s something for every pace. Ontario Staycation adventures offers day and weekend packages with floaties, beach chairs, umbrellas, and delivery options—either to the beach or your doorstep.
For a freshwater escape, head to Kelso Conservation Area, where you can swim in the reservoir or rent a canoe, pedal boat, or kayak (reservations required). The LaSalle Park Community Marina also provides a public boat launch for those bringing their own watercraft.
Prefer to stay off the sand? Cool off in one of Canada’s largest outdoor pools at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, take a dip in one of Burlington’s many indoor/outdoor city pools, or let the kids enjoy a summer day at the local splash padsacross town.
Winter Sports
Embrace the season
Make the most of our Canadian winters right here in Burlington. Hit the slopes at Glen Eden Ski and Snowboard Centre for downhill thrills, or explore the serene side of winter with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Conservation Halton Parks.
For a classic Canadian experience, lace up your skates at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, offering free outdoor skating with stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Prefer something indoors? Check out a drop-in skate at a local community rink. And for family fun, don’t miss tobogganing at one of six designated hills across the city.
Burlington is your winter playground—don’t miss these 8 seasonal must-do’s.
