The Burlington and Hamilton waterfront trail, on the west shore of Lake Ontario, is an amazing place. Plan to walk, cycle, jog or inline skate.

Visit one of the great selection of restaurants in downtown Burlington. Bring a picnic or stop for a brew or meal along the way. Festivals and shows in the lakefront park offer music, art, crafts, dog shows, rib fest and more.

Watching or renting pleasure boats from kayaks to wave runners, getting on the water or in it, is possible. Keep an eye out for a variety of water fowl, swans too.

Be prepared to wait if a lake or ocean freighter arrives or leaves Hamilton Harbour as the lift bridge will cut the path. It also lifts on the half hour in summer for pleasure crafts. This is a perfect opportunity to go out the pier to the lighthouse and see if the people fishing have a catch.

Traveling along the route under the Skyway there is plenty to explore and enjoy. The long sandy beach with free parking, offers picnic tables, children’s play areas, snack bars, washrooms and change facilities, go carts, parkland, water park and more. They can all be busy spots. Arrive by car, boat or bicycle. The no dog policy on the beach ensures clean sand that is regularly washed by the waves. Take time to just sit and watch the joggers, inline skaters, strolling couples and dog walkers. A good section of the trail is paved for easy pushing of strollers and wheelchairs.

Stop at the Burlington visitors centre for maps and brochures. A perfect days outing from Niagara Falls or Toronto.