The Day Trip Hot List #VisitBurlOn

This summer I have been loving the day trip concept, it has allowed me to visit so many places that have been on my personal hot list. All you need is a location to visit with a few points of interest set into your “map ap”,  a full tank of gas and a willing co pilot who likes adventure. The Heart of Ontario is an easy drive for most of us in the GTA and a hidden gem in my personal opinion. Never been? Well…. start the car and check out my Day Trip Hot List of must visit places, must do activities and must try treats when visiting Burlington Ontario. 

Splitsville Entertainment Burlington

Two words…LASER TAG! Seriously, you thought it was just for kids, not so! Splitsville has a fantastic Laser Tag course, no previous experience needed and is great for all ages. Enthusiastic staff help you get suited up with your vest and laser. They explain how it works, how to score points and offer tips to make the game fun. Your marshall leads you into the room, tells you where they will be if you need help and it is game on! This is where you find out who in your party would make an excellent ninja. My mother and my youngest daughter were stealthy and ruthless as they scored point after point while I helplessly waited for my laser to recharge. We laughed so hard we cried! This made navigating the maze of “rooms” and trying not to get tagged more challenging. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon at Splitsville if you include a game of bowling and maybe a round or two of skeeball. TIP– Air Conditioning , especially if it is a hot summer day and you need to cool down.

Splitsville Laser Tag

Crema di Gelato

We are HUGE gelato fans so Crema di Gelato at 1477 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, was like a little slice of heaven on a hot summer day. The gelato counter wraps the shop in a semi circle displaying the impressive amount of flavours on offer. They had classic Italian flavours as well as  fun flavours like cotton candy and bubble gum. I always get pistachio when I try a new gelateria. It’s my yardstick to measure quality and flavour of the gelato against the others I have tried. This one held it’s own, it was smooth, creamy , nutty and fresh. TIP– Try the coconut and lemon together, delish! Actually lemon with any flavour will result in a little flavour explosion, you’re welcome!

Crema di Gelato

Bodhi Bar

One of my secrets to a successful day trip is staying hydrated and keep your energy up with nutritious food. An easy way to do both is to hit up a juice bar.  Bodhi is in a great location, close to the gorgeous Burlington waterfront and pier. You can grab some cold pressed goodness and enjoy a walk along the water. The day of our visit my Mom was suffering from an upset stomach that didn’t want to settle.We explained how she was feeling to the super helpful staff who recommended a Spice Girl –  Organic carrot juice with a blend of organic apple juices, with added turmeric, ginger and cinnamon spices.  It worked! Within the hour Mom was enjoying a calm tummy thanks to the ginger, turmeric and hydrating effects of the juices. I can’t say enough great things about Bodhi Bar stop in and treat your body well. TIP– have your juice well chilled with lots of ice if you are not used to cold pressed fresh juices. 

Bodhi Juice Bar

Tamp Coffee

Tamp Coffee has a bit of a cult following and by glancing at the menu board you can understand why. I was pleased to learn of the care that is taken when selecting the coffee beans and choosing the brewing method. This ensures the best possible cup of coffee makes it to your lips. Tamp also offers fresh baking with gluten free and vegetarian options. What’s not to love about this local success story!TIP-Grab yourself a Cold Brew or Iced Latte for the road or enjoy while walking the grounds at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Tamp Coffee

Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington is the largest botanical garden in Canada and a National Historic Site. It boasts four distinct formal gardens and 1100 hectares of nature reserve, along the  slopes of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve.  The word “Impressive” easily comes to mind when you visit RGB! You can make an entire day trip just visiting the different gardens and stopping in to the tea room for lunch and refreshments. We explored the idyllic grounds stopping often to marvel at the beauty of the roses in full bloom during our visit. RBG is a multi generational attraction, take your little ones, your parents and grandparents. Everyone will enjoy the time spent wandering the gardens and learning about plants and our environment through many of the interactive displays. TIP- Stop in at the gift shop for unique items and the whimsical display of all things Fairy Garden.

Ready for a Day Trip

Thank you to Tourism Burlington for inviting us to explore the area and providing complimentary admissions to some of the activities. The opinions in this post are my own, I am confident that any of these suggestions will get you out and adventuring too! Want to extend your trip check out this post to read about places to eat and stay while visiting Burlington. 

What place would you put at the top of your hot list tell me in the comments and I would be happy to give you more info?