Going above and beyond is our standard

Linda O our resident outdoor enthusiast

When 4 o’clock rolls around in the Tourism office, the staff is usually winding down from a busy day of meeting and greeting those who have come to experience what Burlington has to offer.  Recently, popular spots to visit have been the unique restaurants in the downtown core for the Taste of Burlington, or the beaches that offer a great place for families to have some fun in the sun.  At 4 o’clock last Wednesday, however, the Tourism staff got a special visit from a French-Canadian cyclist passing through town.  His mission was to find a great camp site where he could relax for the night and continue on his journey to Toronto the following day.  When it comes to cycling and the outdoors, Linda Olimer is the go-to girl.  Linda and our new twenty-three year old friend took to our Transit, Trails & Tourism guide to search for the best route.  Finding a campsite for one isn’t as easy as you would think, but after many calls and a few inquisitive questions we got an answer.  “Well yes, he’s a good-looking guy.  And very fit.  No, I don’t think he’ll be partying tonight.” Linda chuckles on the phone while talking with one of the campgrounds.  After a comical screening process over the phone, we have found our friend a place to stay.  Since us folks at Tourism Burlington like to go above and beyond customer service, we also found him a great route in Toronto so he could take in a Jays game before heading home to Quebec.  But that’s not all.  A business around the corner was in need of a goodlooking young man for a photoshoot, and we had just the guy!  Our cyclist friend had a laugh, but of course he was up for the challenge.   He left satisfied with a great campsite, bike route, and what was perhaps the beginning of a promising modelling career. 

Our friendly travel counsellors

At the Tourism office, we meet visitors who have come from all over the world to visit Burlington and the GTA.  Recently, a couple from Sweden were visiting with their daughter and were interested in learning about the history of our city.  Lucky for them, Joseph Brant Day was just around the corner.   We love talking with our local visitors, just as much as our international friends.  Even if you are a Burlington native, stop by the centre and talk to our Summer Travel Counsellors about neat things to do in your own backyard!

Becky Fera