Camping in Burlington/Halton - affordable, fun and close to home!

As summer draws to a close many are thinking of how to squeeze the last bits of fun out of this season.  One great way to enjoy late summer and early fall is camping.  No need to fight traffic to get that "up-north" experience. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to go far to sleep under the stars with excellent locations for both tent and trailer camping within minutes of Burlington.   If you are tent camping you will probably not need water and hydro hook-ups and depending on where you go, you can expect to pay from approximately $50 and up per night for your lot.  

For me, camping is just a way of life.  From the time I was three years old, my parents packed up me and my brother (and later just me) and set off to enjoy Provincial Parks across Ontario.  As a young adult, my friends and I would camp in bigger groups and tended to more commercial parks that offered amenities like a snack shop as we were more often than not inadequately prepared.  My husband started later but was more adventerous doing some outback camping in addition to the standard campground type.  Now with a family of my own I looked forward to bringing my girls camping so they could have the same great memories as I have of campfires, the smell of the morning air and running around meeting new “campground friends”.  At two and five years this may not all be possible the first time out, but no time like the present to start. 

When choosing a camp ground it is always good to do some research and find out what style of camping best suits your needs.  The age and experience of the campers and what amenities and activities you are looking for can help in determining where you want to stay.

We are lucky to have a Provincial Park located right on the border of Burlington/Oakville. Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers both tent, trailer and yurt camping until October 22nd which means you still have plenty of time to plan your trip.  But remember, there are two entrances:  one is for camping, at Bronte Road and Upper Middle (exit 111) off QEW; to get to the day-use area you must use Burloak Drive (exit 109) off the QEW.  

The park offers 144 electric service sites, full comfort stations with showers and laundry, two play equipment areas, family programming and kids' programs.  Choose from open, treed and well shaded sites.  Reservations are highly recommended if arriving or staying through Friday / Saturday during the peak season.  It is incredible that such a place exists so close to home.  Within minutes of packing, you can be sitting beside a campfire enjoying the peaceful sounds of the frogs and birds.  Staying at Bronte Creek campground can feel like a “real” vacation … without the long drive, cranky kids, etc.  It is a great place to try out your camping equipment or introduce family members to camping.  They even offer Learn to Camp programs at the beginning of the season (note for 2013).  Reservations can be made by phone or online.

Conservation Halton also offers camping at two of their six parks. Both parks offer group and individual; tent or tent-trailer camping but do not have hook-ups for RV's.  At Kelso you can camp into late fall and Rattlesnake Point offers year round camping (5 upper sites available for winter camping).  At Kelso telling a scary story beside a roaring campfire and then trying to sleep in a tent with all the sounds of the outdoors is a right of passage for many youngsters.  It is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.  Indulge in a swim at a sandy beach, hike along the rugged Bruce Trail, explore the trails while mountain biking and so much more.  Visitors to the park can also rent kayaks, paddleboats and canoes, which means you can try these water sports without having to invest in equipment up front and no hauling!  You can also take in a movie in the park on Friday night the next 2 weekends at sunset as part of Family Outdoor Movie Nights.  This park is great for families and you are assured that no one will be bored.


Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area has some of the most inspiring natural vantage points in Halton Region.  There are five breathtaking lookouts dotting the edge of the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment.  Excellent hiking trails perfect for experiencing the areas diverse forest complex with its rich diversity of plant and animal habitats.  Soak up this relaxed atmosphere with an overnight stay at one of the 18 campsites at the park (washrooms and showers are available).  For the more adventureous, this park also offers some of the best rock-climbing in Ontario.  At the end of the day relax by a campfire and listen to the sounds of nature as you settle in for the night.

Kelso and Rattlesnake offer pristine campsites located throughout the parks which are available by reservation.  All campsites are non-serviced and some are large enough to accommodate group camping.  To book a reservation visit the website.

So here begins my camping adventure and some ideas if you are planning to camp with kids.  After much searching, I found the camping gear that we had accumulated over the years and wondered how much was salvageable for a family trip, luckily Burlington is home to Mountain Equipment Co-op and I headed there to meet up with Camping Product Specialist – Annika or the Camping Goddess as I like to call her who set me up with some camping gear for our first family trip.  Whether you are a first time camper or a seasoned pro, you will be able to find most items that you need to make your experience great.  I think what I like best about the approach at MEC is that Annika truly was interested in helping me and my family have a great experience, she took the time to ask questions about our previous experience, where we were going, the kids and what they would be doing, etc. and then she made recommendations on what we needed, what is good to have and what is a “luxury” item.  She also made suggestions about others items we might need, even if they were not sold at her store. 

First and foremost on the list was a tent and in the end we went with a Funhouse 4, because it offered enough room to stand up and as anyone will attest to that has hunched over in a tent trying to change, that is a big plus.  This tent is so quick and easy to set up, I was amazed, so much better than the tents of old.  I have to add that one of the best things about this tent was that they include a tent peg mallet – it’s the little things for me. The take-down only took about 10 minutes and I was able to do it myself while I send my husband off with the girls.  It also has a ‘vestibule’ that gives some extra rooms for bags and removing your shoes. If you have a family of four or more, I would suggest moving up to the Funhouse 6 as it gives the adults more space especially if you are using air mattresses under your sleeping bags. 

We had heard people suggest we bring a second tent or a dining tent as a play area for the girls.  It seemed like a great idea.  When we arrived at the camp we left them in their car seats and worked on setting up one of our old two man tents for them to play in, we struggled to remember how it set up and were egged on by the chanting of “let us out” from the van but we did manage to get it set up and piled with toys only to find out that our two-year old had zero interest in being confined.  She screeched for the 10-15 minutes it took to set up the main tent and in hindsight, we should have just left them in the car and set up that tent as they were more than content to play in the bigger space with some dolls and books.

One item that was a real hit was the hammock we brought from home that we strung among the trees.  The girls loved swinging and by the second day had mastered sharing which allowed us to do other things while they amused themselves swaying through the air.  Most of the time we were so busy exploring that they didn’t have the time or interest in toys but if you need downtime or worse yet if it rains, you will want to have something to keep everyone busy and amused.

Once you are past your twenties, an air mattress is a must unless you are outback camping where space and weight needs to be optimized.   We opted to use our old sleeping bags for us and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with the kids – who knew they made child sized sleeping bags.  Back in the day, my parents just put me in an adult one and hoped for the best.  Mind you in those days we didn’t have car seats and I am pretty sure seat beats were optional.  Annika suggested the Lil’ dipper sleeping bag, it comes in two sizes which was perfect for both girls and as an added bonus they have them in purple which ensured they were a hit.  As it is getting later in the camping season, the nights are cooler and while I woke up shivering and searching for my fleece in the middle of the night, the girls were warm and cozy in their bags – I think I will be investing in a new sleeping bag for our next trip.

If you are camping with kids or are looking to make meals quick and easy then you will want to bring a cook stove.  While cooking over a campfire is fun it’s not always quick and practical.  We chose the Primus FireHole 200 Stove with a double burner (perfect for those that need coffee and food at the same time) is a really worthwhile investment.  In the words of my husband “this stove is awesome!” when coupled with a Glacier stainless steel percolator that brews six cups of really good coffee, waking up at 6:30am with the kids wasn’t so bad.  Annika helped me choose a cookware set and plastic mugs (in fun colours) as our old stuff was probably not fit to cook with but she recommends if you are just starting out to bring stuff from your kitchen, you don’t need special gear for cooking but keep in mind if you are cooking over an open fire that it might not look as good when it returns.  We brought along two coolers one vintage and a new and much improved MEC Chilli Cooler.  One cooler held the frequently and quickly used items like milk, juice boxes and produce and the other was for longer term storage and kept our items cold and food-safe as it wasn't opened as frequently.

The girls had a great time exploring the nature trails, hitting the beach and fishing for the first time.  My two-year old didn’t last long at fishing and we hit the trails for a relaxing (read: sleeping) walk but my five-year old had a great time learning how to bait a hook, cast a reel and on the second day out, catching (and releasing) two fish!

The highlight of the trip of course was the campfire; we had hotdogs and all the supplies for s ‘mores at the request of Lily and from the time we arrived she was anxious to start the fun.  We roasted hotdogs over the fire, and the majority of the marshmallows were consumed “raw”, we did cook them over the fire for mom and dad.

As night descends it is always important to have some good lighting equipment.  Gone are the days of propane lanterns, you can now get the same effect from battery operated lamps which are much safer with kids (and clumsy adults).  I was on the hunt for flashlights but Annika turned me on to headlamps which are a great alternative that provide lots of light for nighttime trips and leaves your hands free for carrying or child-wrangling.  They have adult and child-sizes and my girls wore them around happily (at some points even during the day!)

The one item I did forget was a broom, a kids sized broom and dust pan is perfect for sweeping out the bottom of your tent before packing it away and for dusting away the outdoors (twigs, leaves, dirt) from your other gear – no need to bring nature home with you.

The overall cost of our equipment came to approximately $800 not including what we already had at home which may seem like a lot but when you think of the cost of a weekend at a hotel with your kids it’s not much to invest.  Most of the items have a minimum life of five years but with proper care can last up to ten or fifteen years.  It is recommended you pack items such as tents and sleeping bags clean and dry and loosely if possible to extend their life.  Start small investing in a few key items and if you decide that camping is part of your family’s lifestyle then add to your gear yearly.

If you are looking for a great way to spend time outdoors, enjoy a vacation and not spend too much or travel too far then camping in Burlington/Halton is for you.  We had a great time and hope to go again this year if time permits.  If not, next year we will venture out again and add to what we hope will be a lifetime of memories for our family.  

Safe and happy travels to you and your family and don't forget the marshmallows!

Home away from home at a Burlington Bed & Breakfasts

Have you ever stayed at a bed and breakfast?  It is a quite popular type of accommodation when you travel to Europe however may not be something that is top of mind when you are looking for places to stay here in Canada.  Staying at a B&B is a perfect option for those visitors who are looking for a personal touch and who like to stay in quaint or historic locations with engaging hosts that provide a welcoming experience and hearty breakfasts. It is also a great option if you are working for a brief period in Burlington or need a place to stay while visiting friends and family, taking courses or you just need a little getaway or staycation!

Some of my family’s fondest travel memories are of when we stayed at B&B’s, remembering the unique settings, friendly owners or magnificent meals.  It was always a great opportunity to learn about local culture, points of interest, and hidden gems and many times we felt like we were staying with old friends.  Once while we were in a quaint cottage in England, we felt so at home we even had to be reminded to pay the bill before we left! 

In Burlington you may be surprised to hear that we have nine bed and breakfasts that open their homes year-round to tourists. The type of accommodations vary as much as the hosts but they all have one thing in common, they are proud of their city and want you to have a wonderful visit while you are here.   

Cottage on LaSalle

If you like stepping back in time, there are a two Burlington B&B’s located in historic homes. Cottage on LaSalle, is nestled in one of Burlington's oldest established areas the former village of Aldeshot and it is situated only minutes away from historic LaSalle Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens. This circa 1860 heritage home has been beautifully restored to enhance many of its original features. From the golden hues of the pine flooring that runs throughout the cottage to the oak beams across the ceilings it displays a warmth and ambiance of "days gone by".  A full country breakfast with "hot out of the oven" delicacies are yours to enjoy each morning.  This B&B has been reviewed and recommended by writer Janette Higgins.

Heart of Burlington

The Heart Of Burlington Bed & Breakfast is located in a restored and fully renewed 1910 Edwardian home in the beautiful old downtown core. Relax with your morning beverage, read a newspaper or plan your day's activities in the elegant ambiance of the bright and cheery living room. There is a front porch available with wicker chairs and tables for guest enjoyment.  You can easily walk to downtown restaurants, spas, shops, boutiques, entertainment at the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre and events located at beautiful lakeside Spencer Smith Park.  This B&B is a welcome cyclist location and is just minutes from the Waterfront and Trans Canada Trail.  Owners Joe and Flora have only been operating this B&B for a year but already have established a reputation as great hosts. 

Close to the downtown core, the waterfront, IKEA and Mapleview Shopping Centre is Sunrise Bed & Breakfast.  Host Enid has been welcoming guests to her B&B for over 15 years.  This home is located in a quiet sub-division and is in a great central location for highway access, public transportation, the GO Train, cycling or walking.  The home has a beautiful breakfast room that looks out over the deck, hot tub, pool and nicely landscaped garden.  This is a perfect location for an extended stay as Enid offers a free night if you stay seven! 

Murphy's Manor

Burlington is very lucky to have three hosts that have been operating their respective B&B’s for over 20 years in the east end of the city.  Murphy’s Manor is located in a safe, quiet neighbourhood within walking distance of the waterfront and a short drive from the downtown and the highway.  Pat is the hostess with the mostest and offers full or continental breakfasts indoors or on the patio.  Her guests have been so enchanted several have written her poems about their stay.  The Painted Door is a quaint bungalow decorated with antiques that has a large yard and garden.  It is a short walk to Eastway Shopping Plaza, the lake, Paletta Lakefront Park and to public transit.  Host Marjorie really enjoys having company and cooking for her guests.  Arlene is the owner of Cedarcroft B&B, a country style home in the heart of the city.  Located just blocks from the waterfront and within a short drive of the downtown, shopping malls and highway access.  Guests can enjoy breakfast in the bright and cheery sunroom that overlooks the patio and yard with lovely stone walkways and mature trees.  Arlene often has corporate and extended stay guests offering a home away from home experience.

Creekside

Creekside B&B is located adjacent to Roseland Creek and opposite a soccer field and children’s play area in north Burlington.   This B&B is ideal for families with amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub and recreation room available for guest use.  Owners Steve and Lin have hosted many friends and family from Britain over the years and now have opened their home as a B&B.  They have lovingly upgraded their home with a two bedroom guest suite on the lower level and well appointed rooms.  They also offer guests a unique camping experience by renting out and setting up tent trailers in local campgrounds.  The revenue generated through this B&B is used to support Steve and Lin’s daughter Marianne in her dream to be among the top woman snowboarders in the World.  She is a member of the Canadian National Snowboard team and right now is ranked #2 in Canada! 

Maple Leaf Manor

North Burlington is bordered by the Niagara Escarpment which is an Unesco World Biosphere Reserve and offers wonderful views of the countryside and great hiking along the Bruce Trail.  There are two B&B’s located in this area within a short drive or ride to conservation areas and along beautiful Bronte Creek.  Maple Leaf Manor is actually built in the shape of a maple leaf and is a 8,000 sq. ft country estate surrounded by 25 acres with panoramic views of the escarpment, ponds and the river valley.  With a pool, sauna, huge foyer, fireplace, upper level party room and pool table, it is a perfect place for special gatherings including intimate weddings.  Owners Harry and Dolly provide guests with a full country breakfast in the dining room or outside on the patio.  Daughter Deepar is a make-up and jewellery artist who can also support guests with their event.  Right next door is Mount Nemo Lookout a 22 acre property with a small lake, surrounded by woodlands and overlooking the river valley.  At this B&B guests can hike the trails, canoe, sit around a campfire and enjoy sunsets from their suite.  Host Evy is a former meteorologist and encourages guests to learn about enjoy the nature that surrounds her unique setting.  These two B&B’s have worked together to host larger family groups in the same vicinity.

All of the B&B’s in Burlington have internet and most offer extended stay rates and take bookings all year.  The owners are well versed in things to see and do in the area from taking our Tourism Ambassador Training and are happy to help you plan activities while you are here in the city.  You should check their listings to see additional details about their accommodations, the types of rooms they offer, restrictions etc.  We have a B&B summary in our visitor guide that you may find helpful and also have set up a B&B map on googlemaps.

Tourism Burlington organizes meetings semi-annually with all the operators so that they can network, help each other with promotion, share stories, enjoy home-baked goodies and learn about what’s new in Burlington to enhance their guests stay.  Often these meetings are hosted by the B&B’s so that everyone is familiar with each operator and their accommodations so they feel comfortable referring guests to one another if they don’t have vacancies or are away.  This is such a fun, social group that these meetings always are enjoyable.  Together we produce a B&B flyer annually listing all the locations.  One of our operators has also set up a website just for the Burlington B&B’s called Bed and Breakfast Burlington. 

We hope you have enjoyed getting an inside look at our B&B’s and that you decide to stay at one or several of these in the future or encourage your friends and family to come to a beautiful Burlington B&B. 

tourburlgirl