The Burlington Ontario Chocolate Trail

Burlington is a city that has many wonderful things to offer. Restaurants, shows, lakes and shopping – it’s no wonder so many have fallen in love with it. While I knew that Burlington offered a variety of activities, I was shocked to find out that they also offered a Chocolate Trail. For a self-proclaimed chocoholic like myself, I have to admit that upon hearing the news, I almost broke into song and dance.

Reaching across the entire city, this trail has vendors inviting you to taste their sinfully sweet desserts. It’s a tour that can fill an entire day.  Eating chocolate all day long? I felt like I had just won Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.

My friend and sweet tooth sidekick, Ashley joined me on this delicious venture.

Our first stop of the day was Sweetness Bakery located in downtown Burlington. A nut-free bakery, this little slice of heaven specializes in cupcakes, custom cakes and other baked goods. They even have Food Trucks that can be spotted about town on a regular basis. Who needs an ice cream truck when you can chase cupcakes instead?

While at SB, Ashley and I sampled their Brownie Explosion cupcake. This cupcake will Change. Your. Life.  Not only is it a delicious chocolate cupcake with beautifully whipped chocolate icing on top (which has also been infused into the center of the cupcake), but it’s also topped with a chunk of brownie drizzled in chocolate sauce. If that doesn’t make you drool, the sheer size of it will. When being presented with this chocolate delight, Ashley and I both had our eyes widen and stomachs growl.  Because this dessert is large in terms of height, it did take us a minute to figure out how to even take the first bite. After deciding there was no lady-like manner to accomplish this task, we simply cut one in half and dove in. I’d be lying if I said chocolate wasn’t covering our faces.

After parting ways with Sweetness Bakery and seriously craving the world’s tallest glass of milk, we stopped in next at Blair Lancaster Spa for their chocolate pedicure treatment. Having never heard of a chocolate pedicure in my life, I have to say that my interest was peaked.

First off, for those that have never been to Blair Lancaster Spa, let me tell you, you’re in for a treat. This cozy spa is extremely inviting to walk into. After picking out our pedicure nail polish from a mass selection, we were asked to sit down in shiatsu massage chairs while warm neck wraps were prepped for us. In between my chair and Ashley’s, chocolate treats awaited us as well as chocolate chai tea. Yummy. From there, our feet were soaked in a fabulous bubble bath infused with chocolate herbs to help detox our bodies. Once relaxed and exfoliated, our legs and feet were given a luxurious massage.  Let me tell you, after that, I never wanted to leave. Ever. From there, our feet were groomed and our selections of hot red and pink were painted on our toes. The entire process took an hour and a half and was heavenly from start to finish.

Having forgotten to bring appropriate footwear after the pedicure, Ashley and I waddled our way over to Red Canoe Bistro in spa flip-flops to grab a bite to eat and taste the dessert offered as part of the chocolate trail. A cozy and intimate restaurant, Red Canoe Bistro was the perfect place to retreat to on the rainy day we were having. Treated to rich, indulgent main courses (gourmet mac n’ cheese anyone?), the dessert equally matched. We were served chocolate espresso brownie. Rich, moist and topped with a berry – it was the perfect sinfully sweet dessert. I’m pretty sure each bite taken induced an eyes widening, ‘can you believe how good this is?’ look at each other. Everything in Red Canoe is made fresh to order also, making everything we ate taste that much better. The service was also extremely personable and quick – always a bonus in any restaurant. This place is a must visit if you’ve never been.

Next on the agenda was Cupid’s Cupcakes, a boutique that takes pride in using no

preservatives in their baked goods. This charming place offers catering and online ordering. The sample that Ashley and I picked up was their princess cupcake, a chocolate cupcake with a strawberry purée icing and sprinkles. The strawberry purée that had been infused in the icing was phenomenal – unlike anything else I’d tried before. It was fresh, sweet and surprising to the taste buds! It won both of us over instantly. While we only split a mini cupcake (as we were stuffed from lunch), if we had larger appetites, many more cupcakes would have been devoured. This boutique features a different flavors everyday and has a large calendar up on the wall as you walk in so you can schedule which flavours you’d like to sample as they’re made during the week. As much of what they have is made fresh daily, if you purchase cupcakes that are a day old you receive 25% off, or 50% if they are two days old – a sweet deal!

Following our cupcake sampling, we were off to Mrs. B’s Gifthouse – one of my favourites of the day.   When walking through the front door, you’re not only welcomed by the incredibly delightful staff, but are instantly carried away by the warm, gooey scents of chocolate and fresh biscotti baking in the back. Ushered to the back, we were shown the famous biscotti – what the store is known for.  Explaining I hadn’t been a fan of biscotti in past because of it’s hard texture, Mr. B immediately said that I must try theirs. It was sensational. Not only did it taste delicious, but it was soft, chocolate coated and melted in my mouth. Heaven. I’d never tried one like that before! Theirs are always made fresh daily and have a faithful following in the community.  Those that stop in for fresh biscotti everyday also get a cup of coffee on the house.  It’s the perfect pairing! My delight with this boutique didn’t stop there. In addition to the fresh baked goods, candies and gift baskets are also made to order. The candy, I had to sample. Fresh licorice dipped in milk chocolate and sprinkled with caramel. It’s as good as it’s sounds. Marshmallow lollipops and other novel ideas for kids are also scattered throughout the store. The gift baskets too are something to marvel at. Beautifully wrapped and custom filled with goodies from the store, let me tell you, they are the perfect gift. This store is a must-visit.

The last stop on our chocolate trail was Christy’s Gourmet Gifts. Originally mentioned in

our Burlington Gift Guide, this tasty stop is sure to get your taste buds going. While the store offers such sweets at wine and beer brittle (hello!), we sampled the chocolate brittle while in their store. A family run business, they often create gift baskets and treats for corporate clientele. While the wine and beer brittle is out of this world, the chocolate brittle was just as delicious. The homemade recipe melts in your mouth. Literally. When having it, the Lays slogan of, “Bet you can’t just have one” comes to mind.

The Burlington Chocolate Trail was everything I was hoping for and more. Ashley and I had a fabulous time touring some of the delicious spots this trail has to offer and recommend highly that you try it also.  All that is required of this fabulous day is a deep love of chocolate and a life-sized glass of milk.

For more information see www.burlingtonchocolatetrail.ca. The trail features five artisan food producers with a wide variety of chocolate treats; three chocolatiers making amazing creations; two restaurants featuring decadent desserts and two spas where you can relax with a luxurious chocolate treatment.

Guest Blogger

Christie Ressel

Christie is an International Image Consultant, Editor, and expert shopper that helps women find their own signature style. She is the Editor­in-Chief for FashionTranslated.com. She and her company, Personal Power Image http://www.personalpowerimage.com) are regularly featured in the media and press such as CosmoTV, Chatelaine Magaine, Huffington Post, Lucky Magazine, and more. Having delivered hundreds of lectures and interviews across North America on style and fashion, and seen even more closets --  she is the go to fashion and style expert.

Family Day in Burlington Ontario

No matter what the weather is on February 18th, there are lots of great activities to enjoy on Family Day.  You can spend time in Burlington or the surrounding area and be sure that the little ones have no reason to say “I’m bored.”

If the snow remains you can dig out those toboggans, ski’s, skates, or snowshoes, blow off the dust and put them to good use.  The Conservation Halton parks are a great place to hike, bird watch, enjoy nature, and use those snow toys. Please check individual park sites to find out what activities are available at each location.

Have you ever heard of Snowsnake?  I honestly had no idea what this was when it was first mentioned to me, but I found out that this is a traditional Iroquoian game taking place at Crawford Lake Conservation Area as part of their Snowflakes & Snowsnakes event.  This unique event includes winter survival hikes, legends in the longhouse, hemlock tea tasting, and much more.

If you are more interested in an event that includes snuggling up and keeping warm, you can head to Mountsberg Conservation Area for Tales by a Winter Fire starting at 10am. You will be able to toboggan, hike, and enjoy an outdoor bonfire and if you prefer not to trek through the woods, relax on a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride being offered ($) through the fields and forest. 

Glen Eden offers tubing, fresh slopes, and even nighttime lighting for those of us who want to sleep in.  Although I am not much of a skier, I was able to master the bunny hill at Glen Eden.  If you are looking for a challenge or just trying something new it is it is well worth it, with their Discover Skiing and Snowboarding packages, this is a day of fun which is easy to organize.

Bronte Creek is always an inviting location to spend the morning, afternoon, or evening!  With the Olympic-sized outdoor rink you can lace up your skates and enjoy the pleasure of skating outside from 9am-9:30pm.  I personally love this because my friends enjoy skating while I am more of a watcher.  No matter how many times I try, I can never seem to get the hang of things, which ends up with me falling down constantly.  So instead, I’d rather sit and sip on a cup of hot chocolate, while they enjoy themselves.  With heated change rooms, washrooms, music, skate rentals, farm and play barn open from 9am-4pm, this is something that both friends and family can enjoy together.  Sometimes I even bring my dog, Nyssa, to run free in the leash free areas.  She is just as much a part of my family as my younger sister! 

The Rotary Centennial Pond offers a stunning view of the waterfront to enjoy while you skate.  Public skating is open daily from 10am-10pm depending on the weather. Don’t worry if the weather is not looking great for outside skating, The Appleby Ice Centre will be open with drop in programs for the entire family.  Check the website for skate types and times.

If you prefer the indoors, why not spend some time at the pool.  Pull out the swimsuits, goggles, and nose plugs and splash around in the water with public swimming at Aldershot Pool or Angela Coughlan Pool. Check the website for swim types and times.

Have your kids saying “RARW” at the Royal Botanical Gardens – Battle of the Titans.  Visitors can learn about paleontology, see a Tyrannosaurus Rex/ Triceratops life size diorama, play dress up, see dino prints, or try the digital dig pit. On February 17^th & 18^th Dr. Phil Manning, an internationally renowned dinosaur hunter from the University of Manchester will be on-hand to answer any of your questions on these prehistoric creatures.  The RBG is an affordable day out at only $30.50 for a family of four.  Once you’ve had the opportunity to see through dino-vision and learn about dino-diets, you will likely become “dino-hungry.”  The Garden Café at the RBG is featuring a Family Day Feast feeds two adults and two children and includes a salad, entrée and drink for only $30 + HST. (reservations are recommended).

For those that are more dramatically inclined be sure to get your tickets for Sing-a-long A Sound of Music at the Burlington Performing Art Centre. This interactive screening event is complimented with onscreen lyrics, props, costumes, and vocal warm-ups.  Be sure to visit the website to get a real feel for this cool interactive event and for ticket information.  

If you need a little extra incentive to get out of bed on the 18^th, the Burlington Chocolate Trail is a delectable treasure path Take your teen, best girlfriend or a special individual out to enjoy some decadent treats on this self-guided trail.  Is there anything better then spending the day with a little self enjoyment and chocolate - I don’t think so! 

Don’t worry about finding somewhere to eat on your day out, the restaurants of Burlington are always offering tasty meals. If you are looking for a prix fixe dining experience be sure to try one of more of the 23 restaurants participating in the Taste of Burlington from February 17 – March 10, 2013. 

Tourism Burlington will be open on Family Day from 9am-4pm,  and we are always available on the web, via Facebook or Twitter.

Whatever your plans are this Family Day we hope you enjoy your time together!

TourBurlGrl2

Theatre & Performing Arts abound in Burlington

Photo Courtesy of Al Pettman

If you weren’t able to get out and see a local performance during the holidays or if you did and that inspired you to see more, we have good news for you…there is some great entertainment planned in the city in 2013.  Some of our tourism team enjoyed performances this fall such as Wrong for Each Other at Burlington Theatre, and the TSO Brass at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.  We thoroughly enjoyed these experiences and especially liked that they were hosted in our own backyard. 

I admit to being the first in line when the box office opened to buy Nelly Furtado tickets a few weeks ago. It is fabulous that a multi-award winning Canadian artist is going to be playing locally in such an intimate setting.  Plus I have method in my madness, I convince my better half to go out for dinner prior to the show at one of the amazing eateries.  Some restaurants actually offer pre-show dinner specials, check out the details on our Tourism Burlington site. 

Photo Courtesy of Dan Banko Media

We have a number of theatre companies and performance groups in Burlington that present shows on a regular basis including Aldershot Players, Burlington Teen Tour & Concert Bands, Burlington Student Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Theatre Burlington, Koogle Theatre Company and Tottering BiPed Theatre.  The shows we are aware of for the next few months are featured below but we would suggest that you check out the websites for more events and activities as they become confirmed.  These theatres are also looking for volunteers to help them stage their productions.

In addition to these companies and groups, several local clubs and restaurants feature entertainment on selected days.  Refer to our entertainment page on the website, follow our social media and sign up for our free enewsletter for more details.  By the way, our visitor Enews is sent 5x/year and highlights events and activities in the Burlington area and is a great resource to plan your family activities or when you have visiting friends and family and are looking for things to do.  Another good local resource is the events calendar located on the City of Burlington website. 

So check out all the great activities listed below and treat yourself or someone close to you to a great experience. 

What’s On in Burlington

28         Nelly Furtado - With hits such as “I'm Like A Bird”, “Promiscuous”, and “Maneater”, Nelly Furtado is a household name and Canadian superstar. She has earned numerous awards including 2 Grammy Awards, 10 Juno Awards, 3 MuchMusic Video Awards, and a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. Nelly is currently on her The Spirit Indestructible tour which celebrates her fifth album by the same name. BPAC

February

1-Mar 9 32^nd Music Hall – Music, vaudeville, Comedy.  Drury Lane Theatre

1-3, 8-10, 14-16           

Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams - Aging Louisiana aristocrat, Violet Venables, plots to silence her traumatized niece Catharine Holly (featuring Natalie a travel counsellor at  Tourism Burlington!) from sullying the family's honour with her mad tale of the death of cousin Sebastian.  Theatre Burlington      

1          Taj Mahal Trio - A self-taught singer-songwriter and film composer who plays the guitar, banjo and harmonica Taj Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music by fusing it with non-traditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific. BPAC

2          The Beatlemaniacs turn imagination into reality, bringing The Beatles back together in a fully produced live reunion concert! The Beatlemaniacs are the only group to reunite The Fab Four in a one of a kind post-Beatles experience, including several of the band’s solo album hits never performed live as “The Beatles.” BPAC

3          Jake’s Gift - An award-winning and fiercely moving one-woman play, Jake’s Gift chronicles a World War II veteran’s journey back to Juno Beach to find the grave of a brother who never returned home. Inspired by her own visit to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, gifted actress and playwright Julia Mackey absorbs audiences in her amazing transformations, seamlessly shifting between four distinct characters including a cantankerous – though warm-hearted – veteran and a precocious 10-year-old French girl. Jake’s Gift is emotionally restrained, yet heartfelt – a profoundly moving hour of must-see theatre.

7          Ballet BC - Ballet BC has a distinctive style that is both bold and innovative.  The company consists of a select group of 15 dancers with exceptional classical and contemporary dance training.  BPAC

14         Alex*Cuba - Latin Grammy Award winner and two-time Juno Award winner, Alex*Cuba has a soulful vocal style and lyrical poetry that are only matched by his brilliant and unique guitar skills. BPAC

            Scarlett Deva Antaloczy - Come and a Valentine's concert filled with love songs that touch and inspire in a warm and intimate setting with tables and delicious desserts. Great familiar and original music in a variety of styles and languages. BPAC

16         Abba and the BeeGees - Recreation of ABBA and BEEGEES in Concert back by popular demand.  BPAC.

18         Sing-a-long A Sound of Music - Join in and sing along at this fun-filled interactive screening event of the The Sound of Music complete with onscreen lyrics, props, costumes and vocal warm-ups. BPAC

22         Amazing Grace - The Elmer Iseler Singers, a twenty-voice professional chamber choir, is one of Canada’s most illustrious professional choral ensembles. They are joined by the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada’s first professional choral group dedicated to Afrocentric music of all styles. BPAC 

24         Burlington’s Women’s Show Ticket includes complimentary food and drink samples, fashion, beauty, fitness and fun. Event highlights include: Nicole Manek, from Slice Channel’s Make Me Over, Make Me Under, as our fashion show host and a health seminar hosted by Leigh Ann de Jonge. BPAC

26         Ladysmith Black Mambazo - With hot-running rhythms, rich harmonies and rigorous dance routines, South Africa’s a-cappella sensation delivers a message of hope, peace and unity that resonates with listeners around the globe. BPAC

March

1          Symphony on the Bay - A. Gilliland: Dreaming of the Masters I: A Jazz Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (2003), with James Campbell (clarinet) F. Schubert: Symphony #8 in B minor, D.759, "Unfinished" W.A. Mozart: Concerto for Clarinet in A major, K.622, with James Campbell (clarinet)

6          Coleman & Lemieux- Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie proudly present AllOneWord, an evening of dance works from acclaimed Canadian choreographer James Kudelka. BPAC

8          Scrap Arts Music - The original, beats-driven music uses more than 100 mobile sculptural instruments that are hand-built from recycled materials ranging from accordion parts, to aluminum scraps and even artillery shells. BPAC

14         Jamie Adkins - Whether he’s juggling a lemon on his body, jumping into a cardboard box to see if he can, or balancing for dear life on the slack rope, Jamie’s skill with his materials and his sense of humor are sure to delight and entertain the whole family. BPAC

17         Georgy Tchaidze -Calgary's prestigious Honens International Piano Competition is among the world’s most respected events of its kind and once every three years it discovers and launches a star. Georgy Tchaidze, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, was the First Laureate in 2009. He has since performed for the Governor General of Canada and made his stunning debut recording on the Honens label while in residence at The Banff Centre. Don’t miss this bright, young, talent. BPAC

20         Bowfire - Stringing together one show-stopping hit after another, Bowfire is an "All Star Show" of the finest lineup of fiddle and violin virtuosos ever assembled on one stage. BPAC

            Miss Representation - Halton Women’s Place ’s screening of the 2011 documentary, Miss Representation, which examines the media’s portrayal of women and how it leads to a lack of female representation in position of power. BPAC

April

12-13, 18-20, 25-27

Tuesdays with Morrie - An ever so human story of a young journalist's love and respect for an old and dying man. Accidentally catching a TV interview with erstwhile teacher and mentor, Morrie Schwartz, Mitch learns the man is battling Lou Gehrig's disease, and decides to reconnect with him after sixteen years. A simple visit becomes a weekly pilgrimage each Tuesday that gradually evolves into disarming lessons in the meaning, the wit, the survival, of life. Burlington Theatre

13        Gruffalo - Animated with songs, laughter and scary fun, young audiences happily join Mouse as he walks confidently through the woods scaring away otherwise hungry animals with tall tales of a terrifying Gruffalo. BPAC

14        Duo Rendezvous celebrates Paris, the romantic inspiration of Europe, and a program featuring music by the composers who made Paris their home in the early 1900s. Jasper Wood and Daniel Bolshoy, two leading Canadian performers, formed as a result of a great demand for a refreshing and passionate chamber ensemble. BPAC

18        The Piano Men: Starring Jim Witter –The show is set entirely to the music of Elton John and Billy Joel. Jim, featured on grand piano, makes no attempt to mimic his heroes, but rather uses the familiar arrangements, and his phenomenal singing ability to evoke their music. BPAC

24        Good Lovelies - Funny and upbeat with just a pinch of sass, the Good Lovelies’ textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping and witty on-stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape. The Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award winning band is comprised of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore. BPAC

25         Natalie MacMaster - Cape Breton fiddle virtuoso Natalie MacMaster presents her signature East Coast sound for an evening of irresistible toe-tapping tunes from her latest album, Cape Breton Girl. BPAC

TourBurlGrl

Burlington, Ontario and area…a Golfers Paradise

Okay I need to fess up right from the start.  I am not a golfer.  However, I can appreciate those of you who can’t wait to get out on the links, enjoy the challenge of the game, the fresh air, the camaraderie of playing with your friends and getting some great exercise. 

So in order to write this blog, I needed a little help from my golfing colleagues.  We arranged to have one of our summer students Greg take a golf lesson at Tyandaga the municipal course in the city to get some great golf tips.  I also asked some local golfers things like: what is their favorite hole, who has a great pro shop, is there a tasty menu item at clubhouses etc.  So this blog is a combination of all those experiences to help you determine which course(s) are best suited to you.

Burlington has nine courses located within our city limits and each one offers unique golf experiences.    North of the urban buzz are a number of course nestled in the escarpment with beautiful views and challenges holes.

Burlington Springs was built in 1962 by CPGA pro Larry Bunkowsky and is the proud home of LPGA Touring Professional Barb Bunkowsky-Scherbak.  This is a well-kept 18-hole semi-private course with no initiation fee.  It is a forgiving course which is easy to play and moves well so you can play fairly quickly. It is a par 72 with a total of 6,582 yards on the gold tees.  This affordably priced course also  welcomes tournaments with a

capacity of 175 diners, plus offers golf lessons, and a pro shop. 

Camisle Golf claims to be Burlington’s only mid-length course and features two separate pay as you play courses, the original 9 hole course (Par 34 – 3000 yds) and the 18 hole (Par 69 – 5053 yds) Land of Legend course.  They have 3 licensed patios, a pro shop and can host tournaments for up to 100 golfers.  This year they are celebrating 41 years in operation and are the home to winter golf (on mild winter days with minimal snow they will be open!)  A great course to take beginner golfers as it is less adventurous and you can play straight down the middle (unless you golf like me!).

Crosswinds is the newest golf course in our area designed by Robert Stevens and located between Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point.  The course is aptly named as directional winds change your shot and means changing clubs on most holes adding an extra challenge.  With fabulous views of the escarpment on every one of their 18 holes, it has a very attractive layout.  The course is a par 72 with 7240 yards, the longest course in Burlington.  The island green on a windy day is always a test for every golfer.  It has won many awards including the Post Readers Choice Diamond Award, Voted Top 10 “Best Bang for your Buck” by Ontario Golf Magazine in 2009 and 2011, Top 50 in Ontario voted by Ontario Golf Magazine 2011, Platinum Award Burlington Readers Choice for Banquet Hall and Up! Magazine Top 10 Value Courses in Canada in 2010.  You can buy passes or green fees, they do not offer memberships. Amenities include a pub, restaurant, patio, driving range and pro shop. It is known as a challenging course with lots of sand and water traps to keep you on your toes.  Staff are friendly and help ensure efficient play on the course.

Hidden Lake opened in 1962 and was formerly known as Lake Medad Golf and Country Club. Purchased in 1979 by the current ownership, the course was renamed the Hidden Lake Golf Club after the lake that flows alongside the holes of the “Old Course".  Home of the Canadian Open Qualifier, there are two championship courses that cover over 500 acres. The courses are rated roughly the same (71/6743/6712) so you can play the Old one day and the New the next!  They also have a complete practice facility (you can see it on the drive in) and a large pro shop and banquet facilities for up to 260 people – a great tournament location.  This year they have just added silver tees on both courses at a distance of 4,000 yards to bring the fun back to golf.  It is quite a challenging course with holes that are located very close together, so heads up!  Favourite holes mentioned were 15 on the old course the new courses. 

Lowville is a sister course to Hidden Lake and is known for its rolling hills and breathtaking views of the countryside and Toronto.  Opened in 1973, the course was transformed in 1998 by architect Dick Kirkpatrick.  In 2005 a beautiful new clubhouse was opened that can accommodate banquets of up to 150 people.  They have a well stocked pro shop, offer lessons and welcome tournaments.  A cart is a must on this challenging course and you need to watch out for hidden shots.  They have an All you can Play Every Day promotion – play as many holes as you like for one green fee.  This course topped the list of the Toronto Star Bogey Man, receiving most scenic and most improved club honours.

Indian Wells is nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mt. Nemo and has fantastic views of both the escarpment and the GTA.  Opened in 1973, the Toronto Sun has presented the course the Silver Award in the category of "Best Value Golf Course in the GTA", in both 2011 and 2012.  It is a nicely laid out par 71 championship length (6,402 yds) course with dramatic elevation changes..  The front nine challenges the golfer with ponds coming into play on six holes, and the back nine presents narrow fairways and deep mature forests.  The 16th hole has been called “The Greater Toronto Area’s Supreme Short Par 4” by The Toronto Star’s Bogey Man. It is one of the prettiest and toughest holes at Indian Wells. On site they have a pro shop, patios and clubhouse that has a dining room and private meeting rooms so you can combine business with pleasure.

There are three courses in the urban centre of Burlington that are convenient to both residents and have easy highway access for visitors.

Millcroft Golf Club is a par 70, 5,890 yard semi-private course which challenges golfers of all playing abilities.  This is a beautiful Florida-style course that meanders through a residential neighbourhood and is a great course to walk.    It has been awarded Burlington's "BEST GOLF COURSE" for the last 10 yrs. by the Burlington Post Reader's Choice Awards.  This course is more challenging than it looks and rewards an accurate game.  You don’t have to hit a long ball but it better be straight! They offer annual memberships with no entry fees and playing privileges at Indian Wells Golf Club.  In addition they provide golf lessons and junior clinics to help develop your game.  A pro shop, dining room with patio and welcome tournaments for up to 144 golfers.

Tyandaga Municipal Golf Course is a 71 par, 5,756 yard course situated in the heart of the city of Burlington, and offers golfers the convenience of an urban course coupled with the atmosphere of a rural setting. Tyandaga's natural contours, waterways and broad leaf woods create a unique and challenging golfing experience that will stretch your skills. This is a pretty, mature course that winds its way through homes and has nice views of the city and lake.  This 18 hole course offers memberships and green fees, golf clinics, lessons and junior golf programs plus can host tournament play.  

The Burlington Golf and Country Club was established in 1922 and is a private 18-hole course located on Burlington bay in the centre of the city.  It is a par 71, 6,470 yd course that is nicely laid out and beautifully manicured.  Hole 17 is a great challenge and presents picturesque lake views.  The golf club includes a pro-owned golf shop, a state-of-the-art practice facility with an enclosed driving range, world-class short game practice area and teaching facility. The spectacular new clubhouse opened in 2009 with banquet and meeting rooms, outdoor patios and BBQ’s many overlooking the bay.  The club also has a curling facility which has hosted the Ontario and Canadian Mixed Curling Championships.  Their meeting/banquet facilities are available for public bookings.

As I mentioned, I am not a golf enthusiast so I recruited Greg, Summer Travel Counsellor and renewed golf enthusiast to head to the course for a lesson.

"As we arrived to Tyandaga Municipal Golf Course this past Thursday, on the hottest day of the year, I pulled my dust covered golf bag from the truck bed, trying to remember how long it had been since I had last swung a club. It was clear Supervisor of Golf Operations Brad Weake had the odds stacked against him in giving me a lesson on my game. Nonetheless, he was up for the challenge, and away we went to the range.

Brad had me start off with a few practice swings, followed by a couple hacks which ended with the ball no further than where it had started. However, with a few minor tweaks, adjusting my hand position, shortening my back swing and keeping low as I followed through, progress was gradually made. Within 20 minutes, Brad's tips and feedback led to the development of consistent, straight shots. My pitching wedge, which most likely could have been thrown further than hit, was now going straighter than ever, and 120 yards. Brad's teaching allowed me to focus solely on a couple things at a time, and as lessons progress, more and more coaching would be added, as not to overload your mind. And of course, no coach would be a coach, if there wasn't a final emphasis on PRACTICE. Getting out to practice these tips is essential to keeping them in your swing, and not reverting back to old habits.

The lesson immensely improved both my confidence and passion for the game of golf. After all, why be frustrated with your game, when there are opportunities with such skilled professionals as Brad, who you can learn from? As the saying goes, a bad day on the golf course is still better than a good day at work…unless of course, you work at Tourism, where you get the best of both worlds!"

A golf index is located in our visitor guide on page 21 for easy reference plus we have golf information on our website.

Did you know that just minutes away in nearby Oakville the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame & Museum celebrate the game of golf with interactive activities and exhibits.  Located on the grounds of the world famous Glen Abbey Golf Course.

Enjoy your summer on the links!

TourBurlGrl and Friends