March Break in Burlington

With March Break just around the corner, there is lots to do in Burlington.  This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy activities and events together.  It seems as if many families will be enjoying some “fun in the sun,” however if you are planning on staying in the area its time to start planning your “stay-cation.”  This is the perfect time to become a tourist in your hometown.  

While I was growing up on my family farm, every winter my father would bring my siblings and I out to the bush, tap the maple trees, and collect the sap.  This experience was very exciting as I was able to be outside “working” along side my dad, even though sometimes I would get stuck in the mud.  This was definitely an unforgettable educational experience from start to finish.  With maple sugar just flowing from the trees, many delicious treats are waiting for you!  Start off your morning with maple syrup on pancakes for breakfast, and continue the experience to one of the many festivals in Burlington/Halton. 

If you missed breakfast, or want seconds, Bronte Creek Provincial Park allows you to take a wagon ride to a heated pancake house.  Here you can enjoy delicious hotcakes, as well as sausages and pure maple syrup, served throughout the festival hours. YUM!  Take a stroll down Maple Lane where people dressed in 1890s costumes will demonstrate how trees are tapped.  The maple syrup festivities are open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekend in March and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily through March Break.  From start to finish the Maple Syrup Festival allows everyone to view artifacts and purchase some delicious goodies.  Visit the parks website for more information and admission rates.

At Conservation Halton during weekends, holidays and March Break both Mountsberg and Crawford Lake are both featuring Maple Syrup Festivals.  At Mountsberg, explore the sugar bush through modern and historic eyes.  Maple Towne allows you to see the tapping, collection and boiling of the sap.  Maple candy making sessions and horse-drawn wagon rides ($) through the bush are also offered. Stop at the Pancake Pavilion for a plate of flap jacks covered in pure maple syrup!  While in this Sweet Water Season, Crawford Lake Conservation Area is offering complimentary samples of cornbread, dipped with pure maple syrup.  Taste taffy on snow with maple syrup, for a new experience.  Just make sure you aren’t grabbing any yellow snow!  The 15^th century Iroquoian Village and reconstructed Longhouses are open for exploring with FREE craft making and a discovery hunt with prizes.  The 19km of hiking trails with boardwalks around Crawford Lake make this location perfect for a whole day outing.

Aside from having 14 runs and lessons over the March Break, Glen Eden has some of the best skiing and riding hills in Burlington! If you are someone who wants to learn the basics, Discover Lessons are the best way to get the bang for your buck, check out the rates for this years March Madness.  All you have to do is come dressed in warm outdoor winter clothing, and prepare yourself for some fun! Check their website for more information as well as current conditions before you head out to the slopes. 

The Royal Botanical Gardens has just the right thing to get you eager to explore some history.  Bring the family out to see the Battle of the Titans with Tyrannosaurus Rex/Triceratops life size dioramas as you learn about paleontology.  The kids can play dress up, see dino prints, or even try the digital dig pit.  On Sunday March 17^th enjoy a Prehistoric Brunch at The Gardens Café.  If you are a carnivore or herbivore the Gardens Café is sure to cook up something delicious for brunch.  Children aged 4-10 are $12, adults are $20, while children under 4 eat FREE.

There is always something to do at the Museums of Burlington and embrace some local history.  Ireland House at Oakridge Farm interprets the lives of the Ireland family and offers Pinoneer Pastimes throughout the week.  Here your kids will be able to learn about life during the Pioneer era.  Each day has a different theme with single day participation or multi-day ($).  February was Heritage month, and I visited Joseph Brant Museum with Shelby, a co-op student from MMR High School.  Both Shelby and I had a wonderful experience viewing the different displays.  During the March break at Joseph Brant, Kreative Kids allows young ones to learn about all the different arts and crafts with creativity as their guide and with different daily themes ($).  You will also be able to explore the museums exhibits and displays during your visit.

The Burlington Art Centre always has something interesting going on!  I personally love going into the centre once a new exhibit is on, just to get a little inspiration.  Lini Grol: The history and art of Paper Cutting is starting on March 8^th and running until May 12^th.  Who knew that paper cutting is an intricate and ancient art form?  Lini Grol has been creating and exhibiting her paper cutting artwork for over 50 years, and now the Burlington Art Centre will be showcasing her work.  Although I didn’t find my artistic side until I started high school, I did always have a soft spot for the arts.   The best part is admission is always FREE!

Whether it is reading classic books together or signing out DVD’s, there always seems to be a reason to stop at one of Burlington’s Public Libraries.  Try something new or just spend a wonderful afternoon together over a good book!  For a complete list of events and times, check out the BPL website. 

If you are one of the many parents that have to work over the March Break, there are so many day camps available around the city.  From sports to art, there is something for every child as young as 3 years old.  

The City of Burlington offers day camps, drop-in programs, and full week experiences.  There's nothing like dropping by the gym and enjoying some family recreation time together.  Preschoolers can play on the equipment as well as with the toys, while others can play some soccer or even shoot some hoops.  Just don’t forget those indoor running shoes!  There is always an opportunity to keep active by participating in one of the many programmes, such as Drop in Family Gym, Babysitting, and March Break Blasts.  Check out the RecExpress for more detailed information.

The Performing Arts Centre has a line up of exciting shows over the March Break.  On March 14^th the Circus Incognitus featuring Jamie Adkins is a man who has something to say, but can’t seem to get it quite out.  He might be juggling, jumping into a cardboard box, or balancing on a rope.  Jamie’s skills and humor will be enough entertainment for the entire family. Admission for youth will be $16 while adults are $25.  Enjoy the show! 

Burlington Arts Centre – offering a wide array of Art & Craft Classes for adults and children.  Registration is now open!  Call 905.632.7796 ext. 307 to register or for more information.

Burlington Gymnastics Club – offers full and half day programs with gymnastics training and additional care.

Cedar Spring Health & Racquet Club – ideal for juniors and tiny tots looking for fun and fitness.

Prestige Circus and Gymnastics School – a perfect way for new or interested children to try circus and gymnastics. 

Aside from the various day camps or drop in programs, there is always something to do!  Whatever you choose to do over the week we hope you have fun.  Remember that the Tourism Burlington Visitor Centre is open all week from 9am-4pm, or contact us on twitter and facebook.

TourBurlGrl2

Celebrate both Sports and Culture in Burlington

The week of September 24-30 is a busy one across Canada and here in Burlington as we are celebrating both National Sports Day and Culture Days. 

In Burlington we are so fortunate to have a thriving sports and cultural community which has helped establish our city as the 2^nd best place to live and raise kids in Canada. 

Sports Week and National Sports Day

Sports Day in Canada held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 is a national celebration of sport, from grassroots to high-performance levels, in communities across the country. Sports Day in Canada is presented by CBC Sports, ParticipACTION and True Sport and is guided by a committee of national sporting organizations and their networks of coaches, athletes and enthusiasts across the country. It’s an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the power of sport to build community, fortify our national spirit and facilitate healthy, active living.

The Burlington Sport Alliance (BSA) has planned a week full of activities to promote sport participation.  They kicked off the week by hosting a Time Out Sport Networking luncheon on Monday Sept. 24 where they had two inspiring guest speakers.  Dr. Greg Wells was a CTV 2012 Olympic Commentator, Superbodies Segments – scientist & extreme human physiologist,  and author of Superbodies – Peak Performance Secrets from the World’s Best Athletes.  Kerry Goulet  was a former pro hockey player, and is founder of stopconcussions.com – an educational website to raise awareness of the impact of concussions on youth and co-author with former NHL player Keith Primeau of Concussed.  I enjoyed the tips and messages from both speakers and picked up the book on concussions for my husband and son who are minor hockey coaches.  Also this week Kicks For Kids will be having an Open House on Wednesday Sept. 26th, 2012 from 6 – 8 p.m. 

Tansley Woods Pool

The BSA is encouraging everyone to wear their sport jackets, or  jerseys to work or school on Friday Sept 28..... celebrating NATIONAL JERSEY DAY.  Let’s make Burlington an even more sport conscience, active city.  Then on Saturday a number of activities are happening to celebrate National Sports Day.  Opening ceremonies will take place in the lobby of Tansley Woods Community Centre at 12:45 p.m. will be followed by a variety of "try-it" activities and sport exhibits for the community to participate in.  Bring the family out to try a new sport or play an old favourite for free.  Learn about the wide range of sport programs and services available in our own community. Leisure swimming at Tansley Woods and skating sessions at Mainway Arena will be open to the public free of charge.

Sports Day Itinerary - September 29th

·         Burlington Sport Hall of Fame – unveiling 10 a.m. 414 Locust St.

·         Mayor’s walk (Mainway Arena to Tansley Woods Community Centre): 12:00 – 12:45 pm

·         Opening Ceremony (Tansley Woods Community Centre): 12:45 – 1:00 pm

·         Tansley Foyer and Community Room 1/2: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Tansley Double Gym: 1:00 – 2:30, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Tansley Pool: 1:30 – 6:00pm

·         Tansley Baseball Diamond: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Tansley Soccer Field: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Mainway Ice pad A: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

---

Culture Days

Whatever your passion or curiosity, indulge it during Culture Days, Canada’s annual country-wide celebration of arts and culture, returning this fall for it’s third edition from Friday, September 28 – Sunday, September 30, 2012.

Culture Days will be celebrated in hundreds of cities and towns from coast to coast to coast, with thousands of free activities from a wide range of disciplines including: visual arts, music, dance, theatre, architecture, heritage, film and video, literature, culinary arts and new media.  1.2 million Canadians participated in over 6,000 activities spanning over 800 communities during Culture Days 2011. The momentum continues to build in year three and participation in Culture Days 2012 is anticipated to surpass last year’s.

In Burlington the major cultural groups have come together to promote a number of cultural activities including:

• ·         ZimSculpt –The award-winning Zimbabwean stone sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt, returns to Royal Botanical Gardens on Friday Sept. 28
• ·         Human Library at Central Library on Saturday Sept. 29 – 11 incredible stories – one unforgettable day.  talk with living books! Select from one of our human 'books'—local people with very interesting stories to tell—for a short loan period at the library. We'll have 'books' for both children and adults
• ·         Tottering Biped at Burlington Art Centre on Saturday Sept. 29 - a community-arts based Earth Day celebration that focuses on community unity, environmental education and cultural exchange.
• ·         Applefest Fall Fair at Ireland House on Sunday Sept. 30 - Have fun with the Fall Harvest Obstacle Course and Games, Pony Rides (12-3pm), Junior Farmer Competitions and Games, Fair-Style Activities, Historic Cooking and Horticultural society arrangements.  There will be animal exhibits and special farm displays! Check out the Trifles & Treasures Bazaar
• ·         Culture Days at The Burlington Performing Arts centre on Sunday Sept. 30 - Music of Elton John, Frankie Valli and Whitney Houston. Buskers, clowns and more
• ·         War of 1812-14 Commemoration plus find Hidden Gems scavenger hunt, and other fun activities at Tourism Burlington all weekend
• ·         Burlington Art Centre Exhibits and Demonstrations all weekend plus Reid Flock and David Thai: Neo Modernism: Burlington Art Centre - 1:30 p.m.

Get out this weekend and enjoy the many free activities organized by local cultural organizations.  For more information visit burlington.ca/culturedays.

TourBurlGrl

John Brant Day celebrates our history and the War of 1812

Summer festivals are always chock full of great entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and local artisans, making them a fun experience for the whole family. And if anyone knows how to make a great summer festival, it’s the Museums of Burlington. Our annual summer events draw huge local area crowds, and offer historical education mixed with family fun. Having already put on a smashing Canada Day Strawberry Social, we are excited to host JohnBrant Day.

Every year on the Civic Holiday, the Museums celebrate the history of one of the city’s founders, Joseph Brant Thayendenaga. Since this year is the 200thAnniversary of the War of 1812, they’ve taken a different approach, focusing on the achievements of John Brant. John Brant was Joseph Brant’s son and an important player in the War of 1812 at the Battle of Queenston Heights, making him the perfect focal point for this year’s festival. In fact you can expect to be able to witness a re-enactment of this battle at John Brant Day complete with War of 1812 historic soldier re-enactors. If you haven't seen something like this before you will be amazed how realistic these guys can make a battle look, smoking guns and all.

The event will have plenty of draw for those with a passion for history. In addition to the battle re-enactments, there will be the chance to experience the life of a soldier with military drills and exercises, a chance to go through a historical militia encampment, Zig Misiak’s Wampum Workshop & 1812 storytelling, the portrayal of Laura Secord and the reenactment of Sir Isaac Brock & John Brant’s meeting (as part of Brock’s Walk that retraces Brock’s historic journey from Fort York to Port Dover in helping save our country). You can check out more about that here

Let’s just say the Museum’s of Burlington know how to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Thanks to significant funding from Canadian Heritage, the Museums have been able to expand their historic militia and War of 1812 encampment to the largest ever; making this War of 1812 spectacle something you won’t want to miss. 

It doesn’t stop there, though - the Museums' team have worked to create a fun filled day with children’s games, inflatables, live parades and entertainment such as The Teen Tour Band, the musical talents of Hoys Totsy, the Sophisticated Swing Big band Orchestra and Blue Stone Cloud Hoop dancing. If that doesn’t seem like enough, there will also be crafts, artisans and vendors, a silent auction, roaming entertainers, face painting, boat rides, balloon twisting, drum circles and so much more. How we’ve managed to fit so much fun into a single day is beyond me, but you should definitely head down and see for yourself. The best part? Admission is FREE!

Remember, John Brant Day is on the Civic Holiday Monday, August 6th, 2012 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at LaSalle Park. Hope to see you there! Oh, and you can take a shuttle from Aldershot High school if the parking lot is full at LaSalle Park – the shuttle will run regularly all day from 10:00 am until 5:30pm!

For more information contact Sylvia, Special Events Programmer, 905-332-9888 -  hentzs@burlington.ca www.museumsofburlington.com

La Salle Park is located at 50 North Shore Blvd. East (at Waterdown Road)

Guest Blogger

Sylvia Hentz

Celebrate Mother's Day in Burlington!

Celebrate Mother's Day in Burlington!

She’s the one who kissed our boo-boos away, lends an ear and is there for us through thick and thin – thanks MOM!  With only a week until Mother’s Day you still have time to plan the perfect celebration for your mom, grandmother or other special lady in your life.  From events to brunch to gift ideas, Tourism Burlington is here to help.

If you are looking for a special event to share with your mom consider heading to Ireland House at Oakridge Farm for their Queen’s Jubilee Mother’s Day Royal Tea.  This celebration to honour the Queen’s 60^th Jubilee includes live entertainment, tea workshops, horse & carriage rides, gardening demonstrations, hands-on activities, a visit from “the Queen” and tea parties (1:00pm, 2:30pm & 4:00pm).  Tickets for the tea party are sold in advance.  What a great way to enjoy this special day at this historic site. 

For mom’s that prefer something a bit more outdoorsy, plan to visit Crawford Lake for their wildflower walks for mom.  This guided walk through the park woodlands begins with a spring slideshow then you head outside where a guide will accompany you and explain the natural and cultural history of the area wildflowers.  Post walk, mom can relax with a serving of Nature’s Tea. 

For mom’s that like a bit of entertainment, the Halton Region Museum celebrates mother’s day with their spring jazz series featuring the George Grosman Quartet.  Spend the afternoon enjoying the sounds of this outstanding jazz quartet and noshing on some light appetizers.  Tickets should be purchased in advance as a limited number will be available at the door.

The best gift “fore” mom.  On May 12th and 13th at Hidden Lake Golf and Lowville bring your mom out for a round of golf and she plays free when accompanied by a full-paying green fee and purchase of a power cart. Consider adding brunch at Lowville to your day out only $12.95 per person from 9am-1pm.

For the sweetest mom consider spending the day exploring the Burlington Chocolate Trail.  This self guided trail of all things chocolate includes 5 chocolatiers making amazing creations; five restaurants featuring decadent desserts; six artisan food producers with a wide variety of chocolate treats and two spas where you can relax with a chocolate treatment.

When is brunch not just brunch - when you head to the Royal Botanical Gardens for their Mother’s Day brunch. Enjoy entertainment and spectacular food prepared at the Gardens Café.  Your package includes shuttle service to the garden areas where mom can view the Tulip and Lilac blooms.  Reservations are required.

Burlington is home to such an array of great restaurants that you are sure to find the perfect spot to treat your mom.  Here is a listing of restaurants offering Mother’s Day brunch/buffet:

Alloro; 11am-2pm - Sunday Brunch

Beaver & Bulldog; starts at 10:30am - Mother’s Day Brunch

Downtown Bistro; 11am-3pm - Mother’s Day Brunch & 5pm-9pm - Mother’s Day Dinner

Honey West; 11am-4pm - Mother’s Day Brunch & 6pm, 8pm - Mother’s Day Dinner

Jake’s Grill &Oyster House, Lunch & Dinner Specials, live jazz & gift for mom

LaCosta Nuova; 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm - Italian Style Buffet

Local Eatery & Refuge; All day - Mom’s enjoy a complimentary entrée*

Martini House; Mom’s meal is on us, restrictions apply. One Mom per table of four.
Pepperwood Bistro; Mother’s Day Buffet

Red Canoe Bistro; 10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm - Mother’s Day Buffet        

Spencer’s at the Waterfront; Mother’s Day Brunch

Stone House Restaurant; 4pm-8:30pm - Sunday Buffet        

Water St. Cooker; Sunday Brunch

If you are looking for the perfect mother’s day gift we have some suggestions to fit every budget.  Flowers are always nice and chocolates (check out our chocolate trail vendors) are a guaranteed hit. For those looking for something more unique consider visiting Art Etc. at the Burlington Art Centre where you can find Canadian handmade items ranging from jewelry to pottery and more.  If mom is a gardener, head to the Shop at the Gardens (RBG) for the perfect gift.  For the foodie, look no further than Springridge Farm, they carry a wide variety of gourmet goodies and cookbooks, as well as home and garden gifts.  Downtown Burlington is home to many one of a kind shops that are sure to please even the hardest to buy for mom.  For fashion, head to Joelle’s, Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, Ohh!! Beautiful Things, Pearl Street Fine Shoes, Promises and Lace and the list goes on!  For home décor and gifts think Artist’s Walk in the Village Square, Centro Garden, Fairhome and Stir Kitchen.  Visit the Downtown Burlington website for a complete list of retailers.  Of course you can always find what you’re looking for at Mapleview Centre or Burlington Mall and if you can’t decide a gift certificate is always appreciated.

Of course some moms are happy with a homemade card and gift and we think that is just great too! 

Happy Mother’s Day 

 

Tourism Burlington celebrates National Tourism Week with 2 contests!

Every day the staff at Tourism Burlington are busy working to promote our great city to visitors and residents.  Once a year Canada takes a week to celebrate tourism and we couldn’t be more excited!  National Tourism Week runs from Monday May 14th to Sunday May 20th and we are going to be promoting the “hidden gems” of Burlington.

At tourism we love to have fun and what is more fun than a contest with a chance to win great prizes?  We’ll tell you – it’s two contests!

The first contest is our Attractions “Hidden Gems” contest.  Each day a member of our tourism team will become a hidden gem at our local attractions.  Follow us on Twitter with hashtag #HiddenGemsBurl for hints to help you be the first person to find us on location* and win a gift valued at $50.00 compliments of the attraction we are visiting. *you must find us in person to win

Once we are found we will tweet our exact location at the attraction so you can meet up with us and pick up your free Tourism souvenir and our 2012-13 visitor guide. We will give you a hint now…we’ll be the ones wearing the green tourism golf shirt or jacket. Plus we’re giving you a schedule of where we will be so you just need to follow us on Twitter and head to the location(s) of the day to find us.

Monday May 14th we will be heading to Bronte Creek Provincial Park** and Springridge Farm.  At Bronte Creek you will be challenged to find us in the park that includes over 10km of trails, an 1800’s farmhouse, a children’s play barn and a campground.  The first person to find us at this location will win Ontario Parks gift certificates and a 500ml bottle of Bronte Creek Maple Syrup. What a delicious prize! With so many great hiding places we don’t know where to pick.  Next we will head to Springridge Farm and while we would like to just sit in the bakery all day and enjoy their delicious baked goods we might be a bit too obvious.  However, there are lots of nooks and crannies within the gift shop and bakery/café or maybe we’ll head outside and spend our time in the family fun yard or a top the escarpment lookout.  One thing is for sure, we never leave the farm empty handed and neither will you.

Tuesday May 15th you can find us at the Royal Botanical Gardens** and The Crossroads Centre.  The Royal Botanical Gardens is a great location to explore and you might find us inside the RBG Centre hiding amongst the indoor blooms or checking out the gift shop.  Maybe we’ll tuck ourselves away somewhere in the 400 acres of display gardens. Our choices include the Rose Garden/Hendrie Park Gardens, the Laking Garden or with the tulips (which are in bloom) at the Rock Garden.  Be sure to leave some extra time to visit the RBG after you find us, you won’t be disappointed. We are looking forward to heading to Crossroads Centre for the afternoon.  This hidden gem is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year with many excitingevents.  We are excited about with all the unique hiding spots we have to choose from. Will we be in the studio where 100 Huntley Street is telecast live daily. Maybe we will be at one of the stops along the way during a tour of their state-of-the-art facilities. (Conducted every Monday through Friday at 8:30 am - 1:00 pm).  We could be enjoying a bite at the Towne Square Cafe or maybe relaxing somewhere along the Walk Of Faith. If you have not had the chance to visit Crossroads Centre, we would encourage you to make this one of your stops.  The first person to find us at this location will win a gift bag with some goodies inside, a free lunch at the Towne Square (for that day) and a $50 donation in your name to one of the various humanitarian projects Crossroads has partnered with this year (Wells for clean water in Uganda, Children in Cambodia who are victims of human trafficking, an orphanage in Ukraine, or slums of Calcutta).  Wow something for you and something to give back!

Wednesday May 16th we head mid-town to Burlington Mall & the Burlington Mall Farmers’ Market.  We’ll start our day outdoors at the Burlington Farmers’ Market (open 8am-2pm). You will find everything from apples to zucchini at the market and I know we will be loading up on delicious local food while we are here. Will you find us munching on Shriner's Creek Kettle Popcorn, buying some spring annuals from  Hutchinson Farm or noshing on some yummy produce from one of the many vendors here at the market…you’ll have to wait and see.  Next we head indoors to the Burlington Mall. You will need to stay focused which is challenging when there are so many great stores to shop in.  From department stores to specialty shops we have a lot of choices if we decide to go “in-store” or we might hunker down in the food court and enjoy a bite to eat. We’d probably stand out on the kids rides in the mall but there are lots of spots for us to sit and people watch while we wait for you to find us. 

Thursday May 17th we take on Downtown Burlington and because there are a plethora of locations to choose from we’ve decided to hide twice!  We love hunting for unique items at the downtown shops that feature everything from fashion to furnishings which would be perfect for multi-tasking – who says you can’t shop and be a “hidden gem” at the same time?  There is always the chance we will hide out at one of the great eateries - do we slip into a cosy bistro or chill out on a patio, so many choices.  Maybe we’ll park ourselves in Village Square in the heart of downtown or relax at an outdoor locale.  We know that we will find the perfect spots and we hope you have fun finding us.

Friday May 18th is going to be a great day.  We visit the Joseph Brant Museum** and the Burlington Art Centre.  Joseph Brant Museum is not only a big part of Burlington history, it’s also home to many collections and historical information and this year they celebrate their 70th anniversary! So the question is where will you find us? Will we be checking out The Gilded Age: In Pursuit of Pleasure - Fashion in Edwardian Times exhibit in the Eileen Collard Gallery or soaking up some history in the Burlington History Gallery. Even if you are not the first to find us your trip to the museum will be worth it. But if you are the first person to find us at this location you will win a prize pack of goodies from the Museums of Burlington gift shop!  After our visit to the museum we will be heading across the street to the Burlington Art Centre.  For those that haven’t been, we can tell you that it’s home to seven guilds and the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics.  But what you want to know is where to find us.  We could be viewing one of the many exhibits on display including High and Low, the work of Sour Cherry Pottery artists Tony and Sheila Clennell, Immigrant: New Works by Rosemary Sloot  or the Burlington Guild of Handweavers and Spinners - Juried Exhibition.  However, we do enjoy shopping as you have probably guessed by now so we might be found in the Art Etc. Gallery Shop wandering the aisles trying to decide which one of a kind piece we’d like to add to our collection.

Saturday May 19th we take on the great outdoors with a visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area**.  Conservation Halton has six amazing parks and Crawford Lake is one of our favourites.  The 15th century Iroquoian Village would make a perfect hide-out with its rustic longhouses. Did you know that Crawford Lake is a rare meromictic lake? Perhaps we’ll spend our time cruising the surrounding boardwalk or find a spot along the 19km of trails (which connect to the Bruce Trail!).  Plan to spend the day at this location, there is so much to see and do!

Sunday May 20th we continue our visits to Conservation Halton parks with a trip to Mount Nemo** and we will also be heading to Ireland House at Oakridge Farm**. Mount Nemo has one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment and your challenge will be to find us somewhere in the midst of the boulders and cedars along the trails.  Visiting Ireland House is like stepping back in time as you tour the house that reflects the life and times of three generations of the Ireland family. This means that we will probably be easy to spot in our modern garb – maybe they will lend us a period piece to wear.  Of course at Ireland House we also have the option to head outdoors and pick a spot somewhere on the 4 acres of woodland, gardens, outbuildings and picnic areas.  If you want to get a head start scoping out this location be sure to visit the Queen's Jubilee Mother's Day Royal Tea on Sunday May 13th. If you are the first person to find us at this location you will win a prize pack of goodies from the Museums of Burlington gift shop!

We hope you have an opportunity to get out and visit the attractions in our “Hidden Gems” contest.  Remember to follow us on twitter for exact times and location clues at #HiddenGemsBurl. 

**Entrance fees are applicable at these locations.

If you think you know Burlington then this is the contest for you. Our second and equally awesome contest is the “Hidden Gems” photo contest.  Every day from Monday May 14 – Sunday May 20 we will be posting the “hidden gem” photo on our website, facebook and twitter.  Name the location of the “hidden gem” photo of the day by commenting on the photo via facebook or tweeting the location to us with the hashtag #HiddenGemsBurl.  One correct entry will be chosen at random each day and will receive a prize valued at $50.00.

Last but not least we want to remind everyone that there are lots of ways to celebrate Burlington and be a tourism ambassador.  Send an e-card, enjoy our local sites and attractions with a stay-cation, and encourage your friends and family to come and visit (don’t worry we have the perfect guest suite for them).

Happy National Tourism Week from all of us at Tourism Burlington!

March Break Activities in Burlington

If you want to ensure you won’t hear “I’m bored” or “are we there yet?” from your children this March break then plan to spend some time exploring all there is to see and do in Burlington.  March Break is a great time for families to get out and enjoy activities and events together.  Whether you are looking for a day trip, planning a “stay-cation” or visiting from afar there is something for everyone here in our beautiful city.

Your kids will be thrilled to head to one of the many maple syrup festivals in Burlington/Halton where they can experience first-hand the process of tapping maple trees to the creation of maple syrup (educational and delicious!) 

Maple @ Bronte Creek

Fresh Ontario maple syrup begins flowing at Bronte Creek Provincial Park on March 3^rd, when the park’s annual Maple Syrup Festival gets under way.  The maple syrup festivities are open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekend in March and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily through March Break (March 12-16th). Enjoy a guided tour of the Maple Lane, where 1890s costumed interpreters demonstrate how to tap maple trees, make maple syrup and maple sugar.  View artifacts in the maple museum or tour the 100-year-old Spruce Lane Farmhouse.   Be sure to browse through the maple products and souvenirs available in the Maple Gift Shoppe and pick up a bottle of syrup to take home. Hop on a wagon that will take you to a heated pancake house where you can enjoy fresh, hot pancakes with pure maple syrup and sausages ($), served up throughout the festival hours.  They even make their own Fresh Maple Sugar and Maple Taffy! Visit their website for more information. 

Maple Festival @ Mountsberg

Conservation Halton’s Mountsberg and Crawford Lake both feature Maple Syrup Festivals weekends, holidays and March Break. At Crawford Lake you can view Native style sweet water presentations and taste complimentary samples of cornbread dripping with pure maple syrup. While you are there explore the 15th century Iroquoian Village and reconstructed Longhouses, 19km of hiking trails and the beautiful and rare Crawford Lake. Kids will enjoy free craft making and a discovery hunt with prizes.  Maple Products are for sale in the Gift Shop and snowshoe rentals are available (weather permitting).   In March, Mountsberg transforms into Maple Town.  Visitors can see how sap is magically transformed into sweet, sticky syrup and smell the fragrant steam rising from simmering kettles. You can learn the secrets of maple candy making and taste FREE candy samples (my personal favourite!). Enjoy piping hot pancakes smothered in fresh maple syrup ($) then stay to enjoy a guided horse drawn wagon ride through the sugar bush ($). Kids will love the chance to slide, climb, jump and run in the Play Barn or visit Mountsberg's resident raptors in live demonstrations (12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm).  If you need to burn off the calories from your pancake breakfast, take a walk along the wildlife walkway and view bison, eagles, hawks and owls.  Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit both these parks as there is lots to do.

Skiing @ Glen Eden

With 14 runs, it’s easy to go on a ski getaway right here at home! Glen Eden is a great place to ski, snowboard and they for those that don’t want to hit the slopes, there is a tube park with 4 chutes.  For a deal consider the “March Madness” ski or snowboard packages, including a beginner’s lift ticket, equipment rental, and lesson; starting at  $29.99. Check out Glen Eden’s website for park conditions and more details.

If you are headed to Glen Eden make sure you keep your eyes open for the Mapleview Centre on the slopes. The Mapleview Style patrol will be patrolling the slopes at Glen Eden to kick off March Break.  Put your style to work for a chance to win 1 of 10, $100 Mapleview Gift Cards.  Show them what Mapleview store best represents your style and have your photo snapped by their Style Patrol paparazzi on March 10th or 11th from 11AM-6PM to enter.   For full details visit www.mapleviewcentre.com

@RBG Chocolate: The Exhibition

If you have a sweet tooth, Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Royal Botanical Gardens can teach you everything there is to know about Chocolate!  You can see chocolate start as cacao and watch it become your favourite treats, while you learn about its history and mythology in this family-friendly interactive exhibit.  While the exhibition runs 7-days a week until April 15th, there are also specialty chocolate events covering everything from DIY chocolate spa treatments to dessert-making.  And if that still isn’t enough for the chocoholics out there, you can take some time to explore the 18 locations on the Burlington Chocolate Trail.

Ireland House @ Oakridge Farm

Museums of Burlington are a great place to visit and take in some local history.  Ireland House at Oakridge Farm interprets the lives of the Ireland family, the historic farmstead, buildings, gardens and contents as they were acquired and used by the Ireland family c1830 to the 1900s. The Joseph Brant Museum will be offering admission, a heritage craft, and refreshment for the inclusive price of $15 at their “Workshop Wonders”, scheduled twice daily on March 13th and 14th. You can also explore the museums exhibitions, interactive displays, a hands-on discovery gallery and visible storage. Burlington’s Joseph Brant Museum, tells the important story of the historical founding settlement and development of the Burlington area.  If you can’t make it to the museums drop by our Tourism Burlington visitor centre and pick up a copy of “Joe Jr.” a heritage newspaper for kids full of interesting stories and fun activities.

The Burlington Art Centre is a great place to visit as part of a family outing to downtown Burlington or Spencer Smith Park, with ongoing exhibitions, the lush Conservatory, the Art Etc Gallery Shop and the Shoreline Cafe for snacks or a light lunch.  The best part is admission is always FREE!

The library is a great place to spend some time with your kids whether it’s choosing a great book to read or finding a DVD to watch, it’s free and fun! This March Break Burlington Public Libraries are hosting events with something for everyone. Drop by to listen to stories, create art from an old book, tie-dye a pillow case, make your own gummy sushi, or even see a magic show!  Event times are listed at the BPL website. 

Burlington Mall is inviting kids to join them in centre court from March 12-18th to play at our play centre. Kids can get creative; making Play-doh® characters and playing games on-line.  The play centre is open Mon – Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun noon to 4pm.  When you are done playing spend some time checking out the new spring arrivals in stores throughout the mall or relax and enjoy a coffee or lunch at their food court.

If you are one of the many parents that have to work during the March Break there are lots of day camps available from sports to creative arts and some have programming for children as young as 3 years old.

The City of Burlington offers full week and day camps with a wide variety of activities, from fun to fitness, including everything from Playdium visits to drop-in basketball.  The popular Babysitter Training program, certified by the Canada Safety Council, is also offered March 14th and 15th.  Registration may be completed online via RecExpress.

@Burlington Art Centre

Give your children an artistic March Break. The Burlington Art Centre has half-day morning and afternoon art classes running all week! Whether they go to Art Camp for Kinders (from 4 to 6 years), the Mixed Bag for kids (from 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 year) or drawing, photography or pottery for the 11+ set, it will be a great week for them and for you! Go to thebac.ca/classes for more information or call 905-632-7796, ext. 307. Register by age group, for either a morning or afternoon session. (There is no supervised lunch period).

Museums of Burlington- Ireland House Museum is proud to offer the “String in Spring” camp this March Break.  Kids up to age 12 will engage in games and activities all about string, yarn, and rope, all on the historic grounds of Ireland House at Oakridge Farm! Registration is available on a day-to-day or weekly basis. Supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Joseph Brant Museum is celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee with “Camp Jubilee”, a two-day camp featuring royal history, fun, games, and of course, tea! Camp Jubilee runs March 15th and 16th, free of charge, so contact Museums of Burlington

before all the spots are gone!

If you’re looking for something different this March break, the Royal Botanical Gardens offers several week long Discovery Camps for children ages 4-13.  These programs combine outdoor adventures, lessons about nature and the environment, and fun kid-friendly activities like crafts and games.  These programs require pre-registration, so be sure to visit the RBG website for details. To tie into their chocolate exhibit, the RBG offers day-long camps on March 13th and 15th focused on chocolate, with an environmental and historical twist.

Cedar Spring Health & Racquet Club – ideal for juniors and tiny tots looking for fun and fitness.

Burlington Gymnastics Club – offers full and half day programs with gymnastics training and more

Prestige Circus & Gymnastics School – are perfect way for new or interested children to try circus and gymnastics. 

Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a lot of fun.  Remember we are open 9am-4pm daily at the Tourism Burlington Visitor Centre to assist you and you can find us on twitter and facebook.