Burlington - what we are thankful for

It seems like just yesterday that summer ended and we bid adieu to our student travel counselors but now I look at the calendar and realize that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  By the nature of the name of Thanksgiving you know what to expect and I am no different, taking some time to reflect and be grateful for all that I have both in a physical and emotional sense.  And while I am thankful for the obvious things (health, family, friends…) I am also aware that there is a lot we can be thankful for living in a country like Canada and in the city of Burlington.

Here are some of the things we at Tourism Burlington are thankful for (in no particular order)

photo courtesy Dan Banko

Our walkable downtown - There are not a great deal of cities that boast such a beautiful and vibrant downtown and while that might seem somewhat trivial, I think it is one of the most appealing things about our city.  Our downtown is ripe with amazing eateries, one of a kind boutiques and shops, and plays host to many events throughout the year.

 

Our fabulous Performing Arts Centre – In only its second season the Burlington Performing Arts Centre has already had over 30,000 people come through its doors to experience a wide range of music, dance and theatre.  The upcoming year will be no exception with a terrific line-up of performers and new programming such as the “Classically Yours…” and Theatre series that will engage and entice visitors both new and returning.

Our sports community – Burlington is home to an active sporting community at all levels of sport.  Our city is host to hundreds of tournaments, runs and competitions throughout the year including the annual Santa 5k, Shoe hockey tournament, Spring Cup Gymnastics Invitational and more.

Our festivals and events – with Lake Ontario as a backdrop, Spencer Smith Park is home to many events such as the ever popular Sound of Music Festival and Ribfest but it doesn’t end there, Burlington has great events throughout the year.  You can explore fall colours at Fall in Nature, welcome Santa at the Holiday Parade, stroll through the gardens during the spring bloom celebratons at the Royal Botanical Gardens and during the summer there are always lots of events to choose from.  We would also be remiss if we didn’t thank all the hard-working volunteers that make these festivals and events happen.  

Our great outdoors – Burlington is fortunate to be just a stone throw away from some of the prettiest natural areas in Ontario.  With a beautiful waterfront, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, six conservation areas and a Provincial Park there is ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.  From the weekend explorer to the avid adventurer, there is something for everyone.  

Our heritage – Burlington has a rich history and is home to two museums that reflect our unique heritage.  You can pick up a copy of the heritage walking tours at our Visitor Centre then stroll the downtown or art centre neighbourhood on a self-guided tour (outside only) of the many historic properties in our core. 

Photo courtesy of Rolly Astrom

Our arts community – not many people know but the Burlington Art Centre is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics and is home to seven guilds. They regularly features exhibitions in various mediums in addition to their permanent collection.  In addition to The BAC, Burlington has a large arts community of working artists and studios.  Art in Action has a studio tour in November each year which gives residents and visitors to get up close and personal with local artists.  There are also several other studios, galleries and shops that are open to the public and operate year round including Artists Walk in historic Village Sqaure.

Our culinary scene – Burlington is becoming known as a dining destination with the variety and unique offerings of larger metropolitan cities combined with the accessibility and service of a small town.  We have amazing chefs working magic in their kitchens and offering up gourmet fare.  From the culinary stylings of Chef Matteo at Blacktree to the local fare from Chef Tobias at Red Canoe Bistro and Chef Andrew at Spencers on the Waterfont you are sure to find something to suit your tastes at any budget.

We want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Tourism and if you need assistance finding great things to see and do in Burlington drop by our Visitor Centre, give us a call or visit our website.

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

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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

Burlington: Butt Stop Edition

This past Sunday, the bikers riding in the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure took a break down at Discovery Landing for the Burlington Butt Stop. The gorgeous view of the waterfront was only complimented by the sea of spandex bike shorts seen on the promenade. These spandex clad men and women refreshed themselves with fruit, water and granola bars; sent post cards home to friends and family; received “crazy”, “wild” and “flirty” gifts; and even got their bikes tuned up by MEC bike technician Elise.

Prior to the rest stop, these athletic bikers were greeted by volunteers and Tourism Burlington staff by the ultimate noise maker… also know as the clapper. Burlington definitely did not disappoint as these clappers served as a wake up call as well a welcoming noise to Burlington.

Overall, the bikers enjoyed their butt break in Burlington and we wish them all the best in the rest of there ride along the Waterfront Trail. Can’t wait to see all of the familiar faces again next year!