Burlington Waterfront and Spencer Smith Park
A vibrant lakeside park offering scenic trails, family fun, public art, and stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See cherry blossoms bloom
Burlington Waterfront and Spencer Smith Park
Best Time
See cherry blossoms bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant lakeside park offering scenic trails, family fun, public art, and stunning views of Lake Ontario.
"A beautiful park with amazing views, perfect for families, couples, and solo relaxation."
🎯 Free Parking Strategy
Park at 414 Locust St for free parking on weekends, or consider school lots during events.
🌸 Spring Blossom Magic
Visit in early spring for the breathtaking cherry blossom trail, a truly fairytale-like experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brant Street Pier
Extends into Lake Ontario
Architectural marvel offering panoramic lake views and a unique perspective of the shoreline.
Cherry Blossom Trail
Along the waterfront
Wander through a fragrant pink tunnel during spring, a truly magical and picturesque experience.
Waterfront Sculpture Trail
Connecting various downtown points
An outdoor, accessible art walk featuring over 50 sculptures, blending art with scenic views.
Family Fun Zone
Central park area
Features a splash pad and playground, perfect for keeping younger visitors entertained.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Enjoyment
Parking & Accessibility Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Parking Strategy
Park at 414 Locust St for free parking on weekends, or consider school lots during events.
🌸 Spring Blossom Magic
Visit in early spring for the breathtaking cherry blossom trail, a truly fairytale-like experience.
🎬 Movies by the Lake
Catch free outdoor movies on Tuesday nights during summer at Spencer Smith Park.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Please keep dogs on a leash for the safety and comfort of all visitors, especially those with allergies.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Parking Strategy
Park at 414 Locust St for free parking on weekends, or consider school lots during events.
🌸 Spring Blossom Magic
Visit in early spring for the breathtaking cherry blossom trail, a truly fairytale-like experience.
🎬 Movies by the Lake
Catch free outdoor movies on Tuesday nights during summer at Spencer Smith Park.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Please keep dogs on a leash for the safety and comfort of all visitors, especially those with allergies.
🎨 Explore Public Art
Discover over 30 sculptures on the Waterfront Sculpture Trail, linking the park and downtown. 
☀️ Sunset Views
The park offers stunning sunset views over Lake Ontario, perfect for photos and relaxation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Spencer Smith Park for its beautiful waterfront location, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly amenities like the splash pad and playground. The Brant Street Pier and seasonal cherry blossoms are frequently highlighted as must-see attractions. While parking can be a challenge during peak times and events, the overall experience is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
"Spencer Smith Park was a wonderful place to visit! We went on a Saturday (Aug. 31, 2024) and had a lovely walk along the lake and through the park. There was also a Labour Day weekend celebration going on, but we didn't check out the booths and festivities as we were there just to enjoy nature and to explore the cool structure at the Brant Street Pier! The view from the upper platform was awesome! Another great park in Burlington that you should visit, especially if you live in West End Toronto! It's only half an hour away! 😊👍💜
Here's a tip: If you go on a weekend, park at 414 Locust St. where the parking is free ... otherwise, you'll have a hard time finding a spot in that area ... or you'll pay $10 per hour!! 😉"
Lorna Shutter
"This park is very beautiful and have amazing view. Park is child friendly and have lot of activity for child to do. At the same time if you want to eat or drink something then they have bench over there. It was lovely to gp there. I recommend this to families and couples. And those who feel alone. Refreshing breezy air will blow your mind."
Divya Trivedi
"Spencer Smith Park has a well manicured waterfront trail along the edges of Lake Ontario. It’s a great place to take a stroll, bike, roller blade, or jog. Lay down a beach mat or towel, and have yourself a little picnic. Catch a glimpse of the sun during sunrise or sunset.
One can catch the fireworks show here during the July long weekend. Plus in early Spring, you can see the blooms of the Cherry Blossom trees.
It’s connected to the Brant Street Pier. The Spencer Beach is nearby, and it’s relatively small in size and gets quickly filled in with people.
There’s also a memorial nearby honouring the people who fought and died serving our country.
Metered parking is available, but the parking spaces are limited."
M G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spencer Smith Park is about a 45-minute to 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, depending on traffic. You can also take public transit, though it may involve transfers.
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and during events. Metered parking is available, but can be expensive. Some visitors recommend parking further away at free lots like 414 Locust St. or school lots during events like Ribfest to save stress and money.
Yes, Burlington Transit serves the area. You can check their routes and schedules for the most convenient options from your starting point.
Absolutely! The park is part of a beautiful waterfront trail system, making it a great destination for cyclists.
Parking is extremely challenging during major events like Ribfest. It's highly recommended to park further away and walk, or utilize public transport. Be aware of towing zones.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Spencer Smith Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific event hours will vary.
While park entry is free, some events like Ribfest or concerts may have separate admission fees or costs for vendors.
Generally, you can bring picnics and enjoy the space. However, check specific event rules for any restrictions on alcohol, BBQs, or large items.
Yes, the Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail is a free, outdoor, and accessible art experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a popular splash pad and playground, making it a great spot for kids to play and cool off.
Yes, the park offers plenty of space for picnics, with benches and grassy areas. It's a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
The Brant Street Pier, the waterfront promenade, and the cherry blossom trail (in spring) offer fantastic photo opportunities. Sunsets are also spectacular.
Yes, washrooms are available, particularly in the central area near the kids' park and along the waterfront trail during the summer.
The park is generally considered safe due to its public nature, even late at night. However, as with any public space, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself doesn't have permanent restaurants, it's a popular spot for events like Ribfest that feature numerous food vendors. Downtown Burlington, adjacent to the park, offers a wide variety of dining options.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity, so bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged.
Ribfest, held annually, features a wide array of BBQ vendors offering ribs, pulled pork, and other smoked meats, alongside various other festival foods.
The downtown area adjacent to the park has numerous cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants where you can grab snacks or a meal.
Absolutely! The scenic waterfront, beautiful gardens, and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a romantic picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Spring is ideal for cherry blossom shots.
The Brant Street Pier, the waterfront promenade with views of Lake Ontario, and the Japanese garden are highly recommended for photos.
Drone usage in public parks often has regulations. It's best to check with the City of Burlington for specific bylaws regarding drone operation in this area.
Festivals like Ribfest or concerts offer vibrant scenes. The Sculpture Trail also provides unique artistic backdrops for your photos.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and people. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive lake views, and a telephoto can be useful for details on the pier or distant cityscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The wide, paved paths are perfect for strollers and little ones learning to ride bikes or scooters. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass or at one of the many benches, making for an easy and affordable family outing. During events like Ribfest, there's often a lively atmosphere that kids can enjoy, though it can get crowded. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday. The accessibility of the park and the variety of open spaces ensure that kids have room to run and play safely.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The park is also a great place to simply unwind and enjoy nature. The Sculpture Trail adds an element of discovery, making a stroll through the park an engaging experience. It's a safe and welcoming environment for anyone looking for a tranquil setting to recharge or connect with their companion.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The waterfront promenade itself provides a picturesque backdrop for landscape and lifestyle shots. In the spring, the cherry blossom trail is a must-capture subject, offering soft, ethereal beauty.
The Waterfront Sculpture Trail adds a contemporary artistic element, providing unique compositions and textures. Whether you're looking for grand vistas or intimate details, the park offers diverse scenes to fill your portfolio. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Waterfront Trail
+1Many visitors highlight the trail's well-maintained condition and its suitability for all ages and fitness levels. It's a place where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the fresh air and the picturesque surroundings. The presence of benches along the path offers opportunities to rest and soak in the views, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.
During warmer months, you'll find people enjoying picnics, watching boats, or simply taking in the refreshing lake breeze. The trail is also a prime location for catching both sunrises and sunsets, painting the sky with vibrant colors over the water.
Events and Festivals: The Heartbeat of the Park
These gatherings provide a fantastic opportunity to experience local culture, enjoy live music, and sample a wide array of food from diverse vendors. The park's open space is ideal for setting up stages, booths, and entertainment zones, making it a versatile venue for large-scale celebrations.
Beyond the major festivals, the park also hosts smaller events like Movies by the Lake, offering free outdoor cinema experiences on summer evenings. This makes Spencer Smith Park a year-round destination for entertainment and community engagement, ensuring there's always something happening.
Art and Public Installations
+1This initiative transforms the waterfront into an open-air gallery, offering visitors a unique way to engage with art while exploring the scenic landscape. The sculptures are diverse in style and material, providing visual interest and conversation starters for all ages.
Beyond the dedicated sculpture trail, the park itself often features temporary installations and public art pieces, contributing to its dynamic and engaging atmosphere. It's a testament to Burlington's commitment to integrating art into public spaces, enhancing the visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit