Claire Zlobin recently spent a family weekend in Burlington at The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, and she can’t say enough good things about the resort, and its home city.
The Pearle Hotel and Spa, Burlington
We started our stay at The Pearle Hotel & Spa by taking advantage of its full-service amenities. The heated indoor pool was a hit with the kids, who couldn’t get enough of splashing around. Meanwhile, we parents enjoyed some much-needed relaxation poolside, soaking up the resort-like service.
Are you looking to kick it up a notch? You can indulge at the hotel’s spa, which offers a range of treatments designed to melt away stress. Be sure to book in advance as it’s a popular spa and is often sold out. What parent doesn’t need a little pampering?
The Pearle Hotel & Spa makes everything easy, from its spacious, family-friendly rooms to its pet-friendly policies (yes, even your furry friend can join in on a family weekend in Burlington!). And every morning, we fueled up with coffee and freshly baked pastries at Pearle’s Café before heading out for the day’s adventures.
Top 5 things to do on a family weekend in Burlington
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens on a family weekend in Burlington
Make time for the Royal Botanical Gardens on a family weekend in Burlington
A short drive from the hotel, the Royal Botanical Gardens is an absolute must-visit. With its winding nature trails and vast gardens, the kids loved exploring the outdoors and discovering various plant species. There’s also a fun children’s garden that offers hands-on activities and even a playground for the little ones.
Get to know the locals a little better at the Joseph Brant Museums
Next, we visited the Joseph Brant Museum which offers fascinating local history and interactive exhibits that kept the kids engaged. From learning about Burlington’s Indigenous history to checking out old artifacts, it was a fun way to combine history and education.
Don’t miss the waterfront on your family weekend in Burlington
Right on the doorstep of the Pearle Hotel is the Burlington Waterfront and Spencer Smith Park a fantastic place for a family walk or a picnic. We spent some time along the boardwalk, where the kids could run freely, enjoy the views of Lake Ontario, and play in the park. The waterfront pier is also great for family photos!
Feeling adventurous? Take hike up Mount Nemo with kids
For more adventurous families, a hike at Mount Nemo Conservation Area is a must! The kids loved the scenic trails, and the views at the top were breathtaking. It’s an excellent spot for families who enjoy nature and outdoor exercise.
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Don’t miss Crawford Lake on a family weekend in Burlington
Dive into indigenous heritage at Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a unique park known for its pristine lake and rich Indigenous history. At its deepest point, 75 feet below the surface, undisturbed sediment layers helped scientists uncover corn pollen from the 13th to 15th centuries, leading to the discovery of a Wendat or Attawandaron village. Three longhouses have been reconstructed on their original footprint to educate visitors about the area’s Indigenous heritage through exhibits, programs, and workshops developed with Indigenous partners.
Isabelle Restaurant, The Pearle Hotel and Spa
Stay home at the Pearle for Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge
After a full day of exploring Burlington, we dined at the hotel’s own Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge. This farm-to-table restaurant offers fresh, locally sourced dishes, and the warm atmosphere makes it perfect for family dining. The menu had something for everyone, which was the perfect way to end the day.
Our family weekend in Burlington, Ontario, was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether we were splashing in the pool, enjoying a spa treatment, or exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens, the trip offered something special for every member of the family. Burlington is a great destination for families looking to unwind and explore and it’s so close to the Greater Toronto Area, you can get there by GO train.
Plan a family weekend in Burlington
Where to stay
The Pearle Hotel and Spa, Queen Studio (2 adults, 2 children) from $398 per night
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