Here are the most popular “must-see” attractions in the Oakville-Burlington area (in alphabetical order):
Bronte Butterfly Foundation
2368 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, ON L6L 1H5
(905) 825-2245 Fax (905) 825-8622
The Butterfly Park and Winter Skateway will be situated in the 3.5-acre Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, the area’s last undeveloped lakefront property, adjacent to the pretty Bronte Harbour. The natural butterfly park and unique butterfly-shaped waterway offers something for everyone.
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum
Glen Abbey Golf Club, 1333 Dorval Drive
Take Q.E.W. to Dorval Drive, and turn north on Dorval 1 km.
Oakville, ON L6J4Z3
(905)849-9700 x411 (800)263-0009
Golf started in North America with the formation of the Royal Montreal Golf Club in 1873, the birthplace of organized golf on the continent. The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame preserves and honours the traditions of golf from its early European origins to the present day’s modern equipment and superstar players. A walk through the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame mirrors a stroll over an 18-hole golf course, with each “hole” representing a significant element in the game’s history. Open January 1 – March 31: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday 10 am – 5 pm; April 1 – June 30 Thursday – Monday 10 am – 5 pm; July 1 – August 31 daily 10 am – 5 pm; September 1 – December 31 Thursday – Mondays 10 am – 5 pm. Admission $$, RCGA/CLGA Members $ (show your handicap card)
Country Heritage Park
8560 Tremain Rd
Milton, ON L9T 2Y3
(905) 878-8151 or (888) 307-3276 Fax (905) 876-4530
See interactive exhibits showcasing agriculture and rural life over the last 150 years. Nestled in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment south of Highway 401, this 80 acre site has over 30 exhibit buildings and 20,000 artifacts. See historical interpretation of exhibits, and an outstanding collection of antique tractors, steam engines, farm equipment and rural life artifacts. Available for corporate or private bookings. Open weekends 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in July and August for drop-in visitors. Open year round for pre-booked group tours, school programs , and special events . Admission $, under 6 years of age free, family package $20 (2 adults & 3 children)
Flamborough Heritage Society & Archives
163 Dundas Street East
Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H0
905-689-4074
Over 12 walking tours. Brochures are available for visitors to learn about Flamborough’s heritage, together with history books and historical exhibitions. Information is available for people researching Flamborough’s heritage and history. Free parking.
Halton County Radial Railway
13629 Guelph Line,
Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0
(519) 856-9802
Founded in 1953, Halton County Radial Railway is Canada’s first and largest collection of operating restored electric railway equipment. Situated at Stop 92 on the former right-of-way of the Toronto Suburban Railway, we offer the opportunity to enjoy a trip down memory lane with rides on a variety of 1890’s to 1990’s restored streetcars, interurban, radial and work cars, through 5km (3 miles) of scenic woodlands. Settle back to the creak of the leather seats and the clang of the gong as your car carries you back to a period around the turn of the century. Open May-June weekends & holidays 11 am to 4:30 pm; July-August weekends & holidays: 11 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday 11 am to 4 pm; September-October weekends & holidays 11 am to 4:30 pm. Admission $$, 3 & under / over 90 free, evening events $
Halton Region Museum
RR 3 (Kelso Conservation Area, across from the Glen Eden Ski Hills)
Milton, ON L9T 2X7
905-875-2200, Toll Free: 1-866-442-5866 ext. 7935
The picturesque setting beneath the Niagara Escarpment was once part of the 1836 Alexander family farmstead. The Halton Region Museum is the centre for exploring Halton’s natural and cultural heritage in a natural setting with original farm buildings. Visitor Centre & Exhibits are open year-round Monday – Friday 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Daily Victoria Day to Thanksgiving Weekend 12:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission FREE with Kelso Conservation Area gate fees, charged April until October: Adults $4.50, Seniors $3.75, Child (5-14) $3.25. There is no charge for children under 4 years.
Ireland House Museum
2168 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7P 5A8
905-332-9888
Built between 1835-1837 Ireland House was the home of Joseph Ireland, one of Burlington’s earliest settlers. He emigrated from Bowes, Yorkshire, England in 1819 and petitioned for land at Oakridge Farm. Ireland House was occupied by Joseph and his descendants up until 1985.
In 1987 the City of Burlington purchased the property from the estate of Marie Ireland Bush. The homestead has since been restored to illustrate 3 distinct time periods, representing the generations of Irelands who lived in the house. Ninety percent of the furnishings are original to the Ireland family. The property consists of 3.68 acres of woodland, gardens, and picnic areas. Open Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Closed, Mondays & Saturdays. Admission $$Child (Under 5 years): Free
Joseph Brant Museum
905-634-3556
1240 North Shore Boulevard East
Burlington, ON L7S 1C5
The Joseph Brant Museum is housed in a replica of the house built by Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, the prominent Mohawk leader and Loyalist who moved to the head of Lake Ontario in the early 19th century. In 1798 the Mohawk leader was granted 3,40 acres on Burlington Bay by King George III for his services to the Crown during the Seven Years War and the American Revolution. The Museum exhibits artifacts that relate to the story of Joseph Brant, Burlington’s history as a community and the Eileen Collard Gallery of Historic Costumes and Textiles collection, Ontario’s 2nd largest collection of historic clothing. The museum was built in 1937/38 and opened its doors in June, 1942 as a one-room exhibit gallery. Today the museum has more than 2,200 square feet of exhibit space and houses more than 10,000 artifacts. Joseph Brant Museum and Ireland House at Oakridge Farm offer tours and hold a variety of special events during the year which celebrate our heritage. Open Monday – Friday 10 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Admission $, Child (Under 5 years): Free
Burlington Magnetic Hill
King Rd, 1.5 km north of North Service Rd
It can ‘pull’ a car over its crest when set in neutral.
Oakville Galleries at Centennial Square
120 Navy St.
905-844-4402
The permanent collection has over 1100 works of art, valued at over $1.7 million, and features contemporary works of art from national and international artists working in all media. Every Year, from April to November, visitors can take internationally acclaimed artist Janet Cardiff’s Audio Walk. Admission is free!
Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate
8 Navy St.
905-338-4400
Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate is the restored home of Oakville’s founding family, the Chisholm’s. The picturesque Erchless Estate overlooks Oakville Harbour and Lake Ontario and includes several heritage buildings. Open year-round, Tuesdays to Sundays 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
Sovereign House
7 West River St.
905-825-5552
Built by Bronte resident Charles Sovereign in 1846, and was home to renowned Canadian author Mazo de la Roche from 1911-1915. The house and its historical archives are considered an outstanding Ontario culture landmark. Open Wed., Sat., & Sun. from May to October. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Sunday.
The Thomas Merrick House
109 Thomas St.
in Lakeside Park, Oakville
905-844-2695
The Thomas House was the home of early Oakville resident, Merrick Thomas. This historic home was saved from demolition in the 1950s and is presented as a period farm home of the 1830s-1840s. Open May 23 – September, 1:00 pm -4:00 pm, Tues.- Thurs., Sat., Sun., and holidays.
White Rock Ostrich Farm
(519) 856 2629
Take 401 west to Regional Rd 25 (formally HWY 25). Go north on 25 to 25th side road. Turn left on 25th Side Road and continue to 4th line and turn right. We are the 5th mail box on the right.
This real ostrich farm provides a total learning experience for kids of all ages, from seeing the eggs and how they hatch, and seeing an Ostrich chicks. Kids experience the farming aspect while learning about where our meat comes from today.