Summer weekends are in short supply. With only 13 of them to enjoy between June 21 and September 22, it’s all about making the most of every moment. How can you tell if you’re making the grade? Checking off these eight activities is a sure sign you’re well on the way to becoming a true Canadian summer weekend warrior.


Serve Butter Tarts For Breakfast

Who says this quintessentially Canadian treat is only for dessert? Kickstart your weekend morning with a sensational sugar rush! Pick up a six-pack of pastry perfection from your favourite bakery. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a strong cup of coffee. Bonus points if you make a break for one of these amazing bakeries for your summer sweet stock up:

Springridge Farm, Milton

The Punch Bowl Market and Bakery, Stoney Creek

Brantwood Farms, Brantford


Create The Great Canadian Cooler

Canadian summer weekends are an excellent opportunity to put a little extra pride in your pint glass. Try these great craft brewery options in HamiltonHalton and Brant. Don’t forget tasty beverages from local wineries and cideries too. Our Like That, Try This Guide To Hamilton Halton Brant’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Scene article has some great summer sipping suggestions!


Deck Out Your Deck

While our American neighbours often show their pride with red, white and blue balloons, banners and bunting, Canada’s colours are perfect for patriotic planters. Stock up on red and white blooms at your favourite nursery or garden centre. Great options include:

Terra Garden Centres in Hamilton, Burlington, Milton and Waterdown

Harper’s Garden Centre in Ancaster

Walter’s Greenhouses & Garden Centre in Paris

Jade Gardens in Milton

Van Dongen’s Garden Centre in Milton


Experiment With A New Family Outing

Shake up your summer weekend routine with a new activity. Why not set out on an afternoon family float aboard an inflatable raft down the Grand River or explore Royal Botanical Gardens’ Cootes Paradise by canoe?


Switch Up Your Favourite Summer Weekend Sport

Take advantage of summer weather to try out a new-to-you sport like disc golf, pickleball, stand-up paddleboarding or rollerblading. Get all our suggestions for fun summer sports swaps in this article.


Plan A Summer Weekend Surprise

Schedule a few good news surprises into your summer weekends and watch the faces of the kids in your life light up. From breakfast on the beach to a night out at the horse track, you’ll find six easy ways to give them fun they’ll never see coming in this article.


Take In a New View From A Great Canadian Landscape

Did you know that Hamilton Halton Brant is home to Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, a Canadian Heritage RiverCanada’s largest botanical garden AND a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve? The gorgeous views, plants, waterfalls and wildlife you’ll experience on a visit to these amazing places will make you love your country even more!

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Now thru June 1

Sung Tieu – Civic Floor

Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries, 120 Navy Street Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4

Dates & Times: Feb 3rd - Jun 1st, 10:00am to 5:00pm Closed on Sundays +...

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

Now thru August 24

Worlds of the Night – Exhibition at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Times: Tuesday - Friday, 10:00AM - 4:00PM, included in the cost of regular...

Now thru May 19

Arnold Jacobs – Power of the Feather

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 5G9

Date: Mar 23rd - May 19th

May 18 - October 13

A Day of Play: Indigenous Traditional Games

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0

Season Dates: May 18th to Oct 13th Price: $70.00/person for a group of less than...

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru May 17

Ranjni Perera – Futures

1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6

Exhibition Period: Feb 13th - May 17th

Now thru December 31

Brant Eats

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

For your enjoyment all-year round!

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Self Guided Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

July 10 - August 4

Adventures in the Valley Summer Camp

Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, Canada

Dates & Times: July 10th - 14th July 17th - 21st July 24th - 28th...

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