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 December 31

Explore Paris Like A Local – A Sweet Escape

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 December 19

Trivia Nights at the Arlington

Arlington Hotel

106 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M5

Dates and Times: every Thursday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Max 6 people per team, must...

Now thru December 31

Sightseeing Flights

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Prices: vary by flight length

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Self Guided Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

November 29

Pudding Club Cooking Workshop

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Ages: 14+ years Cost: $70.00 per person. Pre-registration is...

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru December 31

Home of #99 Taste Adventure

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

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

November 29

Oakville Museum Winter Craft and Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Times: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ages: 4 to...

Now thru December 31

Brant Eats

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

For your enjoyment all-year round!

December 6 - 22

Dundurn Castle Christmas Evening Tours

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Dates: December 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ages: All Cost: $45.00 per person....

Now thru December 13

Art Crawl on James North

James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2L2, Canada

Dates & Times: Second Friday of Every Month, 5:00pm till 8:00pm Free Event

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,...

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