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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Experiences & Tours View All >>

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 June 1

Tarik Kiswanson – Prelude

Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries at Gairloch Gardens, 1306 Lakeshore Road East Oakville, ON L6J 1L6

Dates & Times: Feb 3rd - Jun 1st, 10:00am to 5:00pm Admissions by Donation Closed...

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...

Now thru September 17

Expressive Abstract Painting Party with Studio K2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Date & Time: Third Wednesday each month, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Workshop Price: $50/person +HST

Now thru June 30

MYndful Movement: Stretch, Gentle Yoga, Qigong, Mindfulness

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Dates & Times: Every Thursday, 7:00pm to 8:00pm Class Costs: Drop-In: $20 6 class package:...

April 27

Paw-some Pet Party with the Oakville Milton Humane Society

445 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON

Date & Time: Apr 27th, 9:30am - 12:30pm Drop Off - 9:15am to 9:30am Pick...

Now thru December 31

Brant Eats

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

For your enjoyment all-year round!

Now thru June 30

Winter Staycations in Brant

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

Some winter activities but enjoy others all year round!

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,...

May 10

Mom’s Night Out | Tea & Donuts Tasting Workshop

Joseph Brant Museum

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

Date & Time: May 10th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm Doors open at 6pm to enjoy a...

Now thru May 29

Dance Fitness with Mindfulness & Movement

Dundas Museum & Archives

139 Park Street West, Dundas, ON, L9H 1X8

Dates: Every Wednesday and Saturday (Unless otherwise stated) Times: 7:00pm to 8:00pm Class Price: $10.00...

Now thru April 30

Crossing Borders – Coins from Around the World

1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6

Exhibition Period: May 2nd, 2023 - Apr 30th, 2024

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