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!

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru October 31

Movies with the Goats!

Triple C Farm

500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster, ON, Canada, L9G 3L1

Price: Minimum contribution of $100 + HST includes single household OR up to a maximum...

Now thru October 31

Top Rope Solo Climbing

Zen Climb

3A Marilyn Ave.Toronto, ON M1S 1B9

Pre-requisites: Top Rope Anchor Setting and Climbing course, or equivalent experience in outdoor climbing/belaying/rappelling. Duration:...

October 4 - 25

Drawing in the Helson Gallery

9 Church Street, Georgetown ON, L7G 2A3

Date & Time: Every Wednesday of October, 1:00pm - 3:00pm No registration required. Self-direction sessions.

Now thru October 1, 2023

On The Water

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Length: 3 hours. All tours must be booked with 2 weeks notice, during tour season

Now thru December 31

Beer Soak

Grand Wellness

202 Grand River Ave., Brantford, ON

25 minutes for $62

Now thru November 30

GPS Rally

Treetop Trekking

5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

All ages: $13.27, Rates are per person, before tax.

Now thru October 23

Paddling the Grand River – Paris to Brant (Self-Guided)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

3 hour guided trip. Included: Canadian made 16ft canoe & all paddling gear (PFD, Paddles,...

Now thru December 31

Artful Adventure Workshop

Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios

515 Main Street, Glen Williams, ON, L7G 3S9

$85, A RESERVATION is required for Artful Adventures. Email paulinegladstone@icloud.com to book and confirm a...

Now thru December 31

‘To Market We Go’ – Brantford & Brant

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This Tasty Road Trips Tour is a full-day trip experience with a customized...

October 7

LOVE <3 LOCAL Street Jams

Alcove Stage, 27 William Street, Paris ON

Date & Time: Oct 7, 12:00pm - 4:00pm Free event

Now thru October 22

Paddling in Paradise: Fall Canoe Tours

Royal Botanical Gardens

16 Old Guelph Road, Waterdown, ON, Canada

Date & Time: September 7, 12, 17, 30 & October 14, 15, 21, 22, timing...

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...

Similar Stories View All >>

Fall For Each Other: A Romantic Two-Day Road Trip Around Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

A Fresh Fall Family Adventure in Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

Plan a Couples Paddling Getaway You’ll BOTH Love

Plan A Paddling Escape For 2

Read More

The Getaway Gang 6 Ways To Plan An Amazing Last-Minute Camping Trip With Friends

Creative ways to find a campsite.

Read More

Water, Land, Air: Find Unexpected New Ways For Your Family To Play This Summer

Family Fun 3 Ways

Read More

Can’t-Miss Foodie Getaways

Delicious Restaurant & Room Pairings

Read More

Sunday Funday: 4 Relaxing Ways to Wrap Up The Week

Bringing back the concept of simple Sunday fun.

Read More

Take It Inside

Escape inside for a change.

Read More

Sneaky Spring Savings

5 Ways to Do More & Spend Less On Family Fun This Weekend

Read More

The Best of Spring: Six Ways to Find a Fresh Air Fix

The definitive spring guide to fresh air forays.

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

Read More

A Taste of Indigenous Traditions

Fun new flavourful ways to explore Indigenous culture.

Read More

Get Travel OffersEvent Details and
Planning Ideas for Your Next Trip

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.