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 July 27, 2024

Wandering Wellness Summer Retreat Series

Up Yoga & Wellness

100 Dundas St. East, Paris Ontario

Dates & Times: Jul 13th & 27th, 10:30am to 4:30pm Event Price: $250.00 per person

August 17

The Mead Explorer Class

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Date and Time: Aug 17th - 1:00pm

Now thru November 15

Grand Experiences: Grand Voyageur

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

113 Grand River Street North, Paris

Dates and Times: Offered every day, starting at 9:00am or 1:30pm - book ahead! Price:...

Now thru September 8

Kelso Cove Waterpark

Kelso Conservation Area / Glen Eden

5234 Kelso Road, Milton, ON, L9T 2X7

Waterpark Ticket Price (not including gate admission): $25.00 Open daily from 11:00 am - 7:00...

Now thru August 16

Exhibition: Poetry in Stitches

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum

64 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, ON, L9G 1L8

Dates: Apr 23rd to Aug 16th (Tuesday to Saturday) Times: 12:00pm to 4:00pm Cost: Regular...

Now thru November 1

Bee Beard Experience

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Contact to book a time! Price: $199.99

Now thru November 30

Grand Experiences: Bruce Trail 2 Day Hiking Package (Guided Trip)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

113 Grand River Street North, Paris

Dates and Times: Available every day of the week - book in advance! Price: $525.00...

Now thru October 31

One Axe Pursuits: Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing

One Axe Pursuits

7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON

Dates: May to October Duration: 6 hours (10:00am to 4:00pm) Price: $250/person Contact to book...

September 1 - October 31

Pick Your Own Apples at Brantview Apples and Cider Farm

Brantview Apples and Cider Farm

225 Howell Road, St. George, ON, N0E 1N0

Dates: September 1st to October 31st Times: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm

Now thru August 28

Lets go Birding! (for Beginners)

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Dates and Time: Jul 10th, Jul 21st, Aug 1st, Aug 24th, Aug 28th - 9:00am...

August 19

Whisper to the Moon

Chiefswood National Historic Site

1037 Highway 54, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Date and Time: Aug 19th - 6:30pm to 12:00am Price: $99 per person

Now thru December 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

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