Burlington City Guide

Burlington is a city at the west end of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Canada. Part of Halton Region, it borders Hamilton to the south, Milton to the northwest, and Oakville to the northeast. Part of the Greater Toronto Area, the Hamilton census metropolitan area, and the Golden Horseshoe urban region, Burlington was founded in 1874 and gained city status in 1974. With a population of 186,948 as of the 2021 census, Burlington is the twenty-eighth-most populous municipality in Canada. The Niagara Escarpment, Lake Ontario, and the sloping plain between the escarpment and the lake make up the land area of Burlington. Burlington's climate is humid continental with warm to hot, humid summers and cold winters, moderated by its proximity to Lake Ontario. Monthly mean temperatures range from 22.5 degrees C in July to -4.4 degrees C in January, with average annual precipitation of 763 mm of rain and 99 cm of snow. The city's economy is broad and well-anchored. Life sciences and health technology employs over 7,000 people locally, with a focus on research and development, testing, diagnostics, consulting, and device manufacturing. Close to 400 technology companies operate in Burlington. Burlington accounts for 36.7% of Halton's businesses and 35% of its jobs, with businesses drawing on a regional labour pool of 4.5 million people within commuting distance - one of the highest educated and skilled workforces in the area. Burlington's median household income reached $110,000 annually per the 2021 census, and the city ranks 8th out of 43 Ontario cities for overall cost of living. High incomes, low poverty, and strong education levels make Burlington a stable and prosperous community. Browse all Burlington listings, explore our market trends analysis, discover the most expensive homes, or compare the best neighbourhoods.

Burlington's housing market as of February 2026 shows an average home price of $1,104,571, with 589 new listings in the last 28 days. The average sold price is down approximately 5% compared to the same period in 2025. Detached houses make up 40% of listings and carry a median price of $1,598,500, while condominiums represent 34% of listings at a median price of $582,449. Median days on market sits at 32 days, with benchmark prices across all types having declined over 6% year-over-year in January 2026. Burlington's distinct neighbourhoods reflect different eras of development. Aldershot, in the west end, is one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods and balances historical roots with modern amenities. Known for its green spaces and proximity to the Royal Botanical Gardens, it features homes ranging from entry-level condominiums to detached homes. There is now an influx of young families buying and renovating older properties in the area. Tyandaga is a mature neighbourhood on the northwest side of Burlington, attracting buyers seeking larger detached homes because of its sprawling estate-like properties, traditional architecture, and rolling tree-lined streets. Built on a hill, many Tyandaga homes have views of the city and Lake Ontario. Brant Hills combines affordability with a supportive community spirit, with around 6 parks providing space for children, walking paths, and picnic areas - one of the most desirable neighbourhoods to raise a family. Orchard, at the border of Burlington and Oakville, borders Bronte Creek Provincial Park (6.4 sq km with a nature centre and hiking trails) and suits both growing and established families. The cost of living in Burlington is 6% lower than the Ontario average. Average rent across all unit types hovers between C$2,400 and C$2,570 per month, with rent inflation having slowed, posting a 1.8% local drop year-over-year. Monthly utilities average $158, and grocery spending averages roughly $490 per month. For current pricing and trends, see our market trends analysis.

Burlington's waterfront is anchored by Spencer Smith Park and the Brant Street Pier, a signature destination at 1400 Lakeshore Rd. that extends 137 metres over Lake Ontario, providing views of the lake and Burlington's shoreline. The waterfront has long hosted the Sound of Music Festival, which transformed from a single marching band parade in 1980 into Canada's largest free music festival, taking over Burlington's downtown and waterfront each Father's Day weekend in June. Cultural life centres on the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), a state-of-the-art LEED Gold Certified facility designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects that opened in September 2011. BPAC features three stages - the 720-seat Main Theatre, the 152-seat Community Studio Theatre, and a Family Lobby - and facilitates close to 400 events each year. The Art Gallery of Burlington is home to the largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics in the world, with more than 2,000 pieces. Drury Lane Theatre, one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in Canada, has anchored Burlington's community arts scene for decades. The Royal Botanical Gardens delivers cultural, artistic, and culinary experiences throughout its diverse network of gardens and natural spaces. For over eight decades, RBG has connected people to the plant world, serving as a beacon for the movement to preserve plant species and habitats. Over 27 kilometres of scenic walking trails span four main trailheads - Princess Point, the Arboretum, Cherry Hill Gate, and Rock Chapel - plus two canoe launch sites. RBG trails on the Niagara Escarpment at Rock Chapel are part of the original founding of the Bruce Trail. Shopping needs are served by Mapleview Centre, a two-storey mall at Maple Avenue and Fairview Street featuring 150 retailers including Apple, Aritzia, Coach, H&M, Lululemon, Michael Kors, Sephora, and Zara, alongside restaurants Earl's Kitchen and Bar and Turtle Jack's Muskoka Grill.

Burlington Transit, the city's public transport provider, provides bus service on a transportation grid centred on three commuter GO Train stations on the Lakeshore West line: Appleby, Burlington, and Aldershot. Burlington GO Station is located at 2101 Fairview Street, just south of the Queen Elizabeth Way between Guelph Line and Brant Street. Aldershot GO Station is at 1199 Waterdown Road. GO Transit trains run from Burlington GO Station to Toronto Union Station approximately every 30 minutes during peak periods, with the trip taking around 1 hour 3 minutes. Riders transferring from GO Transit to Burlington Transit buses receive free admission when they show a valid GO ticket or day pass. Major road corridors through the city include the Queen Elizabeth Way and Ontario Highway 403, which run concurrently through most of Burlington. The QEW provides direct highway access to Hamilton and the Niagara region to the west and to Oakville, Mississauga, and Toronto to the east. The downtown core and waterfront area are highly walkable, and Burlington has expanded its cycling infrastructure, with multi-use trails connecting neighbourhoods to the waterfront trail.

Burlington is served by the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB). HDSB students consistently perform above provincial standards in literacy and mathematics according to EQAO results, with growing achievement year-over-year. Burlington Central School tops Burlington school rankings, followed by Aldershot School, both within the HDSB. The board offers diverse programming including French immersion, gifted programs, and special education support. Post-secondary options in the area include McMaster University in adjacent Hamilton (approximately 20 minutes west) and Sheridan College in Oakville (approximately 20 minutes east). McMaster University also maintains a clinical education partnership with Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington's full-service acute care facility. Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is a full-service academic community teaching hospital serving Burlington and surrounding communities including Halton Region, Hamilton, Waterdown, Flamborough, and Stoney Creek. The expanded campus includes the Michael Lee-Chin and Family Patient Tower, featuring an Emergency Department, 295 funded inpatient beds, and 9 Operating Rooms. JBH is a Clinical Education site in conjunction with McMaster University and a partner member of the Burlington Ontario Health Team.

Royal Botanical Gardens is the not-for-profit caretaker of 2,100+ acres of land and ecosystems. Its 980 hectares (2,422 acres) of nature sanctuary - largely a remnant of the Dundas Marsh Game Preserve established in 1927 - sustains more than 750 native plant species, 277 types of migratory birds, 37 mammal species, 14 reptile species, 9 amphibian species, and 68 species of Lake Ontario fish. RBG is embarking on a master plan positioning the Gardens as Canada's leading environmental centre with world-class gardens, natural areas, programs, services and facilities. The waterfront sailing marina at LaSalle Park accommodates 215 slips. Spencer Smith Park and the Brant Street Pier - extending 137 metres over Lake Ontario - serve as the hub of Burlington's waterfront. Joseph Brant Hospital anchors healthcare, with its Michael Lee-Chin and Family Patient Tower providing 295 funded inpatient beds and 9 Operating Rooms. The hospital serves Burlington and surrounding Halton Region, Hamilton, Waterdown, Flamborough, and Stoney Creek communities. Mapleview Centre at Maple Avenue and Fairview Street offers 150 retailers with sought-after brands and two full-service restaurants. Retail is the region's largest employment sector, with 2,307 businesses and 36,600 jobs across Halton. Burlington is recognized as one of Canada's most livable mid-sized cities, nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment in the heart of Southern Ontario.