Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Burlington

in-person event information

Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Discover the stories behind Burlington’s most unique spaces during Doors Open! Visitors can go behind the scenes of local businesses and heritage sites, taking a look at the people and places that help shape our community.

All of the participating sites offer FREE admission and onsite activities. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, this is your chance to connect with Burlington in a whole new way!

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Community information

Land acknowledgement

Burlington as we know it today is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and Métis. From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee and the Métis – the lands spanning from Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment are steeped in Indigenous history.

The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt covenant, an agreement made between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.

The history of Burlington is rich and exciting. The original inhabitants — First Nations peoples — have thrived among the many natural advantages of this area for centuries.

(Source: City of Burlington)

History

The history of Burlington is complex and varied. Its original inhabitants — First Nations peoples — have thrived among the many natural advantages of this area for centuries.

In 1669, French explorer Sieur de La Salle landed where LaSalle Park is now located. Beginning in the late 1700s, European settlers arrived along Burlington’s beautiful lakefront. In 1784, Captain Joseph Brant was granted a large land area by King George III in recognition of his support for the British in the American Revolution (1775-83). His land was the start of the village of Wellington Square. United Empire Loyalists began to settle in Burlington after the American Revolution, too, followed by emigrants from the British Isles and Europe. New homesteaders cleared lots on which to farm and live. From 1820 to 1850, lumber was the area’s principal export; later, wheat was exported to Europe.

In 1873, the villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged to become the Village of Burlington, which then became the Town of Burlington in 1914. By 1900, Burlington had evolved into a prosperous farming community with mixed farms and cash crops of fruit and vegetables. It was known as the Garden of Canada. It was soon a thriving town with a busy main street and boatways, railways, the Queen Elizabeth Way highway and the Skyway Bridge, which serviced several manufacturing facilities.

Burlington became a city in 1974 and remains a welcome place to raise a family. It is an inclusive community that celebrates its history while embracing its present as a city where people, nature and businesses thrive.

(Source: Burlington Historical Society, 2022)

There’s lots to see and do in Burlington. Come and enjoy! For more information, visit Tourism Burlington.

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Contact information

3 In-person Doors Open sites

Burlington Lions ClubDoors Open Burlington

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Burlington Lions Club

Come and celebrate 100 years of community service with the Burlington Lions Club! Visit Lions Hall and learn about their history in the community, their partnership with ROCK (Reach Out Centre For Kids) and how generations of Lions have been helping generations of Burlington residents. Drop by during Doors Open for some children's activities and free hot dogs!

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

471 Pearl Street
Burlington, Ontario
Email: lionsecretary@burlingtonLions.ca
https://burlingtonlionsclub.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1992

Dates/hours open

Aug 09 - Aug 09

Lowville SchoolhouseDoors Open Burlington

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Lowville Schoolhouse

The historical Lowville Schoolhouse operated until the early 1950s. It was designated in 1992. Visit the schoolhouse to learn about the work of its current occupants — the Field and Stream Rescue Team — who work to clean and restore local creeks and green spaces. You can also walk along the shore of Bronte Creek and view the nearby stairs to Highville.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

6207 Guelph Line
Burlington, Ontario
Email: dave.tourchin@streamrescue.com
https://www.streamrescue.com

Architecture

Year built: 1889
Building type: Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Aug 09 - Aug 09

St. John's Anglican ChurchDoors Open Burlington

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. John's Anglican Church

St. John's Anglican is the second-oldest Anglican church in Burlington. Founded in 1835, the congregation gathered in an old schoolhouse until the current building was completed. Visit during Doors Open for guided tours of the church and cemetery. There will be markers throughout the cemetery for notable people in Burlington’s history, including members of the locally famous Ireland family.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

2464 Dundas Street West
Burlington, Ontario
Email: office@stjohnsburlington.ca
https://www.stjohnsburlington.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1839
Building type: Cemetery Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 09 - Aug 09