Stays in Burlington
Downtown, by the lake, is where I would sleep for a weekend. The Waterfront Hotel at 2020 Lakeshore Road and The Pearle Hotel & Spa at the foot of Elizabeth Street both stand on the lake side of Lakeshore Road, beside Spencer Smith Park, with views over the water. Skip downtown if you want quiet on Labour Day weekend: Canada's Largest Ribfest fills the park, from 4 to 7 September in 2026. The rest of the list is a car base. On the South Service Road along the QEW, the Holiday Inn and Candlewood Suites share number 3063 and the Comfort Inn is at 3290; the Quality Hotel is on Walkers Line and the Best Western Plus on Queensway Drive. Near the Oakville boundary, Homewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn sit side by side on Syscon Road, Hampton Inn & Suites on Appleby Line and the Courtyard on Burloak Drive. None is on the water, and you will drive to dinner. In spring, plan around the lilacs of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Katie Osborne Lilac Collection, one of the largest and most diverse in the world, peaks from mid to late May; in 2026, weekend visits from 9 to 24 May needed a reservation, with a shuttle from the RBG Centre for non-members. It grows in the Arboretum at 16 Old Guelph Road, on the Hamilton side, not at the RBG Centre on Plains Road West.
In Burlington, the base that matters is downtown, on Lakeshore Road between Brant Street and Spencer Smith Park, where you can walk to the lake, the restaurants and the waterfront trail. The east end, around Appleby Line and Burloak Drive near the Oakville boundary, is where the business hotels sit: easy by car, a drive from the water. For Toronto without the car, Burlington GO station on Fairview Street is on the Lakeshore West line, with two-way trains all day, seven days a week, to Union Station.
Burlington in numbers
4.6Courtyard by Marriott Burlington-Oakville
Spa & Wellness · 110 reviewsComfortable stay with an indoor saltwater pool and family dining
Why guests love itSofa beds in the rooms let families of four share one space comfortably, and the indoor saltwater pool is gentler on children than a heavily chlorinated one. The family-friendly restaurant serves American food at every meal, with vegetarian and dairy-free options for children with dietary needs. An outdoor fireplace and lounge make a pleasant spot for parents in the evening. Burlington sits between Toronto and Niagara, so the hotel works well as a base for day trips in either direction.
4.5The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
Spa & Wellness · 198 reviewsLuxury hotel and spa with two pools, pet-friendly, and close to cultural sites
Why guests love itThe Pearle Hotel & Spa in Burlington has two swimming pools, a rare find that gives children plenty of time in the water, while the full spa and wellness centre lets parents take a break. A restaurant, a bar and room service make meals easy, and free WiFi and private parking cover the practical side. The Burlington Art Centre and Joseph Brant Museum are nearby for a cultural outing, and pets are accepted too.
4.5Hampton Inn & Suites Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Spa & Wellness · 562 reviewsFamily-friendly comfort with an indoor pool and pet-friendly amenities
Why guests love itHampton Inn & Suites Burlington offers air-conditioned family rooms with a refrigerator, handy for drinks and snacks, and an indoor swimming pool that keeps children busy in any weather. The restaurant serves American dishes most children will eat, and parents can use the fitness room. Pets are welcome and parking is free, which suits families on a road trip along Lake Ontario. With an 8.9 rating across 562 reviews, I would book it as a dependable family base in Burlington.
4.2Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington
Spa & Wellness · 104 reviewsFamily-friendly suites with kitchens, an indoor pool, and pet-friendly options
Why guests love itAn outdoor play area, an indoor pool and family rooms with a kitchen make the Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington one of the more child-friendly addresses in this Ontario city. Breakfast is served daily in continental, American or buffet style, and the kitchen handles snacks and simple dinners. A garden and a sun terrace give extra room outside, parking is free, pets are welcome, and an EV charging station is on site. Guests rate it 8.4 across 104 reviews.
4.2Best Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites
Downtown · 663 reviewsIndoor saltwater pool, hot tub, and daily breakfast in Burlington
Why guests love itBest Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites suits families who want a pool and an easy breakfast on a trip to the Hamilton and Burlington area. The indoor saltwater pool and hot tub are the evening highlight for children, and a daily breakfast saves the morning rush. Every room has a microwave and refrigerator for snacks and simple meals, and WiFi is free. Parents can use the wellness facilities on site. A guest score of 8.3 from 663 reviews is reassuring.
4.0Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
Downtown · 2068 reviewsDowntown waterfront hotel with an indoor pool and spa
Why guests love itSpencer Smith Park and the Waterfront Trail sit right next to the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington, which is why I would suggest it to families who like to walk, cycle or play outside by Lake Ontario. When the weather turns, the indoor pool takes over. The restaurant on site keeps meals simple, parents can book the spa and wellness centre, and pet-friendly rooms are available. WiFi is free throughout, and 2,068 reviews average 7.9.
4.0Quality Hotel
Downtown · 255 reviewsPet-friendly hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna in Burlington
Why guests love itThe indoor pool, hot tub and sauna give a family a full evening of water time in any season, and a complimentary continental breakfast keeps mornings easy. Pets are welcome and wireless internet is free. The location is central, with the Joseph Brant Museum and shopping centres nearby, and Ontario wine country and Niagara Falls are day trips by car. Rooms are standard, so facilities are the draw.
3.9Comfort Inn
Downtown · 726 reviewsPet-friendly comfort near downtown Burlington and the waterfront
Why guests love itA complimentary continental breakfast and free wireless internet keep the basics covered at the Comfort Inn Burlington, and pets are welcome, so the dog can join the trip. The downtown and the Lake Ontario waterfront are a short drive away, good for a family walk by the water. No pool is listed, so the day is built around outings rather than the hotel.
3.9Holiday Inn Burlington Conference Centre by IHG
Downtown · 125 reviewsIndoor pool and on-site dining near Burlington's city centre
Why guests love itThis Holiday Inn gives families the basics for a Burlington stay: an indoor pool for evenings, an on-site restaurant and bar, and rooms with mini-fridges for milk and snacks. The Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario is close by, good for a morning walk or bike ride with children, and city-centre shops and restaurants are within 4 km. Rooms are air-conditioned, which helps in humid summer weather. Expect a functional conference hotel rather than a resort experience.
3.9Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Burlington
Spa & Wellness · 174 reviewsIndoor pool and hot tub for a relaxing stay in Burlington
Why guests love itAn indoor pool and a hot tub are what the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Burlington offers families looking for a relaxed base on the Ontario shore of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton. Children can swim whatever the weather, and the on-site restaurant saves a drive at the end of the day. Rooms are tastefully decorated, with a Keurig coffee machine for parents and free wired and wireless internet. Guests rate the hotel 7.7 across 174 reviews.
3.8Candlewood Suites Burlington Conference Centre by IHG
Spa & Wellness · 41 reviewsComfortable suites with kitchens, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre
Why guests love itA fully equipped kitchen in every room is the family advantage at Candlewood Suites: meals, bottles and snacks can be prepared in the room, which helps on longer stays. The indoor swimming pool and fitness centre add an evening activity, rooms are air-conditioned with a private bathroom, and pets are welcome. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are included, and there is a terrace and a bar.