Halton Travel Guide (Greater Toronto Area/Ontario/Canada/North America)

Introduction to Halton

Halton is a regional municipality located in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. It is divided into four main areas: Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton. Halton is known for its beautiful nature, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. The region is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Halton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum: Learn about the history of golf in Canada at this museum. It features exhibits on the sport’s greatest players and moments, interactive displays, and a putting green.
Halton Region Museum: Discover the rich history of Halton dating back to the 1600s. The museum features interactive exhibits, period rooms, and outdoor heritage buildings.
Joseph Brant Museum: Explore the life and legacy of the Mohawk leader Joseph Brant at this museum. It showcases exhibits on Brant’s role in the American Revolutionary War and his impact on the relationship between the British Crown and First Nations people.
Ireland House Museum: Step back in time and experience life on a farm in the late 1800s. The museum features original furnishings, artifacts, and guided tours.

Natural Attractions of Halton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Nemo: Hike to the top of Mount Nemo and enjoy breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment. The trail is 5.4km long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Rattlesnake Point: This conservation area is home to a 100m high cliff and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can hike, rock climb, camp, and even go fossil hunting.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area: This unique natural area features a reconstructed Iroquoian village, hiking trails, and a boardwalk around the lake.
Royal Botanical Gardens: Explore 1,100 hectares of botanical gardens and nature reserves featuring more than 27 km of walking trails and various garden habitats.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Halton

Halton has some of the most stunning hiking and biking trails in Ontario. Some of the most popular ones include:

Bruce Trail: This 890km trail traverses through the Niagara Escarpment and passes through Halton. The trail offers stunning views of waterfalls, cliffs, and forests.
Milton Velodrome and Community Centre Trails: This is a 3.3 km asphalt and gravel trail that loops around the Mattamy National Cycling Centre and the Milton Sports Centre.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park: Hike through 18km of trails that pass through forests, meadows, and along the creek. The park also offers year-round camping options.

Best Things to Do in Halton: Activities and Tours

Wine Tours: Halton is home to several wineries, and wine tours are a popular way to explore the area. Some popular wineries include Creekside Estate Winery, Megalomaniac Winery, and Stratus Vineyards.
Golfing: Halton has several golf courses, ranging from beginner-friendly to championship-level. Some popular courses include Glen Abbey Golf Course, Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, and Crosswinds Golf & Country Club.
Visit Farmers’ Markets: Halton is home to several year-round farmers’ markets, including Burlington Mall Farmers’ Market, Milton Farmers’ Market, and Oakville Farmers’ Market.

Week-Long Itinerary for Halton

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Joseph Brant Museum and downtown Burlington
Day 2	Hike to the top of Mount Nemo and enjoy the views
Day 3	Explore Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Day 4-6	Play golf, visit wineries, and enjoy local farmers’ markets
Day 7	Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and enjoy a picnic

Food and Drink Scene of Halton

Must-Try Dishes

Burlington Boar: This dish features locally-sourced pork, slow-cooked with a variety of spices and topped with a maple glaze.
Halton Poutine: This classic Canadian dish gets a Halton twist with the addition of crispy fries, house-made gravy, and locally-sourced cheese curds.
Oakville Salmon: This dish features locally-sourced salmon, grilled to perfection and served with a side of seasonal vegetables.

Local Beverages

Ontario Craft Beer: Halton is home to several craft breweries, including Nickel Brook Brewing Co., Cameron’s Brewing Company, and Georgetown Brewing Company.
Local Wines: Halton is home to several wineries, including Creekside Estate Winery, Megalomaniac Winery, and Stratus Vineyards.
Ciders: Halton is also home to several cideries, including Spirit Tree Estate Cidery and Ernest Cider.

Where to Stay in Halton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Halton is home to several accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.

Sandman Hotel Oakville: This hotel features modern rooms, an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington: This hotel offers spacious suites complete with kitchens and a complimentary breakfast.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: This hotel features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
Hostels: Burlington Hostel and Milton Heights Campgrounds offer affordable accommodation options.

What to Buy in Halton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Maple Syrup: Halton is known for its maple syrup, which can be found at several local farms and markets.
Handmade Crafts: Halton is home to several artisan markets, including the Handmade Market and Holiday Handmade.
Wine and Cider: Halton is home to several wineries and cideries, and these make for excellent souvenirs or gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Halton

Halton, like the rest of Canada, has a diverse culture. Visitors to Halton can expect to hear a mix of English, French, and other languages, as well as a wide range of ethnic and cultural traditions. Halton also has a strong First Nations presence, and visitors can learn about the region’s Indigenous history and culture at several museums and galleries.

Best Time to Visit Halton

The best time to visit Halton is during the spring and fall months, when the temperatures are mild and the scenery is stunning. During the spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom festival at the Royal Botanical Gardens. During the fall, visitors can hike to see the stunning fall foliage and enjoy the local harvest festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Halton

Do:

Do try the local food and drinks.
Do learn about the Indigenous history and culture of the region.
Do take advantage of the beautiful outdoor scenery.

Don’t:

Don’t litter or damage the environment.
Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.
Don’t drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Halton

Halton is generally safe, with low crime rates. Visitors should exercise the same caution as they would in any other urban area, including keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in Halton

Halton has several hospitals and medical clinics to cater to any health emergencies. Visitors should also ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling.

Getting to Halton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Halton

Toronto Pearson International Airport: This is the largest airport in Ontario and is located approximately 30 minutes from Halton.
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport: This airport is located approximately 40 minutes from Halton.

Bus Stations Near Halton

Greyhound: The Greyhound bus station is located in Burlington, approximately 30 minutes from Halton.

Other Options

Car Rental: Car rental services are available at both airports and in most major cities.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Halton.

How to Get Around in Halton

Halton has several transportation options, including:

Public Transit: Halton Region Transit serves the region and connects it to other cities and towns in the area.
Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in Halton, and visitors can rent a car to explore the area.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Halton.

Where to Go Next from Halton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Halton is located near several other popular destinations in Ontario, including:

Niagara Falls: The stunning Niagara Falls is located approximately 1.5 hours from Halton.
Toronto: The vibrant, multicultural city of Toronto is located approximately 40 minutes from Halton.
Blue Mountain: This popular ski resort is located approximately 2 hours from Halton.

Conclusion

Halton is a stunning region with something for everyone. From its natural beauty to its rich history and culture, visitors to Halton are sure to be amazed and delighted. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their perfect Halton getaway and make the most of their stay.

Halton Image Gallery

Spencer Smith Park on Burlington's waterfront

Copper Kettle Pub, Glen Williams