Just under 2 hours from Montreal, Burlington is the ideal place for a day or weekend getaway. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s largest city, known for its friendly atmosphere, offers plenty of free activities.
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With over 100 local and international shops and restaurants for every taste, Church Street is arguably the most popular pedestrian promenade in Burlington. With its street entertainment in summer, its murals and its typically American architecture, you will love walking from one end to the other.
Photo provided by HELLO BURLINGTON, NICK EDWARDS
Head to the largest regional park on Burlington’s west side, located on the waterfront, hence the name. During the summer season you will find festivals of all kinds, food trucks and a cycle path. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset. Don’t miss the celebrations and fabulous fireworks for Independence Day on July 3 between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Do you know the ONE district in Burlington? Old North End is the oldest neighborhood in the city and offers a completely different atmosphere. You will discover beautiful colorful murals, cute cafes and bakeries on North Winooski Avenue and North Street. Be sure to stop at the Intervale Center, a 1.4 km campus farm2 composed of farmland, trails and open spaces along the Winooski River, a true haven of peace.
Photo provided by HELLO BURLINGTON
Are you a cycling enthusiast? You’ll be thrilled to ride for hours along the shores of Lake Champlain on the Burlington Bike Path. The Greenway begins south of Oakledge Park and extends north to the Winooski River for almost eight miles. You can even continue your journey to the islands of the lake by taking the bicycle ferry where only a donation is requested in exchange for your passage.
Photo provided by HELLO BURLINGTON
Who says waterfront says beach! Although there are a few in Burlington, only one has its lifeguards during the summer season: North Beach. All the amenities are there: from picnic tables to showers, BBQs, canteen and watercraft rental.
Photo courtesy, RENEE GRENLEE
Children will have lots of fun every summer Saturday in the fountains of City Hall Park. Between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., a DJ hosts Splash Dance, a party lasting a few hours which invites young and old to dance in the interactive water games to lively music.
Let yourself be lulled by music during free concerts offered all summer at Snow Farm Vineyard. Bring your chairs, your picnic and taste the products of the region’s vineyards and microbreweries every Thursday.
• Read also: Vermont: 8 good reasons to take a little getaway to Stowe
