We could all use a perfect spa day! Wouldnโt you agree? Your skin, body, and mind deserve a little rest and relaxation. But which spa is right for you? The answer depends on the results youโre looking for. While a day spa generally focuses on relaxation and surface-level treatments, medical spas offer more invasive treatments for deeper-seated issues. In either case, the spas are here to help you relax and feel rejuvenated โ here is what you can expect from each experience.ย
Med Spas
Unlike a traditional day spa, a qualified physician must perform all treatments and procedures at a medical spa. Treatments combine an aesthetic medical centre and a day spa that provides non-surgical aesthetic medical services. Most treatments are minimally invasive, though they often require needles or lasers. Examples of med spa treatments would be Botox, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal.ย ย
โTraditional day spas are full-service spas. They offer things like massage, manicures, pedicures, and waxing. Itโs a more relaxing experience. We treat skin conditions. We use focused lasers to target areas to help improve your overall appearance,โ said Astrid Mkrtchyan, Owner/Founder of Le Prestige Med Spa.
Le Prestige Med Spa offers services targeted to help you maintain that ageless, youthful look. Their most popular services include Factora Microneedling, Laser Hair Removal (pain-free and effective), Acne Laser Treatment, and Oxygeneo Facial.
โLe Prestige Med Spa is committed to providing customers with VIP royalty service. We are results-driven. We give our best to our clients. Their satisfaction is a priority to us,โ said Astrid.
If youโre looking to visit Le Prestige Med Spa, you can find them at 1940 Ironstone Drive, Unit #12 in Burlington.
At Advanced Rejuvenation Medical Spa, both men and women can experience treatments that help create natural-looking improvements to your appearance. This med spa offers facial and whole-body treatments, hair restoration, and a weight management program (cool sculpting).ย
You can visit Advanced Rejuvenation Medical Spa at 425 Locust Street in Burlington.
At Oakvilleโs Revival MedSpa, located at 323 Church Street #20, clients can receive a modern and innovative approach to medical aesthetics and skincare. Revival MedSpa offers result-based treatments to help their clients combat some of the most stubborn skin conditions, including aging, wrinkles, acne, and scarring.
One of their featured services is their CBD infusion facial treatment. They infuse your skin by calming inflammation with 3,000 mg of CBD. They also infuse it with antioxidants and vitamins. This works to help increase the skinโs firmness, which in turn works to slow down the aging process.
Day Spas
Looking for some R&R? Youโre looking for a day spa. Traditional day spas offer a more relaxing and laid-back experience. Here you will find services like massage, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and facials.ย
Spa in the Village, located at 416 Pearl Street in Burlington, is a one-stop for all your personal care treatments. Here you will find a variety of massage treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and body treatments (body wraps, contouring, and laser hair removal).ย
Cosmetologist use laser. Woman with cosmetologist. Lady in a beauty studio.
They even offer monthly spa subscriptions from the basics to the whole nine yards. Choose from different packages, including monthly pedicures, to a complete three-hour pampering, including facial, mani, and hot stone pedi.ย
Everyone deserves the opportunity to relax, and at Waters Edge Spa, you can do just that. Located at 707 Brant Street in Burlington, Waters Edge Spa uses top-of-the-line products in all their services to ensure you leave feeling your absolute best. Try their Indian Head Massage โ a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles, and joints of the head, face, neck, and shoulders.ย
Self-care is an integral part of your overall well-being, and Rosewater Spa is committed to putting you first. Located in the heart of downtown Oakville at 156 Church Street, Rosewater Spa offers clients a much-needed spa experience.ย
The Rosewater โWrap and Napโ is their signature body treatment. It begins with a total body exfoliation. A rich coating of European Rose Mud is applied to decongest and detoxify. Once you are wrapped in warmth, the experience continues with a relaxing mini-facial and scalp treatment. The ultimate body treatment from head to toe!
Being wrapped in warmth sounds pretty niceโฆweโre heading to the spa!
Young tender african girl smiling enjoying massage with closed eyes in spa resort.
Skip the planes and trains and stick with the automobile this summer to take advantage of your Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. The Ontario government introduced the temporary tax credit with the hopes of providing a much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industry that was deeply impacted by the pandemic.
Ontario residents can claim 20% of eligible accommodation expenses up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 as a family, for vacations taken in 2022. Thatโs up to $200 back in your pocket as an individual or $400 for a family!
With this cash savings, itโs time to take a look at all the region has to offer. Whether youโre looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options within driving distance.
Mississauga
The Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale is your place to go if youโre traveling with kids in tow.ย โThe Big Blue Slideโ, an over two-story-tall waterslide, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.ย
If you can pry your kids away to explore more of Mississauga, check out the downtown. Here you will find City Hall (Civic Centre), the award-winning outdoor Mississauga Celebration Square, Central Library, the Living Arts Centre (the premier hub for arts, culture, and performance in Mississauga), the provinceโs largest shopping mall (and second-largest in Canada) – Square One Shopping Centre, The Food District, and the Art Gallery of Mississauga.ย If a small-town vibe is your thing, be sure to visit the Village of Streetsville for cute local shops and delicious foods.ย
Burlington
Looking to pamper yourself? The Pearle Hotel & Spa features luxury accommodation overlooking Burlingtonโs waterfront. Thereโs an onsite restaurant with an outdoor patio, and a spa featuring a traditional Hammam sauna, private massage rooms, and a relaxation pool. Youโll be sure to come away from your staycation relaxed and refreshed, without the jetlag.
After your spa treatment, hit Burlingtonโs beautiful waterfront for a stroll. Grab an ice cream at La Crรจme de La Crรจme or a drink on a waterfront patio โ Spencerโs at the Waterfront and the Port House Social Bar and Kitchen are great options.ย
Niagara
Niagara Falls is one of Canadaโs most popular tourist destinations for good reason. Thereโs so much to do and see here.ย
Traveling with kids? Check out The Americana. With over 300,000 square feet, this family-friendly resort features Niagaraโs only indoor waterpark with a retractable roof. The grounds also have an arcade for the older kids. Great Wolf Lodge is also a popular choice for families. You could have an entire staycation right here and never leave the lodge.ย
Looking for something romantic? The Red Coach Inn has been a romantic destination since 1923. This hotel features a warm traditional English atmosphere and is so close to the Falls you can hear the roar.
While in Niagara, there are the famous Falls, of course, with plenty of viewing options. Get up close with the Maid of the Mist boat ride or take the Journey Behind the Falls and travel through a tunnel to an outdoor observation deck. Or go up high and see the falls from the Niagara Skywheel, Canadaโs largest Ferris Wheel.ย
Clifton Hill is a popular viewing site perfect for photos and the strip has plenty of dining options and attractions as well.
For nature enthusiasts, the Butterfly Conservatory and the Bird Kingdom make a great excursion.
Be sure to stop at Hersheyโs Chocolate World for a sugar boost on the way home!
Ontario Staycation Tax Credit Details:ย
Eligible Staycation Tax Credit expenses include accommodation expenses for leisure stays of less than one month at a hotel, resort, lodge, cottage, bed and breakfast or campground taken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
Only one individual per family can claim the credit.
The credit only covers accommodation, not tours, gas, or food.
Happy staycation-ing!
Local Links
Mississauga
The Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale Hilton.com 905-821-1981
Mississauga Living Arts Centre Livingartscentre.ca 905-306-6000
Square One Shopping Centre Shopsquareone.com
The Food District Shopfooddistrict.comย
Art Gallery of Mississauga Artgalleryofmississauga.com 905-896-5088
Village of Streetsville Villageofstreetsville.com
Burlington
The Pearle Hotel & Spa Marriot.com 905-340-0590
La Crรจme de La Crรจme Lacremedelacremecreamery.ca 905-333-8833
Spencer’s at the Waterfront Spencers.ca 905-633-7494
The Port House Social Bar and Kitchenย Theporthouse.ca 905-271-0016
Niagara
Americana Americananiagara.com 1-866-707-0030
Great Wolf Lodge Greatwolf.com 905-354-4888
The Red Coach Inn Redcoach.com 716-282-1459
Maid of the Mist Maidofthemist.com 716-284-8897
Journey Behind the Falls Niagarafallstourism.com 1-877-642-7275
Move over, Man Caves โ itโs time for She Sheds to have their moment in the sun. And if youโve got a backyard, it may be easier than you realized to create a private oasis just outside your home.
What exactly is a She Shed?
While the term โMan Caveโ has been thrown around for years, โShe Shedsโ are a relatively new phenomenon. There are a few key differences: a Man Cave is typically a basement, garage or other area of the home dedicated to stereotypically male endeavours (picture: a large television for watching sports or playing video games, a beer fridge and some reclining chairs) whereas a She Shed is an out-building thatโs designed as a quiet, tranquil getaway for the lady of the house. It may be an office, an arts and crafts room, or a reading nook that doubles as a place for uninterrupted naps. (For the record, we totally support the idea of a woman creating a space to watch sports or a man creating a peaceful backyard oasis. Design has no gender, so go ahead and create whatever space you dream of!)
DIY Design
When basket weaver Amy Billinghurst of Woven Handmade needed a studio space to work in, a She Shed was the perfect solution. โI have a large sewing machine and it isnโt quiet,โ she explains. โWe live in a very small home, so there wasnโt room for it in our house.โ In addition to using the space to create one-of-a-kind beautiful handmade goods, Amy wanted room to display her creations and store inventory. With the help of her husband and other family members, Amy was able to design and build the structure from scratch.
Before getting started, Amy hit the internet for inspiration. โPinterest was a huge help in the design we went with,โ she says. โI had pinned a building with a single pitch roof and dark board-and-batten siding, and I always went back to that image.โ
Amyโs must-haves included large windows to let in natural light and fresh air, plus a durable floor. She also wanted a space that could be used in all seasons, so it had to be insulated and hooked up to power. Inside, Amy painted the walls a bright white and added shelving, houseplants, a spacious workstation and more. A solid rock step and rows of gorgeous hydrangeas completed the exterior look.
โProximity to your house is key,โ Amy says. This wonโt be a problem in most urban or suburban areas, but if youโre building a She Shed on a more expansive rural property, consider a location thatโs close to your main house. This will help you get the most use out of the space, particularly in the evening or throughout the cold months.ย
Keep it simple with pre-fab options
Not everyone has design and construction skills (or the patience) to build a She Shed from the ground up. In this case, pre-fab options are the perfect solution. Vendors like LivPods offer stunning, modern, modular structures that are built in their Canadian production facility, shipped whole and installed by crane (yes, crane) in your backyard. For a more traditional wooden shed structure, consider Grand River Shedsโ they offer customizations and will build your shed on site in just one day. Or, order a kit from Cedarshed Canada and build it yourself! Just be sure to check with your local bylaw regulations and get a permit if required.
No one really knows who made cheese for the first time, but according to one legend โ it started by accident. As the story goes, an Arabian merchant put milk into a pouch (made from the stomach of a sheep) and set out for his daily activities. Rennet โ the enzyme that converts milk to cheese โ is naturally found in the belly of some ruminant animals. Whether this tale is true or not, cheese has been around since roughly 8,000 BC!
Dairy-based cheese is made from just four essential ingredients: milk, salt, a โgood bacteria,โ and rennet. Cheesemakers can adjust the basic recipe by adding other elements, making all of the cheeses weโve grown to know and love.
Cheese traditionally comes from milk (dairy) โ and you may be familiar with goat, cow, sheep, and even water buffalo milk cheese. But did you also know cheese can be plant-based and come from an assortment of nuts, soy, and oils? Theyโre quite tasty and come in many traditional types such as mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda.
Cheese is a very complex topic; in fact, some people build their entire education around it (you can actually obtain a Master of Cheese). There are so many different cheeses that in 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle famously asked, “How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?” France now has over 400 types of cheese, as does Italy.
Cheese is divided into seven main categories:
Fresh (for example, Ricotta), aged fresh (Mozzarella), soft white rind (Camembert), semi-soft (Port Salut), hard (Cheddar), blue (Gorgonzola) and flavour added (Pecorino with truffle). These styles are made in every cheese-producing country.
Our locally made cheeses:
Ontario has a wide selection of locally made cheeses, and the best part โ some of the factories welcome tourists (weโre planning our trip now).
Thornloe Cheese Co. has been making cheese in northern Ontario since 1940 and has a beautiful selection of artisanal cheese. Their Temiskaming is a hard cheese with a yellowish inside. They also make a firm, smoked mozzarella and a Charlton, which is a goat milk cheese similar in flavour to feta.
Back Forty Artisan Cheese in Eastern Ontario (est. 2000) was one of the province’s first sheepโs milk producers. Try the Highland Blue, which has a natural rind and is less salty than most blue cheeses. Or try the Madawaska, which is salted and tangy. You can visit the farm in Mississippi Station (near Ottawa) on Saturdays from June to October.
Mountainoak Cheese in New Hamburg produces many delicious kinds of cheese. When you see the passion Adam Van Bergeijk, owner of the farm, has for his craft, youโll understand why theyโve won so many awards. โFarming is not an occupation; itโs a way of living.โ The Farmstead Mild is aged two to three months and is exceptionally creamy. It won first place in its category at the British Empire Cheese Competition in 2016, and the Farmstead Smoked took the same award in its category two years running.
Monforte Dairy in Stratford produces cheese from goat, water buffalo, and cowโs milk. The Providence Aged Cheddar is excellent, or try the Tomme or Chevre.
Pairing wine with cheese:
It is not as simple as most people think when pairing wine and cheese. Not all cheese goes with all wines; white wine is often better suited to cheese than red. The lighter the cheese, the lighter the wine should be. Fresh Ricotta would be best with a light wine like Trius Distinction Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 at LCBO).
A soft white rind cheese such as Camembert could cope with a wine a little heavier, pairing the creaminess of the cheese and wine. Try the Westcott Estate Chardonnay (available at the LCBO for $29.95).
Hard cheese such as Cheddar or blue cheese goes well with red wine. The Malivoire Farmstead Gamay ($19.95 at LCBO) would be a good option, or the Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc would also be a good choice. ($29.20 at the LCBO).
There are no rules for cheese and wine, so taste different combinations and see which you prefer. Have some fun while you sample our Ontario cheeses and support a local industry which is on the rise right now.
The Burlington Downtown Business Improvement Area (BDBA) has launched a new Gift Card as part of their efforts to support participating small businesses in the downtown core.
The Burlington Downtown Gift Card is now available to buy online at burlingtondowntown.ca/gift-cards in $25, $50, $100 and $200 denominations.
โAfter a challenging 24 months for businesses in our community, now is the time for recovery and for our community to pull together and help us support our Downtown retailers, restaurants, salons and spas,โ said Brian Dean, Executive Director of BDBA, adding: โBy purchasing the Burlington Downtown Gift Card, residents can show their commitment and support to our small business community. The Gift Card gives them access to a wide range of businesses including those that have been hardest hit by the pandemic, such as restaurants, spas and fitness providers. The Gift Card unlocks our downtownโs products, experiences and services.โ
Dean went on to say, โIn addition to consumers buying the Gift Card for family and friends, weโll also be working with corporate organizations in the city of Burlington and beyond, so they can offer the Burlington Downtown Gift Card as part of their employee and volunteer recognition programs whilst showing their support for small, local businesses.โ
One of the first restaurants to sign up to accept the new Burlington Downtown Gift Card is Joe Dogโs Gasbar Grill. โThe Gift Card will work to strengthen our community of business owners in Downtown Burlington. We are unique and do support each other so we signed up Joe Dogโs to help make this community even stronger!โ said Mike Coles, Owner of Joe Dogs.
Local salon owner Liza Bouchard-Bain, from the Waterโs Edge Salon & Spa said: โThe reason we have joined the Burlington Downtown Gift Card program is because Waterโs Edge is committed to our community. It makes a huge difference when people shop and experience locally. It means we can employ people locally, offer unique boutique items and services to the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding area, or give an experience to someone from out of town. Shopping local means community support and involvement. Shopping local keeps our city thriving!โ
The technology for the Burlington Downtown Gift Card is provided by fintech Miconex in association with international payments technology solutions provider EML Payments. Miconex operates its Downtown Gift Card concept across Canada, the US, the UK and Ireland. The Burlington Downtown Gift Card is issued by PACE Savings & Credit Union Limited. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency.
A frequently updated list of participating businesses who will be accepting the Gift Card as a form of payment is also available on the BDBA website. Corporate order requests can be made to: giftcards@burlingtondowntown.ca
People often talk about high school as being โthe glory yearsโ. Itโs a stage of life full of excitement and newfound freedom. But, is it really all itโs cracked out to be? Expectations are high, and with that, so are levels of stress. The teen years can be awkward, and with hormones raging and social pressures glooming, it’s hard to know who you are and where you fit in.
Many of my peers entered high school expecting a typical high school experience…complete with a prom straight out of a rom-com. But instead, we ended up with canceled events and canceled sporting games, a global pandemic, virtual classes, and some interesting attempts at a graduation ceremony. A lot has changed in a short time, and with that, the mental health of youth has been highly affected.
It’s not uncommon to experience struggles with mental health during your teen years, and it’s easy to understand why. There are school pressures, social expectations, relationships, new hormones and emotions to navigate, and the daunting decision of university applications and career choices (that impact the rest of your life).
Needless to say, the Covid climate hasnโt helped either. But where can teens turn when they need support? Especially now. One of the hardest things to acknowledge is the need for help โ and asking for help takes courage. However, not everyone is comfortable opening up to family and friends. Rarely do teens know about other resources readily available to them.
From one teen to another, here is a list of resources within our community that I’ve learned we can count on.
Reach Out Centre for Kids 471 Pearl Street, Burlington
Let’s start with the ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) – a wonderful resource for all ages. With services available throughout Halton, and a large collection of therapists and youth counselors, accessing an appointment comes fairly easily. They also have a vast online system, crisis line, live chats, and a virtual walk-in clinic.
Similarly, Halton Distress Centre also has a crisis line called The Distress Line. On their website, you can find the number to call (the number is city-specific) and you will be instantly be placed with one of over 200 trained volunteers – any day, at any hour. A texting service will also be available soon, allowing clients to text a volunteer rather than call.
If you ever feel like you’ve reached your boiling point, 7 Cups of Tea was made for you. This is a fully digital system offering free support to people experiencing emotional distress. Their services are available to people of all ages and in multiple languages. You can talk speak to a qualified listener about your thoughts or concerns, or simply get things off your mind in an anonymous and confidential chat. While it may seem intimidating to speak with someone you donโt know, these listeners are trained, respectful, and always ready to chat.
In exploring the struggles that teenagers face, itโs fair to say that sexual identity has recently been pushed to the forefront. Over the past ten years, more people are feeling safe to come out as LGBTQ+ and, they’re coming out at younger ages. This can be a difficult process to navigate for parents and kids a like.
The Positive Space Network (PSN) Halton is an amazing organization that runs group meetings, weekly drop-ins, and even its own annual pride event – all for LGBTQ+ youth. They also have resources for parents, provide referrals for therapy, volunteering opportunities, and gender-affirming gear.
Another network similar to PSN is Qspeak. Qspeak is an initiative run four times a year and is completely virtual. It is set up to help unify LGBTQ+ youth across Canada. High school students fill out questionnaires and are put into groups led by a university student that also identifies as queer. In these groups, teens participate in discussions about things like representation, stereotypes, pressures, fears, and so much more. It is all communicated in a safe environment, free of judgment. They also have volunteer opportunities and a discord server available to anyone where you can interact with other teens going through similar sexual orientation struggles across Canada.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, it is important to provide youth with the tools to recognize their own mental health and get help when they need it. As a teenager who has struggled with my mental health for most of my life and is part of the queer community, it is my personal hope that any teen reading this will feel relief knowing they are not alone. Things may be difficult right now with the pandemic still lurking, but with a large number of resources available to support teen mental health, I feel confident that there is hope for all of us.
Many of us have been working from home for a little over two years โ and while weโve embraced Zoom meetings (and sweatpants), some of us are starting to miss the office. With some offices transitioning to a more virtual setting, you may be exploring other options to get that โoffice feel.โ This is where coworking spaces come into play. These spaces offer daily, monthly, and yearly memberships. Coworking spaces are a great alternative to your home office with both private offices and open desks available. Not only will you get to be around people, but they also offer great networking opportunities and the occasional water-cooler chat that you may have been missing.
Located in Downtown Oakville on Robinson Street, Ace is a community for entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and remote workers. With flex workspaces, private offices, and boardrooms โ ACE promotes collaboration, connection, and a quiet space to retreat when you need it.
โThe benefits of coworking are numerous,โ says Nancy Fornasiero, the Founder and Community Director for ACE Coworking. โWorking in a professional, well-designed space with great WiFi and other amenities makes you much more productive. We consistently hear from new members how much more they can get done when they come to work at our space than when they work at home.โ
ACE Coworking offers something for everyone with an array of different membership plans, from daily rentals of a hot desk to a dedicated desk or private office space. Their aim is to bring people together, and emphasize that coworking is not just for an individual person. Itโs also beneficial for small businesses.
Staples Studio
Studio.staples.ca | (289) 430-0217 | 320 North Service Road West, Oakville
Remember that office supply store at Dorval and the North Service Road in Oakville? Theyโve added a coworking space! Staples Studio inspires deep collaboration and fellowship with a positive and nourishing environment. The space provides everything an individual needs to learn and grow within their business or work.
Offering 24/7 access to the building, Stapes Studio allows the freedom to work when it best suits you. Members are also given access to unlimited WiFi, discounts on their printing and marketing, dedicated on-site assistance, and a podcast booth.
alternawork
Alternawork.com | (416) 595-1313 | 2115 S Service Road West, Oakville
Just steps away from Bronte Go Station in Oakville in a state-of-the-art 21,000 sq. ft. building is alternawork โ a coworking space designed to meet tech community needs in the GTA. The shared office space has private offices, dedicated workstations, and premium amenities, including a commercial kitchen, conference rooms, break-out rooms, event space, high-speed internet, parking, and coffee.
They also offer a virtual office package โ where you can enjoy the benefits of a business mailing address, package handling, and access to the alternawork community, all with the freedom to book a desk and meeting space only when you need it.
LAUFT โ located in Burlington Centre on Guelph Line, believes the future of work requires more flexibility than ever before. With the ability to book hourly, daily, or weekly, they are on a mission to empower everyone with convenience. With no membership fee and on-demand booking, LAUFT is truly flexible. Desk rentals start at as little as $5-per hour.
NUVO Network
Nuvonetwork.com | 905-592-2598 | 1295 North Service Road, Burlington
Located in what was known as the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, this 150,000 sq. ft. broadcasting building is a synergetic space connecting entrepreneurs, content creators, and community champions, providing access to state-of-the-art multimedia facilities including podcasting, video production, and recording studios.
NUVO members can work independently at a hot desk or in shared work environments, while the outside community can rent space for everything from conferences to commercials.
With all of these spaces available to you, remote working no longer has to be a solo adventure.
Is your child a budding chef, the next Bob Blumer, Lynn Crawford or Alvin Leung? Does your child demonstrate an interest in the art of cooking? Little Kitchen Academy offers a unique culinary experience for children ages 3-18, and Oakville has the only available location in Ontario.
This Canadian franchise provides children with exposure and an introduction to useful kitchen skills, potentially igniting future epicurean pursuits. For these young people, cooking at the academy isnโt just fun and games. โWhat the children learn in the kitchen are transferable life skills,โ remarks Owner-Operator and Oakville resident Felicia Sia.
When Felicia attempted to locate a local culinary school for her young son, she was surprised not to find one. An online search lead her to discover a Montessori-styled culinary academy franchise for children in British Columbia. Following extensive research and being impressed with the structure and philosophy of the academy, Felicia invested in a franchise herself, bringing its first location to Ontario this past July.
Feliciaโs experience and expertise was gained from her previous role as a director in food science research with ROHA, a leader in food colour and ingredient production. Her vision is to change lives from the early years, empowering the students with choices and a fundamental understanding of how flavour choices affect foods and how to prepare them.
Parents are not present while class is in session at this academy. Each student dons a chef uniform and listens to safety instructions before commencing.
Students have the opportunity to select ingredients within a prepared recipe. Herbs are grown on a living wall for the kids to harvest. Theyโre encouraged to try new foods and spices in various preparations, learning the science behind cooked versus raw. Lessons include education in the use of knife skills, clean-up, kitchen discipline, table-setting, and eating etiquette.
At the end of each session, students demonstrate what theyโve learned by presenting a meal for their parents to enjoy.
Q: Because the academy opened during the pandemic, what effect did these limitations pose on class size?
โWe provided the appropriate spacing at stations during restrictions. The class sizes didnโt change. We werenโt affected in that way. Fortunately, registration remained healthy. Parents felt comfortable with how we handled the Health & Safety Guidelines. The only change made was that the students remained at their stations while presenting food, instead of using the community table.โ
The classroom population at Little Kitchen Academy does not exceed ten students, with a 1:3 instructor ratio. While programs cater to kids 3-18, classes are grouped by age. The instructors have a culinary education and Montessori background. Felicia herself also instructs.
Q: Now open for just over nine months, what kind of feedback do you have from the parents about the program?
โBoth the parents and kids have given us a positive response. We donโt have a lot of online reviews as of yet, but we do have many return students. This, for me, is undeniable feedback that we are doing something right.
There are children with special needs who have also enjoyed the program. Because of the low ratio of kids to instructors, all children can attend our program with sufficient 1-on-1 attention.โ
The success and demand have been so great, with student applications also originating from Mississauga, Milton, Burlington, Thornhill, and Richmond Hill, that Felicia is looking for a second suitable location in Mississauga, with an opening date scheduled for late 2022.
Registration for spring classes and summer camp are now open!
Sia adds, โI have been and continue to be very grateful to the Oakville community for all their support.โ
Little Kitchen Academy franchise has additional academy openings available for later this year in various GTA locations.
Whether youโre fueling up for the day, enjoying a mimosa brunch with your BFFs, or nursing a hangover from the night before, here is our 2025 list of the best breakfast & brunch spots in Burlington!
For indoor dining/patio, take-out or delivery, #SupportLocal and enjoy a sweet or savoury breakfast that is sure to delight your tastebuds and cure your cravings.
Ps. Check out our separate articles for the best brunch spots in Oakville & Bronte!
Familia Fine Foods
New to our Breakfast & Brunch list for 2025 is Familia Find Foods, who are offering a Latin-American breakfast 6 days a week at their Harvester Road location in Burlington. For anyone who loves Huevos Rancheros, this spot is for you! The food is divine and the atmosphere is bright, friendly and definitively Colombian. The coffee is also fantastic – plus you can pick up an easy frozen dinner on your way out!
Pop in any time for a coffee, tea or latte and something from their all day menu. Perhaps a croissant with house preserve, ham and gruyere, a breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, aged cheddar and cayenne aioli or a healthy bowl of house granola? Everything is made in house using fresh ingredients with a touch of French tradition. (PS. they just launched a dinner menu too!)
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Enjoy all-day dine-in brunch at the bistro (Tuesday-Saturday from 8am-5pm or Sunday from 8am-4pm)
Click here to view the menu and order online for either take-out or delivery!
Itโs hard not to love Saving Thyme’s Eggs Benedict, when it sits on a freshly made English muffin and finished with house-made hollandaise!
Benedict Eatery
Newly opened, Benedict Eatery is a quaint breakfast spot located in the heart of downtown Burlington’s Village Square! Along with classic homestyle breakfast platters (bacon, eggs and toast) and comforting delights (waffles, pancakes, French toast), you’ll enjoy a selection of health-conscious delights (including gourmet salads) and an enticing list of Eggs Benedict options!
Dine-In/Take-Out | Enjoy all-day breakfast/brunch and lunch (every day from 8am-3pm)
Brunch salads anyone? Enjoy these at Benedict Eatery!
Spencerโs at the Waterfront
Located on the Burlington lakefront, Spencer’s at the Waterfront offers breathtaking views and fabulous food. Whether it’s mouth-watering steak from our butcher, sustainably sourced seafood or freshly harvested produce from our farm, each ingredient is transformed into something delightfully delicious. The weekend brunch menu features Avocado & Burrata Toast, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, Vanilla Bean Waffles among many other sweet and savoury gourmet delights…
PรR meets SIMPLE. This breakfast (and lunch) locale warmly welcomes you to try something from their mouth-watering menu that pairs craveable breakfast items with nutritious and gluten-friendly delights! Gourmet yet affordable, you’ll find everything from bright smoothie bowls to sweet waffles and savoury benedicts — all made with love.
Dine-In/Patio/Take-Out/Delivery | Serving breakfast/brunch every day from 8am-2pm.
PรR & SIMPLE: a sweet and syrupy fruit crรชpe!
Lettuce Love Cafรฉ
Good healthy food is whatโs on the menu every day. Everything served is 100% gluten-free, plant-based and created from organic, local, farm-to-table, sustainable, fair-trade ingredients. After enjoying pancakes, a classic breakfast, or one of the signature Bowls, your tummy will feel super clean (and full).
What’s not to LOVE about this mouth-watering brunch at Lettuce Love?
Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge
Located inside the Pearle Hotel & Spa, along downtown Burlington’s beautiful waterfront, Isabelle delivers an authentic earth-to-table culinary experience – with a global twist! Culinary Director Ben Heaton has created a dining experience with an elegant yet familial approach. The laid-back vibe of California dining with the European family style approach is communicated through share-style dishes highlighting the produce from their farm and local producers. Encouraging genuine connection, Isabelle serves fresh and flavourful dishes ideal for sharing. Discover vibrant flavours inspired by coastal climates from around the world including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Californian, brought to life through local ingredients and the bounty of their farm.
Isabelle.ca | 3 Elizabeth St, Burlington | 905-340-0590
Dine-In/Take-Out | Enjoy brunch every Saturday & Sunday beginning at 9am
Treat your tastebuds to Isabelle’s earth-to-table culinary experience!
Russell Williams
One of Burlingtonโs oldest diners thatโs still running strong and serving a strong cuppa joe. A few changes have taken place over the years with renovations here and there but RW continues to serve big portions of tasty breakfasts. Itโs pristine without being pretentious, friendly without being fake, and delicious without being expensive.
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | All-day breakfast served everyday day (9am-6pm).
The Coop Wicked Chicken
Thereโs wicked chicken to be had here โ not to mention waffles, eggs and sandwiches. The WTF Waffles If youโre not afraid of a bit of spice in your maple syrup. Sustenance is also offered in liquid form on the Boozy Brunch menu.
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Brunch served every Saturday & Sunday (10:30am-3pm)
Pair this Nashville Chicken Benny with a bottomless mimosa at The Coop!
Rust Bistro Bar
Free of the usual convention, Rust Bistrobar is an intimate, casual cool dining destination open for dinner six nights a week and for brunch every Sunday. The brunch menu features a Moroccan Scramble, Steak & Eggs, or the “Huevos” Rancheros Tostada among other delights.
rustbistrobar.ca | 1801 Walkers Line #7, Burlington | 905-336-3555
Not only does Pepperwood brew its own craft beers, theyโre also open for weekend fixes of Eggs Benedict, Rise โn Shine Tacos, or a Brunch Patter for Two. Early โ or late risers can enjoy their morning meal inside or outside on the patio (with a view of Lake Ontario for free).
This Canadian franchise began serving breakfast in Montreal in 1987. Now with more than 130 locations across Canada, Burlingtonโs location is open for breakfast seven days a week with all of the options youโd expect from a breakfast chain โ including lots of healthy options. Cora’s is also a Breakfast Club of Canada charitable partner.
If youโre visiting on the weekend, why not order a Full English Breakfast, a Breakfast Burrito, Chefโs Omelette or good olโ pancakes? Depending on the time of day youโre there (after lunch perhaps) ask for the Up Yer Kilt (coffee with Drambuie and Kahlรบa).
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Weekend brunch served Saturdays and Sundays 10am-2pm.
Lakeshore Coffee House
But firstโฆcoffee. Freshly ground beans are turned into hot cups of Americano, Espresso, Latte or Cappucino. If itโs tea you require, they make a wide range of blends like the London Fog, Chai Latte, or a White Chocolate Mocha. Try their waffles, a soup and sandwich combo, quiche, grilled cheese or one of the sweet treats.
Dine-In/Patio/Take-Out/Delivery | Open seven days a week (8am-9pm).
Sunset Grill
Open early for people who like to rise with the sun, Sunset knows eggs, Grade A, served Scrambled, Sunny Side Up or Over Easy. Lots of other options and protein fare like chicken, AAA steak, corned beef or salmon. Youโll find lots of simple and lighter fare too, including organic yogurt and fruit or smoked salmon plate. Pancakes too!
Dine-In/Take-Out | All-day breakfast served Monday to Friday (6:30am-3pm) and Saturday & Sunday (7am-3:30pm) at all three Burlington locations.
Bacon, egg and cheddar breakfast sandwich, to-go!
JC Hot Bagels
Simply put, this place does bagels and they do them well. From handcrafted breakfast sandwiches to their in-house cream cheese, you canโt go wrong at JCs. A large selection of bagels makes it hard to choose but if you have your eye on more than one, you can always bring some home.
Click here to view the menu and place an online order.
Skyway Diner
Eggs, sandwiches, bennies โ oh my! This family-owned diner is one of Burlington’s breakfast hot spots. Itโs become a popular choice for home-style meals that really hit the spot, plus service that is fast and friendly.
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Open seven days a week (7am-9pm).
Wildberry pancakes at Skyway Diner
Rose Garden Family Restaurant
A few minutes away from Burlingtonโs Botanical Gardens, the Rose Garden Family Restaurant is another Burlington gem. They offer a great selection of classic breakfasts, including French toast and pancakes โ and also have a menu for kids under 12. Get there early (weekdays before 11am) for early bird specials!
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Open seven days a week with breakfast served from 7am-3pm.
Click here to view the menu and call to place an order for take-out.
Eggs Benny and home fries from Rose Garden
Harvest Table Family Restaurant
For large portions, classic options, and a bottomless cup of coffee, visit Harvest Table. With classic favourites and a kids menu, the Harvest Table is a great choice for breakfast with your family!
(905) 632-5911 | 3350 Fairview Street
Dine-In/Patio/Take-Out | Breakfast served: Monday 7am-3pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 7am-8pm, Sunday 7am-5pm, closed on Friday.
Call to reserve a table.
Windmill Restaurant
This diner-style mom and pop shop makes you feel at home. Homestyle fried potatoes, eggs and bacon the way you like it. Thereโs just nothing that can beat a good ole fashioned traditional breakfast.
(905) 336-3954 | 2238 Mountainside Drive
Dine-In/Patio/Take-Out | Breakfast served: Monday to Friday 6am-3pm, Saturday 6am-2pm, closed on Sunday.
Call to reserve a table.
Tatin Bakehouse
Nestled in Oakville, Tatin Bakehouse is a charming pastry haven that blends French pastry techniques with South Asian flare. Tatin Bakehouse offers a mouthwatering array of croissants, tarts, and cakes, all crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of artistry.
Whether youโre fueling up for the day, enjoying a mimosa brunch with your BFFs, or nursing a hangover from the night before, here is our 2022 list of the best breakfast & brunch spots in Bronte Village!
For indoor dining, patio, take-out or delivery, #SupportLocal and enjoy a sweet or savoury breakfast that is sure to delight your tastebuds and cure your cravings.
Ps. Check out our separate articles for the best brunch spots in Oakville & Burlington!
La Parisienne Crรชperie
Savour La France! Sophisticated crรชpes and an outstanding brunch all prepared fresh by a husband and wife team. French-style crรชpes, along with additional brunch options that include soup, salad and sandwiches. Keep an eye on the blackboard for the Patisserie Du Jour feature.
Dine-In/Patio/Take-Out/Delivery | Enjoy a Parisienne-inspired brunch any day of the week, Monday to Tuesday (11am-4pm) or Wednesday to Sunday (11am-9pm).
Due to limited capacity, guests are encouraged to either call or reserve a table online (via this link here), but walk-ins are invited if there is space.
Lighter fare for less ravenous appetites (fruit salad, a single egg or a side order of toast), hearty plates like steak and eggs, meat loverโs meals or the classic Bronte Breakfast are served here. El Spero is a family-owned cornerstone eatery thatโs been in the Town of Oakville for over 40 years. If you’re looking for a classic breakfast spot, this is it!
Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Monday (closed), Tuesday to Friday (11am – 8:30pm), Saturday (8:30am – 8:30pm) and Sunday (8:30am – 3pm).
Call to reserve a table. Click here to view the menu and order online.
How does breakfast for dinner sound?
Harbourside Artisan Kitchen
Late risers can get a good meal for a great price. From Tuesday โ Friday 9am-11am, Harbourside offers an early bird special, starting at $6. From the extensive brunch menu (Saturday and Sunday, 9am-3pm) weโre eyeing the chicken and waffles, the corned beef hash and the Brie and candied onion omelet.
