How much do you really know about Burlington?

What location in Burlington attracts 10,000 people each weekend?
IKEA.                

Can you name the famous French explorer that landed in Burlington 1669?
SIEUR DE LASALLE

What was the original name of the area that is now Burlington?
WELLAND  SQUARE. 

In the 19th century did you know that there were 9 individual communities within the current boundaries of  Burlington. By the mid 1850’s our region boasted 5 wharfs, shipping mostly wheat and flour.  Farmers waited in lines reaching all the way from the foot of Brant Street back up to “Freeman” (now Plains Rd.)  When these export markets died off, our farmers moved to mixed crops.  Did you know that Nelson Twp. Apples were shipped to England and South Africa and melons became a specialty, particularly those grown in Aldershot soil.  For a period of time an “Aldershot melon” was almost as common a term as a P.E.I. potato is today!

How much was the toll charge on the Skyway Bridge when it was first built?
FIFTEEN CENTS.

What Burlington attraction is a natural phenomenon that is l of only 2 in Canada?
MAGNETIC HILL.

In 1784 the British granted a large land tract to Captain Joseph Brant in recognition of fighting on the side of the British.  Two structures that bear his name are the Joseph Brant Hospital and the Joseph Brant Museum.  

Can you name at least 3 other Burlington features named after Joseph Brant? 
BRANT INN, BRANT ARTS, BRANT HILLS   

What year did Burlington become Canada’s newest city?
1974

In 1969 Tourism Burlington consisted of a snack bar operated by the Chamber of Commerce. In 1984 the Chamber turned over operation of visitor service to the city and the Burlington Visitor and Convention Bureau was established. The original Brant Home was incorporated in 1875 into a summer resort, Brant House.  Twenty acres of gardens, lawns, ice cream parlours and dance halls attracted tourists. It became a veterans’ hospital after World War I, but not before it spawned the Brant Inn. Did you know that the fabulous music from the Brant Inn was broadcast coast to coast? 

Can you name at least 5 world famous entertainers or bands that appeared regularly?
ELLA FITZGERALD, FRANK SINATRA, LENA HORNE, BENNY GOODMAN, LIBERACE AND GUY LOMBARDO.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce was established in 1947. Later that year they passed the hat and provided startup funding to form the Burlington District Girls and Boys Community Band. We both celebrate our 60th anniversary this year. 

What is the name of this Band today? 
BURLINGTON TEEN TOUR BAND.

What is the secret of the compass located at our waterfront?
IF YOU STAND DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE, YOUR VOICE WILL ECHOE.

Our city is indeed rich in history – an ongoing story of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going!  Take a walking tour of downtown, visit the Observatory or drop in at the Tourism office or the Museum and re-discover our history. 

What would you tell or show your friends or visitors about Burlington?
Consider our Burlington Art Centre, the new fabulous Waterfront, our many summer arts, crafts and music festivals such as Sound of Music, Ribfest, Jazz and Blues Fest.
Experience fine dining or sip a coffee or martini at our sidewalk cafes.
A new Performing Arts Centre will be opening soon.

If you are ambitious, we offer many hiking, biking and walking trails.  We offer 7 arenas. Burlington stands at the crossroads of Ontario, whether it is by highway, rail or water.With so many affordable, picture perfect and fun attractions, Burlington can satisfy families and individuals alike. It’s your city. 

Discover it.