Shoreacres, Burlington Neighbourhood Guide: Luxurious Lakeside Living

Shoreacres is a close cousin to Roseland, which is just west of this neighbourhood. As Roseland, it’s an opulent lakefront community boasting high-end estate homes, custom-built houses, and renovated rebuilds. You’ll also find ranch-style bungalows constructed in the 1950s and 1960s that are popular with seniors and young families and some townhomes.

A walk along Lakeshore Road will leave you marvelling at the elegant mansions. However, further north into the trenches of the neighbourhood, you’ll find more modest homes for those looking for a foothold into this affluent community. The excellent schools in the area attract families looking to build custom homes here.

Shoreacres has an interesting past spanning back to the early 1800s. Originally, the British Crown gifted this land to Canadian war heroine Laura Secord following her heroic acts in the War of 1812. Secord went on to convey the lot to settler John Beaupre in 1810.

In 1912, the land was purchased by William Delos Flatt and Cyrus Albert Birge and was primarily used as a park by local residents for swimming, boating, and fishing.

In 1930, Edythe Merriam MacKay, daughter of the director of the Canadian Steel Company, built the Paletta Mansion, which is now a landmark on Burlington‘s lakefront.

The lakefront properties in Shoreacres are among the finest homes in Burlington. Some of them are up to 650 square metres and boast expansive waterfront vistas.

In addition to large custom builds, you’ll also find sprawling bungalows with spacious lots surrounded by tree-lined streets. These homes are popular with seniors and families who enjoy limited staircases and spacious properties for children, pets, and backyard barbecues. The housing stock also includes larger three- and four-bedroom homes and townhouses.

The Paletta Mansion is an architectural showcase on a six-hectare waterfront property. This 1,022-square-metre mansion (once a privately owned estate) is now a popular venue for weddings and special occasions. The grounds are open to the public for those wishing to tour the elegant gardens.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre and the Burlington Art Gallery promote the vibrant and diverse community of Burlington. The Arts & Culture Council of Burlington (ACCOB) also enhances Burlington’s arts scene.

This not-for-profit arts and cultural organization inspires widespread arts in the community. The organization hosts artists, musicians, performing arts groups, theatre, and more to “create a vibrant artistic and cultural community.”

Framing the southern lakefront, these homes are within walking distance of the landmark downtown Burlington shopping area on Brant Street. This shopping corridor is a vibrant district that is within steps of the scenic Burlington Waterfront Trail and lakefront.

As you stroll along this popular street, you’ll notice distinct cafés, restaurants, fashion boutiques, salons, spas, bakeries, ice-cream parlours, and home decor shops.

Marilu’s Market is a venue for gourmet groceries in the neighbourhood. This independent grocery store on New Street north of the lakeshore features fresh produce and a butcher and bakery among a mélange of delicacies.

If you’re doing some downtown shopping, don’t forget to check out the array of delicious eateries along Brant Street. Rose in the Kitchen is a humble Turkish restaurant. Brant Pump & Patio is a casual spot, where you can enjoy a selection of draught beer that is unrivalled in the area, along with daily meal specials.

Burro is a colourful eatery notable for its wide assortment of chef-inspired tacos. The 1980s and 1990s music will make you feel nostalgic while enjoying chicken and cocktails at Coop Wicked Chicken. 

An all-time favourite in downtown Burlington is Lettuce Love Café. Its Big Mac vegan burger is an innovative take on McDonald’s famous secret sauce but is even more delicious than the original (and a lot healthier!).

Paletta Lakefront Park features a walking path to admire sensational sunsets and lakefront views. A scenic trail looping around the park and hugging the shoreline provides views of Lake Ontario. The park features public restrooms and plenty of benches to rest by the lake. The opulent Paletta Mansion on the grounds provides a scenic backdrop to this beautiful green space.

Further north on New Street, Nelson Park features an outdoor pool, a skateboarding park and a sports field. BMX trails provide an exhilarating terrain for dirt-bike riders. Tobogganing hills also provide a popular spot for active kids. 

In addition to the recreational features at Nelson Park, Central Park, also on New Street, is well-maintained with large mature trees. A library branch is also here. A small playground is a gathering spot for families. The arena hosts local hockey games. You’ll also find a sports field, tennis courts, and scenic walking trails, all a short walk from the Shoreacres neighbourhood.

If you’re commuting downtown, taking the Queen Elizabeth Way corridor will reach Bay Street in about an hour. However, if you’re driving in rush-hour traffic, you’ll be spending well over an hour on your commute. 

Many downtown commuters prefer to take the GO train from Burlington GO Station. The train will transport you downtown in about an hour.

Highway 407 is in north Burlington and offers a convenient commute to the north end of the city.

The area is also very walkable, with limited traffic traversing the tranquil streets. Cyclists will enjoy exploring this scenic tree-lined neighbourhood.

Shoreacres is a tranquil and picturesque neighbourhood featuring high-end estate homes. However, blended with these opulent lakefront mansions, you’ll also find entry-level housing options. Recreational amenities and parks framing the lakefront provide a haven for active lifestyles. 

The downtown shopping and dining district along Brant Street is a notable enclave here. A drink on a Brant Street patio can be followed by a two-minute walk to the lake for a post-dinner waterfront stroll.