Bucolic Burlington ranked one of Canada’s best small cities

Burlington has been ranked the seventh-best small city in Canada by a global marketing organization that specializes in tourism and real estate.

Resonance Consultancy says its rankings are based on 32 different factors including housing strategy, dining experience, crime, transportation networks and social media mentions, among others.

“(Burlington’s) distinct livability is no secret,” the report released by Resonance states pointing out that recent accolades from other organizations such as Maclean’s and MoneySense have also heaped praise on Burlington.

The report says Burlington scores high for its sprawling use of greenspace that provides both residents and visitors the opportunity to get out and about.

“Few spots in Canada can top the serenity of Burlington,” the report continues. “From Spencer Smith Park’s pristine waterfront minutes from downtown to the striking, undulating hiking and biking trails of the Niagara Escarpment. What makes all these public green spaces even more magnetic is the clear and sunny days that so often seem to grace one of Canada’s southernmost cities, with the lake effect softening the edges of the sometimes harsh Ontario winters.”

The report points out that the Royal Botanical Gardens provides visitors the opportunity to literally “stop to smell the roses” and is considered a jewel that cannot be matched anywhere else in Canada.

“It’s hard to imagine that this bucolic serenity and safety is still technically part of the Greater Toronto Area, with the big city just an hour away by car or via three GO Transit stations,” the report candidly states.

But it’s not just the beauty that impressed those who compiled the report. Burlington was also praised for its industry and infrastructure and for the modern approach taken by Joseph Brant Hospital in handling health care issues.

Nearby Milton was ranked 11th best while Victoria, B.C. topped the list as Canada’s best small city.