Parks, Facilities and Rentals

Picnics

Q: Which parks have designated picnic or BBQ areas?

The Cityâs designated picnic areas are located at:LaSalle ParkLowville ParkHidden Valley ParkThese locations include amenities such as picnic areas and hot ash disposal bins to support safer charcoal disposal.

Q: Are there different rules for propane and charcoal barbeques?

Both propane and charcoal barbeques are permitted however:Charcoal and hot ashes must be disposed of only in designated hot ash bins.Propane cylinders and fuel containers must be handled safely and removed from the park after use.Open fires are not permitted.

Q: Where should I place my barbeque or hibachi?

For safety reasons, do not place barbeques or hibachis:On picnic tablesDirectly on grassUnder trees or low branchesNear vegetationOn pathways or in high-traffic areasWhenever possible:Use a barbeque with built-in legs or a heat-resistant standPlace the barbeque on a stable, non-flammable surfaceKeep a safe distance from people, structures and natural areas

Q: Are there restrictions during fire bans, extreme heat, or poor air quality?

Restrictions may occasionally be put in place during:Fire bansPoor air quality or wildfire smoke conditionsVisitors should follow all posted notices and City advisories before using a barbeque in a park.

The City of Burlington offers many beautiful and accessible picnic sites. All parks feature nature trails, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, washrooms, rain shelters and parking areas.

The picnic sites are nestled among nature trails. LaSalle Park offers lakefront views in addition to a splash park/wading pool (admission fees apply). Hidden Valley Park is surrounded by a tranquil natural forest with access to Royal Botanical Gardens, a splash pad and a leash-free dog park. Lowville Park offers a setting that’s ideal for community gatherings, with scenic trails, open green space and designated picnic areas that make it easy for groups to spend time outdoors together.

How to book a picnic location

Review this section including the documents and links to be fully prepared to book a picnic location. Being prepared will help you book a picnic site faster.

Book a picnic area

Go to Live and Play
Explore and browse the Picnic locations for available space.
Choose your preferred location.
Login to Live and Play account to complete the booking.

Picnic information

General information and fees

2026 Picnic booking season runs daily from May 9 to Oct. 4.
Lowville Park picnic location will not be available for booking this summer. Visitors can continue to enjoy the picnic spaces free of charge on a first come-first-serve basis.
Picnic bookings are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All bookings made within 30 calendar days of the event are final. Any cancellation requests for dates beyond 30 days, please email Customer Support.
In the event of a rainout, please email Customer Support within two business days of your picnic to reschedule or request a refund.

Picnic sites with capacities up to 110 people

Resident - $85.90/day +HST
Non-Resident/Commercial - $140.20/day +HST

Picnic sites with capacities over 110 people

Resident - $168.40/day +HST
Non-Residents/Commercial - $269.60/day +HST

Liability insurance is mandatory for all bookings. An additional $30 insurance fee will be added for each booking.

Picnic area use requirements

Picnic site size is not determined by the number of people that can be seated at picnic tables. The area between individual picnic sites is not included in your rental permit. Renters are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Park barbeque etiquette, reminders and safety tips:

To help keep parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone:

Choose parks with designated picnic amenities and hot ash disposal bins when planning to barbeque.
Bring a small portable barbeque or hibachi.
Use barbeques with built-in legs or heat-resistant stands whenever possible.
Never place barbeques or hibachis on picnic tables. Heat from barbeque’s can cause damage to the wood and composite picnic tables in parks.
Keep barbeques off grass and away from trees, shrubs, and vegetation.
Always dispose of charcoal and ashes in designated hot ash bins.
Never leave hot coals unattended.
Bring extra garbage bags in case park bins are full.
Clean up all food waste, packaging, and litter before leaving.
Dogs must remain on leash at all times and owners must clean up after pets.
Shade tents are permitted provided they are not staked into the ground.
Parking is limited at many parks; consider using transit or carpooling.
Parking bylaws are enforced.
There is no electricity onsite.
If food is being prepared or distributed to the public, the Halton Region Health Department must be notified.
Respect other park visitors by keeping noise levels reasonable and leaving shared spaces clean for the next group.

Find essential barbeque safety tips and guidelines to ensure your barbecues are not only delicious but also accident-free.

Picnic area regulations

Picnic areas are public spaces and are bound by park bylaw and regulations. The following are not permitted in the picnic areas.

Open fires and/or barbeque pits
Alcoholic beverages
Amplified music, sound systems, megaphones
Inflatable structures or equipment
Generators
Fireworks
Food trucks
Preparation or sale of food in parking lot
Unauthorized vehicles outside the designated parking areas. Parking services will enforce parking bylaws

Use of the park is subject to City of Burlington bylaws as amended and enforced as per City of Burlington policies. For more information, call 905-335-7777.

Barbeque Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are barbeques allowed in City parks?

Visitors may use barbeques in City parks for the purpose of cooking food. We encourage everyone to barbecue safely and responsibly to help protect parks, natural areas, and other visitors.

For the safest experience, choose a park with designated picnic areas and hot ash disposal bins, such as:

LaSalle Park
Lowville Park
Hidden Valley Park

Which parks have designated picnic or BBQ areas?

The City’s designated picnic areas are located at:

LaSalle Park
Lowville Park
Hidden Valley Park

These locations include amenities such as picnic areas and hot ash disposal bins to support safer charcoal disposal.

Can I bring my own propane or charcoal barbeque?

Small portable propane and charcoal barbeques, including hibachis, are permitted for cooking purposes. Visitors are encouraged to:

Use compact barbeques designed for park use.
Choose barbeques with built-in legs or heat-resistant stands as they are not permitted on top of picnic tables.
Keep barbeques stable and away from grass, trees, picnic tables and walkways.

Are there different rules for propane and charcoal barbeques?

Both propane and charcoal barbeques are permitted however:

Charcoal and hot ashes must be disposed of only in designated hot ash bins.
Propane cylinders and fuel containers must be handled safely and removed from the park after use.
Open fires are not permitted.

Do I need a permit or reservation to use a barbeque in a park?

Please book LaSalle Park and Hidden Valley Park in advance. At Lowville Park, picnic and barbeque areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require a reservation.

Some larger gatherings or special events may require additional permits. Visitors should check park-specific requirements or contact rentals@burlington.ca before planning organized events.

Where do I dispose of charcoal or hot ashes?

Charcoal and hot ashes must only be disposed of in designated hot ash bins.

The City has added several new hot ash bins at Lowville Park and additional signage is being installed to help visitors locate them.

Do not:

Place hot coals in regular garbage bins
Dump ashes on the ground or in wooded areas
Leave charcoal unattended

Not all parks have hot ash disposal bins. Visitors planning to use charcoal are encouraged to choose parks with designated picnic amenities.

Where should I place my barbeque or hibachi?

For safety reasons, do not place barbeques or hibachis:

On picnic tables
Directly on grass
Under trees or low branches
Near vegetation
On pathways or in high-traffic areas

Whenever possible:

Use a barbeque with built-in legs or a heat-resistant stand
Place the barbeque on a stable, non-flammable surface
Keep a safe distance from people, structures and natural areas

Are there restrictions during fire bans, extreme heat, or poor air quality?

Restrictions may occasionally be put in place during:

Fire bans
Poor air quality or wildfire smoke conditions

Visitors should follow all posted notices and City advisories before using a barbeque in a park.

Picnic locations

LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park

LaSalle Park Picnic Map

Click on map to increase size and view details.

Located at the corner of North Shore Boulevard East and LaSalle Park Road. From Plains Road W., turn south on LaSalle Park Road and follow the road until you come to North Shore Boulevard.

LaSalle Park - 50 North Shore Blvd. (view map)

LaSalle Pavilion

Please note that the pavilion veranda is not available for picnic use.
Public washrooms are located on the veranda and lower level of the pavilion.

LaSalle Splash Park

Open daily from June till September, weather permitting. Admission fee applies.

Hidden Valley Park

Hidden Valley Park Map

Click on map to increase size and view details.

Located at Lemonville Road and Hidden Valley Road. From Plains Road turn north on Howard Road and follow the road until you come to the centre of Hidden Valley Park.

Hidden Valley Park - 1137 Hidden Valley Rd. (view map)
Rain Shelter Area is a shared common space and is not available for bookings.
Wheelchair accessible picnic tables can be found at Area 4 and 5.
Splash Pad and Leash-free Dog Park are open daily.