Burlington residents looking to explore downtown patios have a new free tool this summer. The Burlington Downtown Business Association launched a digital Patio Passport on June 2, 2026, giving people an easy way to find and track visits to 22 outdoor dining spots across the downtown core through October 10.
The pass, called “Patio Passport: Sip, Savour, Repeat,” works right on a smartphone without needing to download an app. It uses GPS check-ins to guide users to restaurants, cafés, and bars with patios, from rooftop settings to tucked-away side-street spots. The program aims to get more people walking around and supporting independent businesses during the warm months.
Brian Dean, Executive Director of the BDBA, said outdoor dining helps create a more lively and connected downtown. The passport follows other digital programs the association has run, like the Waterfront Sculpture Trail Pass earlier this spring.
The launch comes as three Burlington restaurants were named to OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining list: DiMario’s Trattoria, Isabelle Restaurant and Lounge, and Spencer’s at the Waterfront. They are among 45 Ontario spots recognized from over a million reviews.
Downtown Burlington has more than 55 places to eat and about 400 businesses in total. The passport is free to use and lets people discover patios at their own pace, with any exclusions listed by each business.
