By: Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca
Taste of Burlington is set to return in 2026 with its most interactive format yet, inviting residents and visitors to explore more than 40 restaurants across the city during what is typically a slower season for the local dining industry. This year’s program introduces the Burlington Taste Trail, a free digital experience designed to encourage diners to explore multiple restaurants while supporting local businesses.
“We are very excited for Taste of Burlington 2026, which is shaping up to be our most interactive and engaging year yet,” said Claire Green, Director of Destination Development and Marketing with Burlington Economic Development and Tourism. “One of the biggest new additions is the Burlington Taste Trail, a free digital experience that invites diners to explore restaurants across the city while taking part in our Burlington Taste Trail Sweepstakes.”
Using a free digital pass, diners can check in at participating restaurants by scanning a QR code during their visit. Each check-in earns points, and those who dine at three or more locations unlock an entry into the sweepstakes for a chance to win an ultimate Burlington night out, including dinner, entertainment, and a hotel stay. With over 40 participating restaurants and 14 new additions to the program, Green says the 2026 lineup reflects the continued growth and creativity of Burlington’s dining scene.
Restaurants are invited to participate based on their Burlington location, their ability to offer a chef-curated dining experience, and their interest in being part of the program. According to Green, the goal is to showcase restaurants that truly represent the city and the dining experiences that draw people to Burlington.
“Our culinary scene is something Burlington is becoming more and more known for, and this program is a celebration of that,” she said, adding that organizers aim to create a well-rounded lineup with a variety of cuisines, neighbourhoods, and dining styles.
The new Taste Trail was developed to make the event more exploratory and community-driven, encouraging diners to move beyond a single reservation. “By offering a free digital pass with easy QR code check-ins at each participating location, the Taste Trail turns the program into a food adventure,” Green explained. “The pass also gives diners a simple way to track where they have been, discover new favourites, and feel more connected to Burlington’s dining community.”
Taste of Burlington also plays an important role in supporting restaurants during the winter months, when dining traffic typically slows. Limited-time prix-fixe menus, coordinated marketing, tourism promotion, and media exposure help drive new customers through restaurant doors at a critical time of year. The Taste Trail further spreads that support by encouraging diners to visit multiple locations throughout the city.
As Taste of Burlington moves into February, which coincides with Black History Month, the absence of Caribbean and African restaurants in the 2026 lineup stands out. While the program features a range of global cuisines, there are currently no Caribbean or African concepts participating this year. Green acknowledged the gap, noting that although many other international cuisines are represented, organizers would welcome the inclusion of Caribbean and African restaurants in future editions. The timing highlights the importance of ensuring that city-wide culinary initiatives reflect the full diversity of Burlington’s food landscape, particularly as the program positions itself as a celebration of the community’s evolving dining scene.
The lack of representation also raises a broader conversation about inclusion within Burlington’s food and tourism landscape. As the city continues to diversify, community members and food lovers alike have expressed interest in seeing events like Taste of Burlington more intentionally reflect the cultural richness that exists within the region. Greater outreach, relationship-building, and support for underrepresented restaurateurs could help ensure future programs feel welcoming and accessible to a wider range of culinary voices — and better reflect the communities shaping Burlington’s cultural and culinary identity.
Looking ahead, organizers hope Taste of Burlington 2026 leaves a lasting impression. “We hope people walk away feeling excited about Burlington’s food scene and share their experience with friends and family,” said Green. “More than anything, we want to celebrate Burlington’s culinary scene, encourage diners to discover new favourite spots, try cuisines they might not normally choose, and enjoy spending time with friends and family in our beautiful city.”
As Taste of Burlington continues to grow, the addition of the Burlington Taste Trail signals both innovation and opportunity — an evolving program that not only celebrates local dining, but also has the potential to more fully reflect the diverse flavours of the community it serves.
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