Hamilton, Ontario offers an exciting blend of arts, nature and historic attractions. Spend a weekend exploring city highlights or use Hamilton as a base for an extended appreciation of regional attractions.
Enjoy eclectic arts year-round in the heart of the city. James Street North hosts arts crawls monthly. Every September, hundreds of thousands of people come for free music and art as part of the multi-day James Street Supercrawl. Participate in these events and visit the impressive Art Gallery of Hamilton, which has more than 10,000 pieces of Canadian and European art.
While Niagara Falls is less than an hour away, the Bruce Trail running through Hamilton is close to numerous smaller waterfalls. Follow this walking trail to enjoy beautiful outdoor scenery in any season. Elsewhere in the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, smell the flowers, see unusual outdoor sculptures and attend events at the Royal Botanical Garden. Visit the drive-through African Lion Safari and Wild Waterworks for great family fun.
Incorporated more than 150 years ago, Hamilton has 15 national historic sites. Experience the Victorian era at Dundurn Castle, a 48-room Italianate villa built in 1813. See vintage aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Wander through the Battlefield House Museum & Park to learn about Hamilton’s role during the War of 1812.
Hamilton has seen amazing growth in restaurants, in both number and variety. Look for Peruvian to Portuguese, Cajun to Caribbean, sushi to sweetbreads and gastropubs to burger joints, with new restaurants opening frequently. Find culinary hotspots in Dundas, food carts and a farmers market in downtown Hamilton and local coffee shops in every neighbourhood. Reserve tickets for unique Pop Up Hamilton events combining exceptional cuisine with arts and entertainment.
The city is located at Lake Ontario’s western end, providing plenty of activities on the lake. Drive to Hamilton in less than an hour from Toronto or Niagara Falls. Rent one of the 750 GPS-enabled smart bikes from 100 spots around town for easy access to Hamilton’s sights and neighbourhoods.
