For us, a visit to Hamilton is like coming dwelling. Dave’s dad was born and raised in Hamilton, and he spent a lot of his childhood visiting household within the metropolis. We’ve seen “The Hammer” rework from the economic “Steeltown” we knew as children into the thriving, inventive metropolis it’s as we speak.
Now, with associates residing within the space, we go to typically and are at all times discovering one thing new. Hamilton has blossomed into one in every of Ontario’s greatest locations, with a vibrant arts scene and an unimaginable pure playground of trails and waterfalls proper at its doorstep. With extra folks transferring to the realm and others trying to escape town of Toronto, we’ve narrowed down the highest issues to do whereas in Hamilton, Ontario.
This information is a mixture of the traditional spots we’ve liked for years and the brand new power that makes Hamilton so thrilling. We’re sharing our favorite issues to do that will help you plan an journey on this surprisingly various metropolis.
High 5 Hamilton Points of interest at a Look
Historic Websites & Museums
Hamilton has a wealthy industrial and navy historical past. These nationwide historic websites and museums supply an enchanting look into town’s previous and its position in shaping Canada.
1. Dundurn Citadel
A tour of this grand 1830s villa is likely one of the prime sights in Hamilton. As the previous dwelling of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Premier of the United Canadas, this Nationwide Historic Website has been fantastically restored. Costumed interpreters information you thru the house, illustrating what life was like within the Nineteenth century.
Notice on 2025 Pricing: Please confirm present ticket costs on the official Hamilton Civic Museums web site. Grownup admission is usually round $16 CAD and youngsters are $10 CAD.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Your admission contains the Hamilton Army Museum, which can also be on the property. Give your self additional time to stroll the gorgeous grounds and the kitchen backyard, that are free to entry and supply beautiful views of the bay.
Tickets value $16 for adults and $10 for youngsters, with kids beneath 5 allowed in free of charge.
2. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
ocated beside the Hamilton Worldwide Airport, this museum is a must-visit for aviation and historical past buffs. It encompasses a assortment of over 40 Canadian navy plane flown since World Struggle II. The spotlight is the Avro Lancaster, one in every of solely two airworthy Lancaster bombers left on this planet.
Admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is round $18 per grownup, with kids beneath 5 capable of go to free of charge. Flight simulation experiences can be found at an additional value. Take a look at the web site for extra particulars.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even should you don’t e-book a flight simulation, verify their schedule on-line. Seeing the Lancaster or different classic planes take off for a flight is an unforgettable expertise.
3. HMCS Haida Nationwide Historic Website
Often called “Canada’s most fightingest ship,” the HMCS Haida is a floating museum on the Hamilton waterfront. Because the world’s solely surviving Tribal-class destroyer, this nationwide historic web site gives an opportunity to discover the decks and picture life as a crew member of the Royal Canadian Navy throughout its service in WWII, the Korean Struggle, and the Chilly Struggle.
Notice on 2025 Pricing: Admission is simply $4.50 CAD per grownup, with these beneath 17 years of age getting into free.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Put on good sneakers with a strong grip. You’ll be climbing steep, slender ladders between the decks, which is all a part of the genuine and immersive expertise.
4. Hamilton Museum of Steam & Know-how
Housed within the restored 1859 waterworks constructing, this nationwide historic web site is devoted to the historical past of steam energy in Canada. It encompasses a assortment of large, working steam engines, pumps, and different equipment that after equipped water to town.
2025 Pricing: Admission is required. Please verify the Hamilton Civic Museums web site for present 2025 pricing (sometimes round $10 CAD for adults).
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Attempt to go to throughout a stay steam demonstration to see the spectacular 70-ton steam engines in motion. It’s an unimaginable show of Nineteenth-century engineering energy.
5. Battle of Stoney Creek
This Nationwide Historic Website preserves the situation of the pivotal 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek. The grounds embrace the Battlefield Home Museum (the unique Gage Homestead, constructed round 1796) and the spectacular Battlefield Monument, which stands excessive on a hill overlooking the park.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Be sure you climb to the highest of the 100-foot Battlefield Monument. It gives a implausible view and helps you perceive the strategic significance of the situation throughout the Struggle of 1812.
6. The Erland Lee Museum
This Nineteenth-century farmhouse in Stoney Creek holds enormous historic significance because the birthplace of the Girls’s Institutes, a corporation that unfold from right here to over 70 nations. The museum has reveals devoted to the historical past of the group and its position in girls’s historical past.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: It is a must-visit for anybody desirous about Canadian historical past, significantly girls’s historical past. The story of the Girls’s Institute is an enchanting piece of Canadian heritage that began proper right here on this home.
Outside Adventures & Waterfalls
Hamilton’s distinctive location on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, provides it a shocking pure playground. Right here’s the place to get exterior and discover the paths, gorges, and waterfalls that make “The Hammer” an out of doors vacation spot.
7. Chase Waterfalls (Webster’s, Albion, Tews)
Hamilton is named the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” with over 100 waterfalls situated inside the metropolis limits. Chasing waterfalls is likely one of the prime issues to do right here. Two of essentially the most unimaginable cascades are Webster’s Falls, a traditional plunge-style waterfall, and Albion Falls, a large cascade that tumbles over cabinets of rock. Tews Falls is definitely the tallest in Hamilton, standing at 41 metres, just some metres shorter than Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls.
Necessary 2025 Notice: Entry guidelines, viewing platforms, and reservation methods for Hamilton’s waterfalls can change ceaselessly. At all times verify the official Hamilton Conservation Authority web site earlier than your go to for essentially the most up-to-date data on parking, charges, and path entry.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Whereas Webster’s and Albion are well-known, don’t miss a few of the smaller falls. Tiffany Falls is a gorgeous, delicate waterfall that’s only a quick stroll from the street, making it a terrific and simply accessible cease.
8. Spencer Gorge Conservation Space
That is the star attraction for nature lovers in Hamilton. The conservation space is dwelling to 2 of town’s most well-known waterfalls, Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls (although they typically require separate reservations). The principle draw for us, nevertheless, is the hike to Dundas Peak, which showcases the beautiful fantastic thing about the Dundas Valley.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The hike to the Dundas Peak viewpoint is a must-do, particularly within the autumn. The view overlooking the Dundas Valley is likely one of the greatest in all of Southern Ontario. Go on a weekday to keep away from the largest crowds, as this spot is extraordinarily in style.
9. Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)
Of all of the sights in Hamilton, a go to to Canada’s largest Botanical Backyard is a should. A delegated Nationwide Historic Website, the RBG is Canada’s largest botanical backyard, spanning over 2,400 acres. Nestled into the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, it options 5 distinct backyard areas, together with the gorgeous Hendrie Park and the restored David Braley Rock Backyard. It additionally boasts the world’s largest lilac assortment and over 77 km of nature trails.
Pricing: Basic admission tickets for entrance to the Royal Botanical Gardens value $19.50 for adults, with kids beneath 4 admitted free of charge. There are youth, senior, and household tickets out there at a reduced worth.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The RBG is huge, so don’t attempt to see all of it in sooner or later. In the event you solely have time for one part, we advocate Hendrie Park. It has essentially the most various assortment of themed gardens and is a superb introduction to what the RBG has to supply.
10. Go for a Hike on the Bruce Path & Extra
The Dundas Valley Conservation Space is an enormous forested space with over 40 km of trails. It’s an out of doors lover’s dream and accommodates a number of main path networks:
The Bruce Path: Canada’s longest and oldest footpath stretches from Niagara to Tobermory and passes proper by way of the center of the Dundas Valley.
The Principal Loop Path: Ranging from the Dundas Valley Path Centre, this straightforward 3.4 km loop is a superb introduction to the realm, passing by ruins and an outdated orchard.
The Hamilton to Brantford Rail Path: This is a superb, flat path for climbing and biking alongside an outdated railway line.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: For a terrific style of the realm, begin on the Dundas Valley Path Centre. You are able to do the simple Principal Loop Path, hop on a bit of the well-known Bruce Path, and see the reproduction prepare station all from one handy place to begin.
Hamilton’s Waterfront & Parks
As soon as an industrial harbour, Hamilton’s waterfront has been fully remodeled into a gorgeous area for recreation, connecting a number of parks and trails. It’s now a preferred out of doors gathering place for households and associates.
11. Discover Bayfront Park
This massive park covers 16 hectares alongside Hamilton Harbour and is full of leisure actions. It options an intensive path system for strolling and biking, a ship launch for paddling, and a big, in style playground for households with younger kids. All year long, Bayfront Park hosts quite a lot of occasions, together with live shows and neighborhood festivals.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Bayfront Park is the proper spot for a household picnic. There’s tons of inexperienced area to run round, a terrific playground for the youngsters, and you may watch the boats within the harbour.
12. Stroll the Waterfront Path
The 12 km Waterfront Path connects Pier 4 Park and Bayfront Park and is ideal for a day stroll, run, or bike trip. Alongside the way in which, you may seize an ice cream cone at Scoops, hire bikes, or watch folks fishing from the pier. The Harbour West Trolley additionally winds alongside the path, providing a narrated tour of the realm’s historical past.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: We love renting bikes and biking a portion of this path. It’s flat, paved, and gives nice views of the harbour. A cease for an ice cream cone at Scoops is a compulsory a part of the expertise!
13. Take a Harbour Cruise
For a distinct perspective, take a 50-minute narrated tour of the harbour with the Hamilton Waterfront Belief. The captain shares fascinating particulars concerning the historical past of the realm, from its industrial previous to its current revitalization. Longer dinner cruises are additionally out there on the Harbour Queen.
Notice for 2025: Be sure you verify the cruise operator’s web site for the present schedule and availability.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The sightseeing cruise is the easiest way to grasp the size of the harbour and its industrial heritage. The captain’s narration is surprisingly fascinating and provides you an entire new perspective on “Steeltown.”
14. Calm down in Gage Park
This enormous metropolis park in East Hamilton is a vacation spot in itself. Its predominant options are the gorgeous themed gardens and the spectacular Tropical Greenhouse. The park additionally accommodates the Hamilton Kids’s Museum, strolling trails, sports activities fields, and a wading pool. Within the winter, it transforms with a free public skating rink and winter lights festivals.
Notice for 2025: Please confirm the standing of the Hamilton Kids’s Museum, because it has undergone current renovations.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The Tropical Greenhouse is the star attraction right here, particularly on a chilly winter day. Stepping inside from the snow right into a lush, heat greenhouse seems like a mini-vacation to the tropics.
15. Seize Fish and Chips at Hutch’s
You’ll be able to’t discuss concerning the Hamilton waterfront with out mentioning Hutch’s. This traditional, old-school eatery has been serving up fish and chips, ice cream, and burgers proper on the seaside for many years. It’s a real native establishment. I used to come back right here on a regular basis after I was a child. WE lived simply down the street in Burlington, and my Dad would take us there for a deal with on Sundays.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Be ready for a lineup on a sunny summer time day—it’s at all times well worth the wait. The fish and chips are a traditional, however don’t neglect to seize a milkshake. It’s an ideal style of nostalgia.
Tradition, Sports activities & Leisure
Past the paths and museums, Hamilton has a vibrant cultural scene, from skilled sports activities to stay theatre.
16. Artwork Gallery of Hamilton
Based in 1914, the Artwork Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest artwork museum in Southern Ontario. Its everlasting assortment is acknowledged as one of many best in Canada, that includes a mixture of historic and modern Canadian artwork, together with works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Tom Thomson.
Notice on 2025 Pricing: This gallery typically has a nuanced pricing mannequin (e.g., free for one stage, paid for particular exhibitions). Please confirm the present admission construction on their official web site.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The everlasting assortment of Canadian artwork is excellent. Give your self at the least a few hours. The free entry to the second stage makes it a terrific, budget-friendly cultural cease on any go to
17. Canadian Soccer Corridor of Fame
Situated at Tim Hortons Area, dwelling of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Canadian Soccer Corridor of Fame celebrates the historical past and heroes of the Canadian Soccer League (CFL). By means of interactive shows and artifacts, it gives a deep dive into all points of Canadian soccer.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even should you’re not an enormous CFL fan, it’s value a glance should you’re already at Tim Hortons Area for a sport. It gives a terrific look into a singular and vital piece of Canadian sports activities tradition, and it’s free to enter.
18. Catch a Hamilton Tiger-Cats Recreation
Hamilton is usually known as the “birthplace of Canadian soccer,” and town’s ardour for the sport is infectious. To see it firsthand, seize tickets to see the Hamilton Tiger-Cats play at Tim Hortons Area. The CFL season sometimes runs from June to November.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The environment at a Ticats sport is electrical. Hamilton followers are famously passionate. For a real native expertise, seize some black and gold gear and be a part of the “Oskee Wee Wee” chants.
19. Hess Village
When the solar goes down, Hess Village is the center of Hamilton’s nightlife. This cobblestone, pedestrian-only space is lined with historic buildings that home a dense focus of eating places, bars, and patios with stay music. It’s a full of life spot, particularly on a heat summer time night.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Hess Village is nice for a patio drink, however should you’re in search of a quieter dinner, discover the eating places on close by King William Avenue, which has change into town’s unofficial “Restaurant Row.”
20. Theatre Aquarius
For an evening of stay theatre, Theatre Aquarius is town’s premier skilled theatre firm. Situated downtown within the Dofasco Centre for the Arts, it levels high-quality productions, from traditional performs to modern musicals.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: We’ve seen just a few exhibits right here, and the standard of the productions is at all times spectacular. It’s an effective way to expertise top-level Canadian theatre with out the Toronto costs.
Meals & Drink
Hamilton’s meals scene has exploded lately, however some classics by no means exit of fashion.
21. Hamilton Farmers’ Market
Established in 1837, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is a year-round market and one of many oldest landmarks within the metropolis. With greater than fifty distributors, yow will discover the whole lot from contemporary native produce and meats to artisan cheeses and handmade items. It’s situated proper downtown beside the central library.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t simply browse—plan to have lunch right here. There are some implausible meals stalls inside providing the whole lot from tacos and falafel to contemporary pasta. It’s an effective way to pattern the native meals scene multi function place.
FAQ: Visiting Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is legendary for its industrial heritage (it’s known as “Steeltown” for a motive), its unimaginable variety of waterfalls (over 100), and a quickly rising arts and meals scene.
Completely. It’s a straightforward drive from Toronto, and it gives a very completely different vibe. It’s particularly value it for out of doors lovers who wish to discover the waterfalls and climbing trails of the Niagara Escarpment.
Whereas the downtown is walkable, a automotive is the easiest way to get round, particularly for reaching the assorted conservation areas, waterfalls, and sights which might be unfold out throughout town.
So, The place Will You Go First?
Hamilton has efficiently reinvented itself from a gritty industrial metropolis right into a vibrant vacation spot with a shocking quantity of pure magnificence. From its historic castles and museums to the tons of of waterfalls ready to be explored, “The Hammer” gives an ideal mix of city power and out of doors journey. We hope this information has helped you uncover all of the wonderful issues to do in Hamilton.