Hamilton Travel Guide

Get to know the outdoor and cultural attractions of Hamilton and plan your next Ontario getaway. Read on for hiking trails, notable landmarks, local food and drinks, and much more.


Introduction to Hamilton

Located in the municipality of Niagara Peninsula, in Ontario, Canada, Hamilton offers a balance of scenic outdoor views, culturally significant sites, and diverse urban experiences. The province’s fourth-largest city, Hamilton is a popular destination for weekend getaways and week-long vacations alike. Boasting over 100 waterfall sites, including the iconic Horseshoe Falls, Hamilton offers tourists an opportunity to connect with nature.

List of Places to Visit in Hamilton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: View over 40 different aircrafts from the Second World War and the Cold War.
  • Dundurn Castle: A stunning 18,000-square-foot neoclassical mansion and National Historic Site.
  • Art Gallery of Hamilton: Home to over 10,000 works of art, including contemporary and historical pieces.
  • HMCS Haida National Historic Site: A world war II Tribal class destroyer that served in Korea.

Natural Attractions of Hamilton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Bruce Trail: Home to the Niagara Escarpment and offering stunning views of the city skyline and green spaces.
  • Hamilton Waterfall: Admire the natural beauty of waterfalls such as Tiffany Fall and Albion falls in the heart of the city.
  • Bayfront Park: Take in the picturesque views of the Hamilton harbor and explore the walking trails.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens: The home to over 2,700 acres of nature sanctuaries, theme gardens, and collections of over 50,000 plants from around the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hamilton

  • Dundas Valley Trail Centre: Suitable for both hikers and cyclists and featuring over 40 kilometers of trail within the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
  • Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail: A trek-worthy 20km paved route that runs from Waterdown to Brantford.
  • The Red Hill Valley Trail: A nature trail runs parallel to the Red Hill Creek and features a waterfall, horseshoe falls, and suspension bridges.
  • The Chedoke Radial Trail: Follows the old Chedoke rail line and features steep hills and narrow trails for avid bikers.

Best Things to Do in Hamilton: Activities and Tours

  • Discover the culinary scene in downtown, featuring diverse brunch spots, bars and pubs, and street food vendors.
  • Enjoy city views and nature on a Hamilton Harbour tour on board with the Hamilton Harbour Queen.
  • Take a guided bus tour of the waterfalls, including the beloved Albion Falls.
  • Explore the surrounding wine regions of Jordan, St. Catherines, and Beamsville with wine country tours.
  • The Art Gallery of Hamilton conducts guided tours filled with history and knowledge of the gallery and each exhibit.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hamilton

Day Activity
1 Dundurn Castle and Hamilton Bayfront Park BBQ
2 Bruce Trail Hike
3 Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
4 Bridal Veil Falls and Niagara Wineries Tour
5 Art Gallery of Hamilton and Street Food Tour
6 Waterfront Trolley Tour and HMCS Haida National Historic Site
7 Royal Botanical Gardens and Dinner in Westdale Village

Food and Drink Scene of Hamilton

Must-Try Dishes

Hamilton is a city renowned for its culinary culture, and if you are a foodie, this city won’t disappoint. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Peameal Bacon Sandwich from Golden Horse
  • Shawarma from Barakat Mediterranean Cuisine and Parisco Café
  • James Street North’s infamous 6-ounce Burger from Hammerheads
  • Authentic Italian pizza from Randy’s Pizza on Barton St. East
  • Vegan meals and smoothies from Thrive Juice Bar

Local Beverages

Hamiltonians like their beer; from craft beer pubs to exemplary local breweries, the city is packed with destinations for sipping, such as:

  • Grain and Grit Beer Co. produces innovative and approachable beers.
  • The Collective Arts brewery features rad beer cans and beers infused with different hops, fruits, and flavors.
  • Fairweather Brewing Company serves beer on tap and offers inventive handcrafted cocktails.

Where to Stay in Hamilton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hamilton offers a wide range of options for all types of travelers, from backpackers seeking an affordable hostel, to luxury-seeking vacationers looking for a comfortable room in a five-star hotel. Some options include:

  • The Waterfront Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown, it boasts spectacular views of Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbor.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton: A comfortable hotel with a fully equipped kitchen serving a free hot breakfast and dinner.
  • Budgetel Inn and Suites: An affordable option for budget travelers looking for comfortable accommodation.
  • Hamilton Guesthouse: A charming Victorian house offering comfortable en-suite private rooms and reasonably priced shared dormitories.

What to Buy in Hamilton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hamilton is famous for its agriculture, crafts, and independent shops. Some options to consider when looking for a souvenir or a local product to bring back home include:

  • Locally made cider and wine, purchased from the Forty Creek Distillery.
  • Handcrafted pottery and home decors from The Shop at Whitehern.
  • Hamilton Souvenirs and gifts from the Hamilton Store on James Street North.
  • Craft brews, artisan cheeses, and more vintage items from the Hamilton Farmers’ Market.

Local Culture and Customs of Hamilton

Hamilton is a safe yet eclectic city with a friendly attitude. Hamiltonians are proud of their origins, agricultural heritage, and unique culture. The city has a distinct sense of pride and passion for its surroundings, arts, and entertainment. It is a city that values hard work and a commitment to further development and success. Tours and events celebrating the city’s history and culture are increasingly popular among visitors.

Best Time to Visit Hamilton

Hamilton can be an ideal year-round destination, and there is always something interesting to do regardless of the season. That said, spring and fall tend to be less crowded, and temperatures are moderate. Summer can be crowded and hot, while winter can be quite frigid. Visitors must decide based on their interests, preferences, and budget.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hamilton

Do:

  • Bring warm clothes, especially during the colder months.
  • Visit the city’s historic landmarks and adopt a more relaxed attitude.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages in independent eateries around the city.

Don’t:

  • Leave your belongings unattended in public or tourist locations.
  • Operate a vehicle while drunk.
  • Engage in reckless behavior near the waterfall or natural attractions of Hamilton.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hamilton

Hamilton is generally a safe city backed by progressive law enforcement, excellent healthcare infrastructure, and a high safety ranking. However, visitors are advised to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding poorly lit, isolated areas.

Health in Hamilton

The city has outstanding healthcare systems equipped with well-trained medical and support staffers - a crucial factor for travelers who need to stay healthy while abroad. Visitors are advised to take the necessary preventive measures and carry appropriate medication and immunizations when needed.

Getting to Hamilton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hamilton

Airport Distance from Hamilton
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport 14 km
Toronto Pearson International Airport 67 km
Buffalo Niagara International Airport 134 km

Bus Stations Near Hamilton

Many bus companies run daily services into Hamilton. Greyhound, Coach Canada, and Megabus all operate in Toronto, connecting Hamilton to cities across the country.

Other Options

Hamilton also has excellent road networks, and visitors can travel into the city comfortably via car. Car rental services are readily available at the airports. Passengers arriving by train can reach the city via the VIA Rail that connects Hamilton to other parts of Ontario.

How to Get Around in Hamilton

The city itself is navigable on foot, but for further excursions, renting a car is a popular option. Hamilton has a well-connected local bus network operated by the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The HSR has 55 regular routes, including express routes running at peak periods. Taxis, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in the city.

Where to Go Next from Hamilton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hamilton makes for an excellent base for exploring surrounding regions including:

  • Vaughn: Home to Canada’s Wonderland, an amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions.
  • Niagara Falls: A natural wonder offering activities such as cruises, adventure sports and exotic dining.
  • Toronto: The cosmopolitan hub of Canada boasting a diverse cultural scene and endless entertainment possibilities.

Conclusion

Hamilton is a city of surprises, boasting natural wonders, cultural attractions, and a culinary landscape that can keep visitors entertained for weeks. Ultimately, the reasons to visit Hamilton are too many to list in one guide. From hiking on the Niagara Escarpment to sampling the local food and drink or enjoying the city’s history, Hamilton has something for everyone. Come visit Hamilton and explore all it has to offer!

Hamilton, Ontario skyline Hamilton, Ontario skyline The Hamilton GO Centre The Hamilton GO Centre Visitor getting a closer look in the Art Gallery Visitor getting a closer look in the Art Gallery Dundurn Castle, Hamilton. Dundurn Castle, Hamilton. HMCS ''Haida'' HMCS ''Haida'' Albion Falls, Hamilton Albion Falls, Hamilton Confederation Park Confederation Park Shops along Ottawa Street Shops along Ottawa Street Canada's most famous café chain Tim Hortons started on 65 Ottawa Street in Hamilton, and there's still a Tim Horton's on that location though in a new building Canada's most famous café chain Tim Hortons started on 65 Ottawa Street in Hamilton, and there's still a Tim Horton's on that location though in a new building Hess Village Hess Village Main Street in the evening Main Street in the evening