Hamilton, Ontario is a rich mix of valuable museums, historic buildings, photogenic streets, unique sporting events and festivals, and outdoor access. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hamilton, Ontario, you’ve come to the right place.
Hamilton is located directly between Niagara and Toronto, along the shores of Lake Ontario. There are many interesting things about Hamilton. As noted above, it’s truly a city full of amazing historical architecture, artistic and cultural attractions, and lots of beautiful places to go outside.
If you are also thinking of going to Hamilton, then without delay, plan your trip now and enjoy it here to the fullest. Now without talking much, we read the article to the last.
The Best Things to Do in Hamilton
Hamilton has something for everyone, but here’s what we think would be wise to add to your Hamilton (Ontario) list.
1. Go to One of Hamilton’s Museums or Galleries
Due to its long history, Hamilton has some impressive museums that you can visit while in the city. They are great for Hamilton. Hamilton Art Gallery was founded in 1914. It is known as the oldest and largest art museum in Southern Ontario. You can find everything from the permanent collections of the Group of Seven to specialized, timely exhibitions.
The Steam and Technology Museum is a tribute to the history of Canada’s early industrial revolution. It is housed in a 160-year-old water supply building and houses two huge steam-powered water suction motors. These are probably the oldest surviving engines made in Canada.
Finally, the Canadian Military Aircraft Heritage Museum was established in the 1970s with nearly 50 aircraft. They closely followed Canadian war artifacts spanning from World War II to the present day.
2. Stroll, Sip, and Shop on Locke Street
As you walk down Hamilton Street, you will instantly feel local.
Locke Street is a trendy and fashionable street in the northwest corner of the city. The Locke stretch from Hunter Street West to Herkimer Street is where you want to focus.
If shopping is one way to pass the time, you won’t be disappointed. They have everything from music stores to gift shops to furniture, jewelry, and bookstores.
If food and drink are your speed, Locke’s eating is gratifying. Democracy is great local persecution of vegan food and coffee. Earth to Table: Bread Bar Locke also offers incredible dishes. There are many other options across the street. It really depends on what interests you when you find something to do in Hamilton.
You won’t want to forget about sweet treats and coffee. Donut Monster makes its own fresh, homemade donuts every day. Bitten Cupcakes, Butter Pie, and Whoopie pie are also great choices. For a sip and a walk, My Dog’s Café and Bar is a great place to have a coffee to take away or toast all your shopping.
3. Go to Tim Hortons Field in the Ticats Game
It’s no secret that Hamilton has his own team in the Canadian Football League. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, almost exclusively known locally as the Ticats, have won 8 Gray Cup championships in 70 years of teamwork.
The Hamilton-Wentworth region is filled with strong generations of Ticats fans. Going to the game at Tim Hortons Field is fun, exciting and a great activity for the whole family. Although the CFL is currently suspended during the pandemic, we look forward to seeing them open again safely and fans being able to go back to their games.
4. Take a Self-guided Bike Tour of the Brewery
This is another activity that Hamilton locals love. It’s a self-guided tour, so make sure you do it safely: use it responsibly, follow the rules of the road, and have a helmet. Hamilton is known for having some incredible breweries. In fact, one of their breweries even made it to our list of the best breweries in Ontario.
You can start by renting a bike in Hamilton. You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone or tablet and create an account. Their website provides detailed information on what to do.
There are several breweries all over Hamilton, but the best place to start is at the north end of town. Start with the MERIT Brewery on James Street. Then have a cocktail at The Mule or The Brain Bar or head straight to Mosaic for another beer. End your bike ride on the Collective Arts Beergarden and end the day with a treat from Grandad’s Donuts.
5. Chase the Best Hamilton Falls
Many of Hamilton’s best waterfalls are very close to town or a short walk or drive away. In fact, there are more than a hundred waterfalls in the city. Spend the day planning a visit to one or more of these waterfalls. Some of the more famous and well-known waterfalls are Webster’s Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Albion Falls.
Because Hamilton Falls has received so much publicity and attention over the past few years, some of the waterfalls and walking trails around them may be crowded. If possible, plan to visit the waterfalls on weekdays.
6. Explore Hamilton’s Historic Buildings and Sites
Due to its long history, another interesting thing to do in Hamilton is to visit one of the fascinating historic sites. Dundurn Castle is a forty-room neoclassical castle. It was built in 1835, so you can go on a guided tour. It’s worth stopping and taking a step back.
Another charming historic house is in Whitehern. It was built in the 1840s and is a beautiful national historic site. It is also well known for its charming gardens, which are great for walks.
Liuna Station used to be part of the Canadian National Railroad. It is a train station that was built in 1929 and is also Canada’s national historic site. It is very majestic and reminiscent of other historic Ontario train stations, such as the Ottawa or Toronto Union Stations.
If you prefer Canadian military history, go to Battlefield House Museum & Park. It was designed in 1812. to illuminate the war, especially the Battle of Stoney Creek. On the first weekend of June each year, they even recreate the battle that is a well-known event in Ontario.
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7. Go to Pier 8 and Skate Year-round
Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Hamilton during the winter or summer months, Pier 8 is a great place to spend time outdoors. Pier 8 is located in the port itself, where you can go ice skating in winter and rollerblading in summer. This is the perfect place to go with family or a friend. If you don’t have your own skates, they can also be rented.
8. Take a Walk Around Nature
In addition to the best of Hamilton Falls, there are some incredible hiking trails and gardens in the town and area itself year-round. There are some great trails for walking or hiking in and around the Royal Botanic Gardens. R.B.G. itself has an incredible abundance of artistically designed paths, plants, and flowers. There are many paths around the gardens leading to the surrounding valleys and rivers. This is a very picturesque place.
You can also descend to the Waterfront Trail by the water that runs along the shores of Lake Ontario. If you want to go a little further, the Escarpment Rail Trail observation deck offers great views of the city.
9. Check Out Some Local Art Festivals
Art is no stranger to Hamilton. During the summer months, they host several different outdoor festivals. Throughout the summer, you can visit the James Street North Art Crawl on the second Friday of each month. There are galleries, restaurants, and local exhibits. Not to mention that there are also some great shops in this part of town. The Resistance track is their Supercrawl event taking place over the weekend of Labor Day.
In addition to James Street North, Hamilton Fringe is an annual theater festival held in mid-July each year. You can see performances at many locations both indoors and outdoors throughout the city.
Another fun thing to do in Hamilton is to go to the Friends Festival music festival. It’s a three-day event taking place in Gage Park on the first weekend in August. It has been in operation since 1976, and there are usually more than 30 acts on the two stages.
10. Visit Tim Horton’s First in Canada
North Ottawa Street is home to Tim Horton’s main cafe. Many Canadians have a hard time imagining a country without the iconic Double-Double and Roll Up the Rim. Tim Horton’s institution has become synonymous with the Canadian. A visit to this place will definitely remind you how true this is.
The store has been refurbished and modernized and still operates as usual in Tim Horton’s. There are several boards and historical artifacts around it that also tell about its history. Most importantly, you’ll also learn about Timont Horton, a former Toronto Maple Leaf player.
Interesting Things to Do in Hamilton, Ontario
There are so many great things to do in Hamilton, Ontario! From novice artists to outdoor hikers to sports or military history enthusiasts, this is a very diverse city for the whole family to visit. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to read our articles on other cities and towns in Ontario. And feel free to join our growing Facebook group to talk more about Ontario travel!
