Things to Do in Hamilton

Hamilton is known for many things, among them being the city that introduced the world to the glory of Tim Hortons cafe. This has led to the city fostering a thriving independent coffee (and tea) scene where lovers of caffeine can seek to satisfy every little predilection.

The down-to-earth craft beer community is another wonderful way to experience Hamilton. Enjoy local art along with a great local craft beer at Collective Arts Brewing. It is a grassroots craft brewery that marries excellent brews with the creativity of local artists by displaying limited-edition artwork on their beer cans and labels. Join a beer tour to learn more about how beers are made.

Love a crisp and refreshing cider? Visit West Avenue Cider, a charming farmhouse cidery that uses heritage apples and overlooks a gorgeous country landscape. Or explore the nearby wineries, some offer stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment and the Toronto skyline.

Visit the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, which has been operating since 1837 and is home to some of Hamilton’s freshest and tastiest treats. Peruse its newest congregation of food trucks. Or grab a quick lunch within the market itself. Another favourite is Locke Street Farmers’ Market open Saturdays from June to October, with produce from a variety of local farms.

Sweet-toothed visitors will also want to see, and taste, all the sweet treats Hamilton has to offer. Sample small-batch chocolates from Beanermunky Chocolate in the village of Dundas, indulge your craving for mango with Hui Lau Shan’s creamy mango puddings or choose from the creative selections at Donut Monster. Enjoy the warm creaminess of Portuguese custard tarts at Ola Bakery & Pastries, or have a slice of cake, except it’s crumbled, and in a cup, at Crumbled on Barton Street East.

Hamilton, and neighbouring Burlington, is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada’s largest botanical garden and second-largest in the world. Open year-round, the gardens feature over 27 km of scenic nature trails, the world’s largest lilac collection, over 100,000 spring bulbs, 3,000 rose bushes as well as an indoor Mediterranean Garden, all on grounds that span almost 11,000 hectares. Enjoy the natural fragrance of the Scented Garden, or explore the flowering flora of the world at Global Garden. Herbal enthusiasts will appreciate the Medicinal Garden, which is arranged by the afflictions they treat, or stroll around the works of art in the Sculpture Garden.

For a fun alternative to the traditional zoo, visit African Lion Safari, a drive-through experience where guests observe African wildlife such as lions and giraffes from their cars.

History buffs will love the many National Historic Sites in the area. Marvel at Dundurn Castle, an 1,700 square metre mansion built in 1835, before heading to the late classical Whitehern Historic House and Garden or the living history Battlefield House Museum and Park. For a more immersive historical experience, join Haunted Hamilton Ghost Walk on a nightly jaunt through Hamilton’s dark alleyways and haunted buildings.

From small galleries featuring the work of local artists to national museums, there’s a cultural experience for every interest in Hamilton.

View one of the finest art collections in Canada at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, established in 1914. It’s the largest and oldest of its kind in southern Ontario, housing over 100,000 historical, contemporary and international works of art. Take in a live theatre performance at Theatre Aquarius or Hamilton Theatre Inc. Catch an improvisational comedy show at the Staircase Cafe Theatre, which has grown since its opening in 1998 from a 10-seat theatre to include an artists’ gallery and cafe, as well as a rehearsal space for performance artists.

You’ll be impressed by the Levy Collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and prints in the McMaster Museum of Art (MMA). It shares the space with a whopping 7,000 art displays, including historical, modern and contemporary art.

If you’re obsessed with live music, Hamilton is the place to be. From concerts and musical performances to live theatre held at performing arts centres, there’s something for every taste and genre. Hamilton is also home to a number of recording studios, such as Grant Avenue Studios and Sonic Unyon, and has even hosted the Juno Awards.

Visitors who love music and making friends will enjoy the annual Festival of Friends, Canada’s largest free live music event, as well as Supercrawl, an annual two-day event that draws over 100,000 visitors to the downtown core. Learn more about global issues at the Fix Our World Festival, where guests can spread awareness alongside the best in summertime musical acts in the region.