For us, a visit to Hamilton is like coming house. 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” remodel from the commercial “Steeltown” we knew as youngsters into the thriving, artistic metropolis it’s immediately.
Now, with mates residing within the space, we go to usually and are all the time discovering one thing new. Hamilton has blossomed into one in every of Ontario’s finest locations, with a vibrant arts scene and an unbelievable pure playground of trails and waterfalls proper at its doorstep. With extra individuals shifting to the realm and others trying to escape the metropolis 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 cherished for years and the brand new vitality 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.
Prime 5 Hamilton Points of interest at a Look
Attraction | Location | Greatest For |
Dundurn Fortress | West Hamilton | Historical past & Structure |
Royal Botanical Gardens | Burlington/Hamilton Border | Nature & Gardens |
Webster’s Falls | Dundas (Spencer Gorge) | Waterfalls & Surroundings |
Waterfront Path | Hamilton Harbour | Strolling, Biking & Households |
Warplane Heritage Museum | Mount Hope | Aviation & Canadian Historical past |
Historic Websites & Museums
Hamilton has a wealthy industrial and navy historical past. These nationwide historic websites and museums supply a captivating look into town’s previous and its position in shaping Canada.
1. Dundurn Fortress


A tour of this grand 1830s villa is without doubt one of the prime sights in Hamilton. As the previous house 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.
- Observe on 2025 Pricing: Please confirm present ticket costs on the official Hamilton Civic Museums web site. Grownup admission is often round $16 CAD and youngsters are $10 CAD.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Your admission contains the Hamilton Army Museum, which can be on the property. Give your self additional time to stroll the attractive grounds and the kitchen backyard, that are free to entry and supply beautiful views of the bay.
Tickets price $16 for adults and $10 for kids, with kids beneath 5 allowed in without cost.
2. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum


ocated beside the Hamilton Worldwide Airport, this museum is a must-visit for aviation and historical past buffs. It incorporates a assortment of over 40 Canadian navy plane flown since World Warfare II. The spotlight is the Avro Lancaster, one in every of solely two airworthy Lancaster bombers left on the planet.
- Admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is round $18 per grownup, with kids beneath 5 in a position to go to without cost. Flight simulation experiences can be found at an additional price. Take a look at the web site for extra particulars.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even should you don’t ebook a flight simulation, test 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


Generally known as “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 affords 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 Warfare, and the Chilly Warfare.
- Observe 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 footwear 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 incorporates a assortment of huge, working steam engines, pumps, and different equipment that when provided water to town.
- 2025 Pricing: Admission is required. Please test 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 reside steam demonstration to see the spectacular 70-ton steam engines in motion. It’s an unbelievable 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: Remember to climb to the highest of the 100-foot Battlefield Monument. It affords a incredible view and helps you perceive the strategic significance of the situation in the course of the Warfare of 1812.
6. The Erland Lee Museum


This Nineteenth-century farmhouse in Stoney Creek holds big historic significance because the birthplace of the Ladies’s Institutes, a corporation that unfold from right here to over 70 international locations. The museum has displays devoted to the historical past of the group and its position in ladies’s historical past.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: This can be a must-visit for anybody keen on Canadian historical past, notably ladies’s historical past. The story of the Ladies’s Institute is a captivating 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, offers it a shocking pure playground. Right here’s the place to get outdoors and discover the paths, gorges, and waterfalls that make “The Hammer” an outside vacation spot.
7. Chase Waterfalls (Webster’s, Albion, Tews)


Hamilton is named the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” with over 100 waterfalls positioned inside the metropolis limits. Chasing waterfalls is without doubt one of the prime issues to do right here. Two of essentially the most unbelievable 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, only a few metres shorter than Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls.
- Necessary 2025 Observe: Entry guidelines, viewing platforms, and reservation programs for Hamilton’s waterfalls can change regularly. All the time test 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 number of the smaller falls. Tiffany Falls is a wonderful, delicate waterfall that’s only a quick stroll from the street, making it an ideal and simply accessible cease.
8. Spencer Gorge Conservation Space


That is the star attraction for nature lovers in Hamilton. The conservation space is house to 2 of town’s most well-known waterfalls, Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls (although they usually require separate reservations). The principle draw for us, nevertheless, is the hike to Dundas Peak, which showcases the beautiful great 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 without doubt one of the finest in all of Southern Ontario. Go on a weekday to keep away from the largest crowds, as this spot is extraordinarily widespread.
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 attractive 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: Normal admission tickets for entrance to the Royal Botanical Gardens price $19.50 for adults, with kids beneath 4 admitted without cost. There are youth, senior, and household tickets accessible at a reduced value.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The RBG is very large, so don’t attempt to see all of it in in the future. Should you solely have time for one part, we suggest Hendrie Park. It has essentially the most various assortment of themed gardens and is a good introduction to what the RBG has to supply.
10. Go for a Hike on the Bruce Path & Extra


The Dundas Valley Conservation Space is a large forested space with over 40 km of trails. It’s an outside lover’s dream and incorporates 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 guts of the Dundas Valley.
- The Major Loop Path: Ranging from the Dundas Valley Path Centre, this straightforward 3.4 km loop is a good introduction to the realm, passing by ruins and an outdated orchard.
- The Hamilton to Brantford Rail Path: This is a superb, flat path for mountain climbing and biking alongside an outdated railway line.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: For an ideal style of the realm, begin on the Dundas Valley Path Centre. You are able to do the simple Major Loop Path, hop on a piece of the well-known Bruce Path, and see the duplicate 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 reworked into a wonderful area for recreation, connecting a number of parks and trails. It’s now a well-liked out of doors gathering place for households and mates.
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, widespread playground for households with younger kids. All year long, Bayfront Park hosts quite a lot of occasions, together with concert events and group festivals.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Bayfront Park is the proper spot for a household picnic. There’s tons of inexperienced area to run round, an ideal playground for the youngsters, and you’ll 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 best way, you’ll be able to seize an ice cream cone at Scoops, hire bikes, or watch individuals 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 affords 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 special 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 latest revitalization. Longer dinner cruises are additionally accessible on the Harbour Queen.
- Observe for 2025: Remember to test the cruise operator’s web site for the present schedule and availability.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The sightseeing cruise is one of the best ways to grasp the dimensions of the harbour and its industrial heritage. The captain’s narration is surprisingly attention-grabbing and provides you an entire new perspective on “Steeltown.”
14. Loosen up in Gage Park


This big metropolis park in East Hamilton is a vacation spot in itself. Its fundamental options are the attractive themed gardens and the spectacular Tropical Greenhouse. The park additionally incorporates the Hamilton Youngsters’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.
- Observe for 2025: Please confirm the standing of the Hamilton Youngsters’s Museum, because it has undergone latest 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 possibly can’t speak 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 seashore for many years. It’s a real native establishment. I used to return right here on a regular basis once 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 all the time 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 reside 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.
- Observe on 2025 Pricing: This gallery usually has a nuanced pricing mannequin (e.g., free for one degree, 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 not less than a few hours. The free entry to the second degree makes it an ideal, budget-friendly cultural cease on any go to
17. Canadian Soccer Corridor of Fame


Situated at Tim Hortons Discipline, house of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Canadian Soccer Corridor of Fame celebrates the historical past and heroes of the Canadian Soccer League (CFL). By way of interactive shows and artifacts, it affords a deep dive into all facets 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 Discipline for a sport. It affords an ideal look into a singular and necessary piece of Canadian sports activities tradition, and it’s free to enter.
18. Catch a Hamilton Tiger-Cats Sport


Hamilton is commonly referred to 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 Discipline. 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 part of the “Oskee Wee Wee” chants.
19. Hess Village


When the solar goes down, Hess Village is the guts 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 reside music. It’s a energetic spot, particularly on a heat summer time night.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Hess Village is nice for a patio drink, however should you’re searching for a quieter dinner, discover the eating places on close by King William Road, which has develop into town’s unofficial “Restaurant Row.”
20. Theatre Aquarius


For an evening of reside theatre, Theatre Aquarius is town’s premier skilled theatre firm. Situated downtown within the Dofasco Centre for the Arts, it phases high-quality productions, from traditional performs to modern musicals.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: We’ve seen just a few reveals right here, and the standard of the productions is all the time spectacular. It’s an effective way to expertise top-level Canadian theatre with out the Toronto costs.
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