Hamilton Travel Guide

Hamilton is an historic city, one that saw major European settlement by United Empire Loyalists after the War of 1812, and that history has been proudly preserved. The range and number of the museums in the city, as well as its historic homes, are a testament to that fact.

Hamilton is located on the western end of the Niagara Peninsula and wraps around the westernmost part of Lake Ontario; most of the city, including the downtown section, is on the south shore. Hamilton is situated in the geographic centre of the Golden Horsehoe and is roughly the midway point between Toronto and Buffalo, New York.

There’s more than history to Hamilton. This is a community of vibrant neighbourhoods, each with a distinct character. Westdale, Ancaster and Dundas offer culturally rich and exciting areas for dining, visiting galleries, and shopping. In downtown Hamilton, James Street North is a bustling engine of artistic energy with new galleries and emerging artists making their homes here. Locke Street is the place for antiques, collectibles and cafes, while Hess Village, with its cobbled streets, upscale dining and funky club scene swings till the wee hours. The Waterfront district has become a Mecca for hikers, boarders and water sport enthusiasts. In the East end, there is a cornucopia of ethnic cultures, whose food stores and shops, like the bargain-priced fabric emporiums on Ottawa Street, are a buyer’s delight.

One of the best ways to view all Hamilton has to offer is from the hillside of Sam Lawrence Park. Hamilton combines effortless vacations that allow visitors peace and modern retreats showcasing some very important Canadian historic sites and nature parks. Guests will certainly find splendor in Mother Nature’s finest at the Royal Botanical Gardens. However, airplane fanatics could make the most of their trip to Hamilton by visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and learn of all the events that occurred in Canada’s early aviation at war. Plus, if history is a passion, don’t miss out on Canada’s most famous warship the HMCS Haida National Historic Site. Famous stops would also have to include Dundurn Castle, the African Lion Safari Park, Christ the King Cathedral, and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Hamilton is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Bruce Trail, McMaster University and several colleges. Families will enjoy a visit to the waterfront’s Parks Canada Discovery Centre and the HMS Haida, Canada’s most famous warship. The African Lion Safari, north of Hamilton, is a perennial favourite with both adults and children. For fun in the water, Wild Waterworks has one of Canada’s largest outdoor wave pools and giant body slides.