21 Best Things to Do in Hamilton, Ontario (for 2025)

For us, a visit to Hamilton is like coming residence. 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 economic “Steeltown” we knew as children into the thriving, inventive metropolis it’s at present.

Now, with buddies residing within the space, we go to typically and are all the time discovering one thing new. Hamilton has blossomed into certainly one of Ontario’s greatest 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 town of Toronto, we’ve got 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 can assist you plan an journey on this surprisingly numerous metropolis.

High 5 Hamilton Sights at a Look

Historic Websites & Museums

Hamilton has a wealthy industrial and navy historical past. These nationwide historic websites and museums supply an enchanting look into the town’s previous and its position in shaping Canada.

1. Dundurn Citadel

A tour of this grand 1830s villa is likely one of the prime points of interest in Hamilton. As the previous residence of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Premier of the United Canadas, this Nationwide Historic Web site has been fantastically restored. Costumed interpreters information you thru the house, illustrating what life was like within the Nineteenth century.

• Notice 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 gorgeous grounds and the kitchen backyard, that are free to entry and supply beautiful views of the bay.

Tickets value $16 for adults and $10 for kids, with kids underneath 5 allowed in without spending a dime.

2. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

ocated beside the Hamilton Worldwide Airport, this museum is a must-visit for aviation and historical past buffs. It contains a assortment of over 40 Canadian navy plane flown since World Warfare II. The spotlight is the Avro Lancaster, certainly one of solely two airworthy Lancaster bombers left on the earth.

• Admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is round $18 per grownup, with kids underneath 5 capable of go to without spending a dime. Flight simulation experiences can be found at an additional value. Try the web site for extra particulars.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even in the event you don’t guide a flight simulation, examine 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 Web site

Often called “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 website provides 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.

• Notice on 2025 Pricing: Admission is simply $4.50 CAD per grownup, with these underneath 17 years of age coming into free.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Put on good footwear with a strong grip. You’ll be climbing steep, slim ladders between the decks, which is all a part of the genuine and immersive expertise.

4. Hamilton Museum of Steam & Expertise 

Housed within the restored 1859 waterworks constructing, this nationwide historic website is devoted to the historical past of steam energy in Canada. It contains a assortment of huge, working steam engines, pumps, and different equipment that when equipped water to the town.

• 2025 Pricing: Admission is required. Please examine 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 Web site 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: You’ll want to climb to the highest of the 100-foot Battlefield Monument. It provides a incredible view and helps you perceive the strategic significance of the situation throughout 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 Girls’s Institutes, a corporation that unfold from right here to over 70 international locations. The museum has reveals devoted to the historical past of the group and its position in ladies’s historical past.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: It is a must-visit for anybody desirous about Canadian historical past, notably ladies’s historical past. The story of the Girls’s Institute is an enchanting piece of Canadian heritage that began proper right here on this home.

Out of doors Adventures & Waterfalls

Hamilton’s distinctive location on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, provides 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 out of doors vacation spot.

7. Chase Waterfalls (Webster’s, Albion, Tews)

Hamilton is called the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” with over 100 waterfalls situated throughout the metropolis limits. Chasing waterfalls is likely 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, just some metres shorter than Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls.

• Vital 2025 Notice: Entry guidelines, viewing platforms, and reservation programs for Hamilton’s waterfalls can change regularly. All the time examine the official Hamilton Conservation Authority web site earlier than your go to for essentially the most up-to-date info 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 an attractive, delicate waterfall that’s only a quick stroll from the street, making it an awesome and simply accessible cease.

8. Spencer Gorge Conservation Space

That is the star attraction for nature lovers in Hamilton. The conservation space is residence to 2 of the town’s most well-known waterfalls, Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls (although they typically require separate reservations). The principle draw for us, nonetheless, is the hike to Dundas Peak, which showcases the gorgeous 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 likely one of the greatest in all of Southern Ontario. Go on a weekday to keep away from the largest crowds, as this spot is extraordinarily standard.

9. Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)

Of all of the points of interest in Hamilton, a go to to Canada’s largest Botanical Backyard is a should. A chosen Nationwide Historic Web site, 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 gorgeous 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: Common admission tickets for entrance to the Royal Botanical Gardens value $19.50 for adults, with kids underneath 4 admitted without spending a dime. There are youth, senior, and household tickets obtainable at a reduced value.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The RBG is very large, so don’t attempt to see all of it in someday. When you solely have time for one part, we advocate Hendrie Park. It has essentially the most numerous assortment of themed gardens and is a superb introduction to what the RBG has to supply.

10. Go for a Hike on the Bruce Path & Extra

The Dundas Valley Conservation Space is an enormous forested space with over 40 km of trails. It’s an out of doors 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 center of the Dundas Valley.
• The Major Loop Path: Ranging from the Dundas Valley Path Centre, this simple 3.4 km loop is a superb introduction to the realm, passing by ruins and an previous orchard.
• The Hamilton to Brantford Rail Path: This is a superb, flat path for mountaineering and biking alongside an previous railway line.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: For an awesome style of the realm, begin on the Dundas Valley Path Centre. You are able to do the straightforward Major Loop Path, hop on a bit of the well-known Bruce Path, and see the reproduction practice station all from one handy start line.

Hamilton’s Waterfront & Parks

As soon as an industrial harbour, Hamilton’s waterfront has been fully reworked into an attractive area for recreation, connecting a number of parks and trails. It’s now a well-liked outside gathering place for households and buddies.

11. Discover Bayfront Park

This massive park covers 16 hectares alongside Hamilton Harbour and is full of leisure actions. It options an in depth path system for strolling and biking, a ship launch for paddling, and a big, standard playground for households with younger kids. All year long, Bayfront Park hosts a wide range of occasions, together with concert events and neighborhood festivals.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Bayfront Park is the right spot for a household picnic. There’s tons of inexperienced area to run round, an awesome playground for the children, 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 possibly can 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 provides 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 unique 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 current revitalization. Longer dinner cruises are additionally obtainable on the Harbour Queen.

• Notice for 2025: You’ll want to examine the cruise operator’s web site for the present schedule and availability.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The sightseeing cruise is one of the simplest ways to know the size of the harbour and its industrial heritage. The captain’s narration is surprisingly attention-grabbing and offers you a complete new perspective on “Steeltown.”

14. Loosen up in Gage Park

This big metropolis park in East Hamilton is a vacation spot in itself. Its foremost options are the gorgeous 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.

• Notice for 2025: Please confirm the standing of the Hamilton Youngsters’s Museum, because it has undergone current 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’ll be able to’t discuss 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 after 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 overlook 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.

• Notice on 2025 Pricing: This gallery typically 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 awesome, budget-friendly cultural cease on any go to

17. Canadian Soccer Corridor of Fame

Positioned at Tim Hortons Area, residence 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 provides a deep dive into all features of Canadian soccer.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even in the event you’re not an enormous CFL fan, it’s value a glance in the event you’re already at Tim Hortons Area for a sport. It provides an awesome 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 known as the “birthplace of Canadian soccer,” and the town’s ardour for the sport is infectious. To see it firsthand, seize tickets to see the Hamilton Tiger-Cats play at Tim Hortons Area. 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 a part of the “Oskee Wee Wee” chants.

19. Hess Village

When the solar goes down, Hess Village is the center 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 vigorous spot, particularly on a heat summer time night.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Hess Village is nice for a patio drink, however in the event you’re in search of a quieter dinner, discover the eating places on close by King William Avenue, which has develop into the town’s unofficial “Restaurant Row.”

20. Theatre Aquarius

For an evening of reside theatre, Theatre Aquarius is the town’s premier skilled theatre firm. Positioned downtown within the Dofasco Centre for the Arts, it levels high-quality productions, from traditional performs to modern musicals.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: We’ve seen a couple of exhibits 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.

Meals & Drink

Hamilton’s meals scene has exploded lately, however some classics by no means exit of favor.

21. Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Established in 1837, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is a year-round market and one of many oldest landmarks within the metropolis. With greater than fifty distributors, you will discover all the pieces from contemporary native produce and meats to artisan cheeses and handmade items. It’s situated proper downtown beside the central library.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t simply browse—plan to have lunch right here. There are some incredible meals stalls inside providing all the pieces from tacos and falafel to contemporary pasta. It’s an effective way to pattern the native meals scene multi function place.

FAQ: Visiting Hamilton, Ontario

So, The place Will You Go First?

Hamilton has efficiently reinvented itself from a gritty industrial metropolis right into a vibrant vacation spot with a stunning quantity of pure magnificence. From its historic castles and museums to the tons of of waterfalls ready to be explored, “The Hammer” provides an ideal mix of city vitality and outside journey. We hope this information has helped you uncover all of the superb issues to do in Hamilton.