The most undervalued travel destination in Ontario is, by far, Hamilton. The majority of visitors to the region, regrettably, have never even heard of Hamilton because it is overshadowed by its larger sister Toronto and the captivating Niagara Falls, which are only 72 kilometers to the east. But Hamilton is a tiny city with a tremendous impact, bursting with urban energy and natural beauty. Here are the top 10 fun things to do in Hamilton this weekend for tourists.
What Is Hamilton Known For?
When a canal was dug through Lake Ontario, turning Hamilton into a significant port in 1832, the city, named for Canadian businessman George Hamilton, saw rapid growth.
The manufacturing and steel industries were growing at the beginning of the 20th century. Hamilton saw the establishment of four significant corporations: Stelco, Dofasco, Procter & Gamble, and the Beech-Nut Packing Company.
It is situated where the Niagara Escarpment and the western end of Lake Ontario meet in the “armpit” of Ontario. Hamilton is much more than just an industrial city. It is known for its steel manufacture, earning it the moniker “steeltown.”
In addition, Hamilton is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The south coasts of Lake Ontario are near the downtown area.
The city has plenty to offer everyone because it also has a trendy downtown culinary, music, and art scene.
There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation and trekking in Hamilton because the city is home to over 100 waterfalls, most of which are situated along the renowned Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment.
Additionally, Hamilton is becoming well-known for its top-notch dining establishments and galleries dotting its bustling downtown streets. Given the abundance of nearby attractions in Hamilton, Ontario, rather than the too-congested and hectic Toronto, Hamilton might be a better layover before seeing Niagara Falls.
Read more Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Ontario You Must Explore
The final three waterfalls can be completed in a single day. You could explore several of your favorite waterfalls for a full day because there are so many of them around. Or break up your waterfall treks over a few days as you explore the city in different neighborhoods!
Best Time Of Year To Visit Hamilton
For general outdoor tourist activities, late June to early September is the best time of year to visit Hamilton. Early July to mid-August is the greatest time of year to travel to Hamilton for hot-weather activities.
Top 10 Fun Things To Do In Hamilton This Weekend
Visit the Dundurn Castle and Travel Through Time
The 1st Baronet, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, commissioned neoclassical architect Robert Charles Wetherell to construct Dundurn Castle, which is now a National Historic Site of Canada. This gigantic mansion, with its forty rooms and over 18,000 square feet of space, took three years to construct.
Known for throwing lavish parties, MacNab once hosted notable guests, including Sir John A. MacDonald and King Edward VII.
As you go through ornately painted apartments, corridors, underground slave quarters, and magnificently planted courtyards, you may get a sense of what life was like in the mid-19th century.
When you visit this historic site, you’ll understand why it’s a must-see Hamilton destination right away!
Consider going to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, which has about 50 different aircraft, houses all of this and more.
Get up close and personal with a Lancaster bomber—of which there are only two left in existence—as well as other combat aircraft and helicopters that the Canadian Military has operated since World War II. It’s just astounding how many historical objects and aircraft the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum possesses.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has something to interest everyone, regardless of whether you are an aviation enthusiast or want to learn about the history of military aircraft.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is unquestionably among the greatest things to do in Hamilton if you love history. Another interesting location for history buffs to check out is the Hamilton Military Museum.
Get Lost in the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Beauty: Best things to do in Hamilton this weekend
The Royal Botanical Gardens are unquestionably among Hamilton’s top attractions!
The Royal Botanical Gardens are much more than just a garden; they are not just for those who enjoy flowers.
There is a lot for everyone to see and enjoy, thanks to the approximately 27km of walking trails buried away in the more than 1,100 hectares of natural preserve. Additionally, it is a National Historic Site and Canada’s biggest botanical garden!
Hendrie Park, a landscaped garden, may be found within the 1,100 hectares. Laking Garden also has a collection of perennial herbaceous plants. The Arboretum is also well-known for being a lovely English garden. A rock garden, fishway, informative nature center, and the RBG Center, which has sizable indoor gardens, are all present.
Explore Hamilton’s Various Waterfalls: Must-Do Things This Weekend
It is obvious why Hamilton was given the moniker “City of Waterfalls,” considering that the city is home to over 100 waterfalls and cascades. The ideal terrain for waterfalls is found on the Niagara Escarpment, which is also where the famous Niagara Falls are located.
Many of these waterfalls are quite easy to get to, and a couple is even close to the city! Numerous can be discovered while traveling the well-known Bruce Trail. Because Webster’s Falls and Tew’s Falls are both within the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, schedule a visit to both on the same day.
With a 30-meter crest, Webster’s Falls is the biggest waterfall in Hamilton. Tew’s Falls, at 41 meters, is the tallest. Both Ontario and the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area have them as highlights.
Albion Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl Falls are the two other most well-known waterfalls. A short detour from the Bruce Trail leads to Albion Falls, a stunning 19-meter cascade waterfall. Just a minute up the road, be sure to stop and check out Buttermilk Falls while you’re there.
The most unusual waterfall in the group is Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, a 37-meter ribbon waterfall that cascades over a horseshoe-shaped cliff covered in vibrant layers of layered rock fragments.
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Board HMCS Haida, Canada’s Only Tribal Class Destroyer
The most well-known battleship in Canada is berthed at Pier 9 in Hamilton Harbour. The sole Tribal Class Destroyer in existence is now a museum that you may board and tour! It is a Canadian National Historic Site. Explore each deck on your own while taking a self-guided tour, or spend a little extra to take a guided tour.
Make sure to include one of the top Hamilton attractions on your list because there is a lot to see and learn while sailing through Hamilton Harbour!
Visit The Art Gallery of Hamilton to view works of art
One of Canada’s oldest and biggest art institutions is the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Over 10,000 pieces of amazing artwork are on display in this gallery! This is one of the most popular things to do in Hamilton, with about 300,000 tourists passing through each year.
You will see right away that this is one of the most magnificent art exhibits in the entirety of Canada, featuring historical European art as well as current and Canadian artwork.
You will undoubtedly leave the Art Gallery of Hamilton feeling amazed and inspired by what you have seen, whether you are an art enthusiast or just spending time admiring the lovely exhibitions!
Visit Hess Village, Hamilton: It will be great if you come here on the weekend!
A stroll through Hess Village will provide you with a taste of everything you could want if you’re seeking some of the top things to do in Hamilton after the sun goes down. Historic structures transformed into magnificent bars, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries may be seen as you stroll through Hess Village. Discover several delectable foods to consume while you roam around and observe people in Hess Village.
From Main St. to King St. West, the cobblestone street has been converted into a path for pedestrians only. On Hess St., the hottest spot in Hess Village, you can enjoy top-notch entertainment, amusing people, and delicious food. Visit Hess Village’s website for a list of bars, restaurants, and the most recent activities happening while you’re there.
Visit Bayfront Park Hamilton and Take a Walk Along the Waterfront
Locals in Hamilton love to walk or bike along the harbor’s path as one of their favorite pastimes. To reach the Cootes Paradise natural sanctuary, a broad asphalt trail meanders through the lovely Bayfront Park in Hamilton for around 1.5 kilometers. Near the water’s edge, there is a lower walking trail as well.
Walking along the shoreline filled with wildlife will take you through luscious native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers under arches in Bayfront Park Hamilton. A sizable green area and a grass amphitheater can be found in Bayfront Park’s upper section in Hamilton. Bayfront Park Hamilton would be the ideal place for a picnic lunch as well, with all the greenery and views!
Visit a Fun Festival in Gage Park
The city’s historic city park serves as the location for several of Hamilton’s annual festivals. Attending a festival in Hamilton is a must-do activity if you’re here during the summer.
The Festival of Friends is the event that attracts the most visitors to Gage Park. The biggest annual music and arts event of its kind in Canada is open to the public for free! Every year, more than 250,000 people attend the three-day music event.
The Rib and Craft Beer Fest, It’s Your Festival, and the Poutine Feast are some of the other festivals held at the park.
Take a Hike Along the Niagara Escarpment’s Famous Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail, which runs for 900 kilometers from the Niagara River to Tobermory, is the longest and oldest public footpath in Canada. The Bruce Trail’s 122 km-long Iroquoia segment begins close to Hamilton.
Choose a shorter trail and only embark on a day hike, or hike the entire distance over several days. The Niagara Escarpment is home to a wide variety of breathtaking natural features.
You will come across unusual meromictic lakes or an Iroquoian village from the fifteenth century, together with ancient cedar trees, lovely lakes, and waterfalls of different sizes.
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