Gore Park

The “Gore on King Street” is a bit of nature right in downtown. Shaped like a sundial instead of a rectangle because of the historic dispute in the early 1800’s between city founder George Hamilton and farmer Nathaniel Hughson. Mr. Hughson backed out last minute when promising the growing city a piece of his land. This created the irregular point at the foot of the Royal Connaught Hotel.

Art Gallery of Hamilton

Established in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the third largest collection in Ontario. A modern example of fine architecture houses over 9,000 works from artists in Canada and around the world. View the classic works of Hamilton born painter William Blair Bruce (1859-1906) in a famous collection called the “Bruce Memorial”, or walk among the outdoor second level sculpture garden.

A City of Castles

Hamilton is famous for its castles! A leisure stroll through the Durand and Aberdeen neighbourhoods recapture Victorian splendour with unique mansions and castles lining the streets. The most recognized of all Hamilton castles is Dundurn, built in 1835 by former Prime Minister Sir Allan MacNab. It was the most grand and beautiful home of Hamilton then, as it still remains today.

Museums

History is on display in the old houses and businesses of pioneers who built Hamilton. See a snapshot in history on the lands of Whitehern behind City Hall, or the height of elegant waterworks at the Museum of Steam & Technology. Learn how the War of 1812 was won at Battlefield House, or let your child play in the historic Children’s museum at the north-end of Gage Park.

Hamilton Harbourfront

Sail out from the Royal Hamilton Yacht club, a standard of the city since 1860. Enjoy the vast and open Hamilton Harbour and experience the best of a fine day. Land-lovers can experience the Parks Canada Discovery Centre, H.M.C.S Haida battleship, and Pier-4 Park. For the nautical enthusiasts, set sail on a sunset dinner cruise aboard The Hamiltonian.

Farmers' Market

A small outdoor gathering of local farmers in 1837 began what would become Hamilton’s Farmers Market. For more than 170 years, Hamilton’s Market has featured the best produce, breads and meats available. Over 200 local farms and vendors line the mezzanine and lower level of this bright, indoor facility.

Attractions

Places like the African Lion Safari, Royal Botanical Gardens, the Slots at Flamboro Downs, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Westfield Heritage Village, Haunted Hamilton Ghost Walks, Confederation Park, and many more always give you something fun to do on the weekends.

Festivals and Events

The festivals of Hamilton are a multi-cultural exhibition of food and entertainment. The city opens streets, parks and venues all year round. The Festival of Friends, Mustard Festival, Dundas Buskerfest and Winona Peach Festival feature the best in food and music. The Canadian International Military Tattoo is Canada’s premier military music show and is held at Copps Coliseum each year.

James Street North

For over 200 years, James North has been one of Hamilton’s most interesting and vibrant streets. Now called ‘Cultureful’ James North, the street is home to a world of culture – art, food, shopping and history. Every 2nd Friday of every month, James North plays host to the Art Crawl, which attracts hundreds of art lovers, people lovers and food lovers from all around the city and beyond. The Art Crawl has been featured in journals across Canada.

The Hamilton GO Station

Hamilton is a connected city through the unique 1920’s Art-Deco style train station right in downtown. Trains and buses move in and out of the city at all hours making it ideal for the business commuter to travel between Hamilton and Toronto. Need to go farther than Toronto? Bus connections from every major company in Southern Ontario are available from the same station.

Airport

Hamilton International offers local and international flights from all the major airline companies. Enjoy the same choice given by larger airports, but with a stress-free and cheaper travel experience.

Hess Village

Hess Village is famous for live music, great restaurants and a jumping nightlife. This neighbourhood of historic homes sees hundreds walk the cobblestone paths every night. Elegant restaurants span the block, featuring bistros, grills and outdoor patio’s that easily rival the best of Toronto.

International Restaurants & Pubs

The many restaurants and pubs of Downtown Hamilton give you choice, with every food and drink imaginable. Walk the streets and sample many cultures into the late night hours. Or drink a pint with friends within the authentic pubs of historic stone and wood.

Theatre Town!

Hamilton has been a theatre town since the Player’s Guild performed to small crowds gathered at Town Hall in 1839. This love for the stage has built large downtown venues like Hamilton Place, Copps Coliseum and Theatre Aquarius. All year round the best of Broadway, famous musicians and comedians, ballet and opera are featured.

Truly a Sports Town!

Feel the electricity of 30,000 fans all screaming for one cause where Canadian professional football began. Football at Ivor Wynne; hockey at Copps Coliseum, and the baseball games of Hamilton Mountain, combine to make a passionate city of professional sports.

Nature

Hamilton boasts some of the best parks and conservation areas for hiking, biking and birding. Hike the shaded trails of Cootes Paradise or along the beautiful paths of Ontario’s famous Bruce Trail, taking advantage of the escarpment’s natural beauty. Birding has been a Hamilton pastime since 1919. The popular Hamilton Naturalists’ Club promotes the enjoyment of nature through appreciation and conservation.

Waterfall Capital of the World!

Hamilton is the “City of Waterfalls”, boasting over 90 within its limits, more than any other city in the world. Experience the history of the pioneer mill towns built around many of these falls.

Education

The medical sciences of Hamilton through McMaster University and local colleges are on the forefront of world-wide research. The arts flow through Hamilton, sparking fame with local talent like actors Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Kathleen Robertson, and director Ivan Reitman. Much respect is given by the leaders of industry when hiring the graduates of Mohawk College and McMaster for jobs in technology, engineering and computers.