Top 10 Things To Do In Hamilton, Canada

1. Get fresh-farm produce from Hamilton Farmers' Market

Hamilton Farmers’ Market is a famous and busy indoor market located in the Lloyd D. Jackson Square complex in downtown Hamilton, Ontario. It is popular for its wide variety of affordable, quality, and culturally diverse products sourced locally and across the world. It features a broad selection of fresh foods that are prepared on site as well as a community kitchen designed for cooking events and demonstrations. This marketplace is also accessible and energy-efficient. There is also the historic Birks Clocks of the Charging Horsemen at the center of the market. After every 15 minutes, the clock plays music and chimes as the miniature knights joust while going around the clock’s base.

Hamilton Farmers' Market

Address: 35 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada

Website: Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Opening hours: Tue, Thu & Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Wed)

2. Spend a lovely day at the Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens

Hamilton boasts being home to the largest botanical gardens in Canada featuring a wildlife sanctuary, rock garden, and arboretum. Royal Botanical Gardens is a rare gem. It features the Centennial Rose Garden, which has a variety of rose species, especially good to visit from from June to October. The gardens are immaculately kept, are child-friendly, and acts as an events venue for families all year round - the popular Teddy Bear Picnic is held here.

Rock Garden - Royal Botanical Gardens

Address: 1185 York Blvd, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H9, Canada

Website: Rock Garden - Royal Botanical Gardens

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

3. Visit the iconic Canadian Football Hall of Fame

If you are a diehard fan of Canadian Football, you must visit the Canadian Football Hall of Fame & Museum. Since its establishment in 1972, the company behind it has acquired a significant collection of more than 3,000 football-related items that date back to the 20th century. The Hall of Fame inside the museum houses biographies and it’s a reflection of the many achievements by notable football players who have been successful in the sports industry.

Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Address: 64 Melrose Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 8C1, Canada

Website: Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Opening hours:Sat: 9am - 12pm; Wed: 4pm - 7pm (closed from Sun - Tue & Thu - Fri)

4. Marvel at the breathtaking Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle is one of the oldest structures in Hamilton. It is a beautiful and stylish Neo-classical mansion seating on 18,000 square feet (1,700 square meters). Since its completion, it has frequently changed ownership, with the current one being the city of Hamilton. This museum, since its construction, has housed many and prominent individuals, including King Edward VII. It houses a military museum which will let you delve into Hamilton’s history further. Learn about the Boer war, the rebellions of 1837, the world wars, and more. A visit to this spectacular museum is sure to open your eyes to history.

Dundurn Castle

Address: 610 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3E7, Canada

Website: Dundurn Castle

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

5. View stunning exhibitions at Art Gallery of Hamilton

Also known as the AGH, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the largest and the oldest public gallery exhibiting innovative and ever-changing local and international art pieces. Located in the heart of downtown, the gallery is home to Bruegel-Bosch Bus by Kim Adams and the legendary Alex Colville’s Horse and Train painting. It features over 10,000 impressive pieces and has held an on-site filming program and the annual AGH World Film Festival. There is also a shop at the AGH with unique Canadian collections including art books, jewelry, toys, and souvenirs as well as art rentals and sales.

Art Gallery of Hamilton

Address: 123 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4S8, Canada

Website: Art Gallery of Hamilton

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

Price: 3 - 8 USD

6. See the marvelous Tew's Falls

Located at Webster’s Fall Conservation Area, this ribbon plunge waterfall stands as Hamilton’s tallest. It is only a few meters shorter than the Niagara Falls and you can clearly see it when taking a hike through the popular Dundas. However, water flow in the Tew’s Fall is low during summer months and you can experience the best views in early spring. It is open during weekdays and it\’s quite busy during weekends.

Tew's Falls

Address: 581 Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5K7, Canada

Website: Tew’s Falls

Price: 15 USD per vehicle (and driver); 5 USD per extra passenger; free for children 5 years old and under

7. Go for a pub crawl along Hess Street

Hess Village, running from King Street West to Main Street, is all about pub crawls. Hess Village is a walking area full of restaurants, bars, and pubs sitting in renovated historic buildings. During summer, this street is the best place to be since each bar and restaurant has an outdoor patio. Moreover, there are live bands and DJ spinning tunes as well in nearly all pubs, making the whole area so lively.

8. Check out the interesting Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a place you must visit if you are looking forward to deeply learn about Canada’s aviation and military history. It boasts more than 40 aircraft, some of which have been restored and are on display for exhibitions. The museum offers lots of interesting educational features. The Avro Lancaster used in World War II is placed here in dedication of Andrew Mynarski. The friendly and welcoming staff at the museum are available to handle all your questions.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Address: 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0, Canada

Website: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 8 - 11 USD

9. Visit the famous Gage Park

Gage Park is one of Hamilton’s most historical and iconic parks designed by the Howard Dunington-Grubb in the 1920’s. It features greenhouses, playgrounds, a museum, and a bandshell. It is an amazing spot in the city to just reinvigorate yourself, offering a wonderful respite from the heat and city noises.

Gage Park

Address: 45 Main St S, Brampton, ON L6Y 1M9, Canada

Website: Gage Park

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm

Price: Free

10. Explore HMCS Haida National Historic Site

As a former Canadian naval battleship, HCMS Haida is an open and docked national historic site. The boat is an impressive part of the restored Catherine Street North waterfront within the Hamilton Harbour. International and local visitors can freely explore the decks while listening to naval veterans serving as volunteer guides.

HMCS Haida National Historic Site

Address:Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 8K4, Canada

Website: HMCS Haida National Historic Site

Have great fun in Hamilton

Only an hour’s drive away from the provincial capital of Ontario, Hamilton is an ideal place for your short weekend getaway. It is strategic location on Niagara Escarpment creates a relaxing and epic environment with a wide range of trails. Hamilton’s rich culture means there are numerous tourist attractions that celebrate Canada’s past.