For us, a trip to Hamilton is like coming home. Dave’s dad was born and raised in Hamilton, and he spent much of his childhood visiting family in the city. We’ve seen “The Hammer” transform from the industrial “Steeltown” we knew as kids into the thriving, creative city it is today.
Now, with friends living in the area, we visit often and are always discovering something new. Hamilton has blossomed into one of Ontario’s best destinations, with a vibrant arts scene and an incredible natural playground of trails and waterfalls right at its doorstep. With more people moving to the area and others looking to escape the city of Toronto, we have narrowed down the top things to do while in Hamilton, Ontario.
This guide is a mix of the classic spots we’ve loved for years and the new energy that makes Hamilton so exciting. We’re sharing our favourite things to do to help you plan an adventure in this surprisingly diverse city.
Top 5 Hamilton Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Location | Best For |
| Dundurn Castle | West Hamilton | History & Architecture |
| Royal Botanical Gardens | Burlington/Hamilton Border | Nature & Gardens |
| Webster’s Falls | Dundas (Spencer Gorge) | Waterfalls & Scenery |
| Waterfront Trail | Hamilton Harbour | Walking, Biking & Families |
| Warplane Heritage Museum | Mount Hope | Aviation & Canadian History |
Historic Sites & Museums
Hamilton has a rich industrial and military history. These national historic sites and museums offer a fascinating look into the city’s past and its role in shaping Canada.
1. Dundurn Castle
A tour of this grand 1830s villa is one of the top attractions in Hamilton. As the former home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Premier of the United Canadas, this National Historic Site has been beautifully restored. Costumed interpreters guide you through the home, illustrating what life was like in the 19th century.
- Note on 2025 Pricing: Please verify current ticket prices on the official Hamilton Civic Museums website. Adult admission is typically around $16 CAD and children are $10 CAD.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Your admission includes the Hamilton Military Museum, which is also on the property. Give yourself extra time to walk the beautiful grounds and the kitchen garden, which are free to access and offer lovely views of the bay.
Tickets cost $16 for adults and $10 for children, with children under 5 allowed in for free.
2. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
ocated beside the Hamilton International Airport, this museum is a must-visit for aviation and history buffs. It features a collection of over 40 Canadian military aircraft flown since World War II. The highlight is the Avro Lancaster, one of only two airworthy Lancaster bombers left in the world.
- Admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is around $18 per adult, with children under 5 able to visit for free. Flight simulation experiences are available at an extra cost. Check out the website for more details.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even if you don’t book a flight simulation, check their schedule online. Seeing the Lancaster or other vintage planes take off for a flight is an unforgettable experience.
3. HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Known as “Canada’s most fightingest ship,” the HMCS Haida is a floating museum on the Hamilton waterfront. As the world’s only surviving Tribal-class destroyer, this national historic site offers a chance to explore the decks and imagine life as a crew member of the Royal Canadian Navy during its service in WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War.
- Note on 2025 Pricing: Admission is just $4.50 CAD per adult, with those under 17 years of age entering free.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Wear good shoes with a solid grip. You’ll be climbing steep, narrow ladders between the decks, which is all part of the authentic and immersive experience.
4. Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Housed in the restored 1859 waterworks building, this national historic site is dedicated to the history of steam power in Canada. It features a collection of massive, working steam engines, pumps, and other machinery that once supplied water to the city.
- 2025 Pricing: Admission is required. Please check the Hamilton Civic Museums website for current 2025 pricing (typically around $10 CAD for adults).
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Try to visit during a live steam demonstration to see the impressive 70-ton steam engines in action. It’s an incredible display of 19th-century engineering power.
5. Battle of Stoney Creek
This National Historic Site preserves the location of the pivotal 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek. The grounds include the Battlefield House Museum (the original Gage Homestead, built around 1796) and the impressive Battlefield Monument, which stands high on a hill overlooking the park.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Be sure to climb to the top of the 100-foot Battlefield Monument. It offers a fantastic view and helps you understand the strategic importance of the location during the War of 1812.
6. The Erland Lee Museum
This 19th-century farmhouse in Stoney Creek holds huge historical significance as the birthplace of the Women’s Institutes, an organization that spread from here to over 70 countries. The museum has exhibits dedicated to the history of the organization and its role in women’s history.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: This is a must-visit for anyone interested in Canadian history, particularly women’s history. The story of the Women’s Institute is a fascinating piece of Canadian heritage that started right here in this house.
Outdoor Adventures & Waterfalls
Hamilton’s unique location on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, gives it a stunning natural playground. Here’s where to get outside and explore the trails, gorges, and waterfalls that make “The Hammer” an outdoor destination.
7. Chase Waterfalls (Webster’s, Albion, Tews)
Hamilton is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” with over 100 waterfalls located within the city limits. Chasing waterfalls is one of the top things to do here. Two of the most incredible cascades are Webster’s Falls, a classic plunge-style waterfall, and Albion Falls, a wide cascade that tumbles over shelves of rock. Tews Falls is actually the tallest in Hamilton, standing at 41 metres, just a few metres shorter than Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls.
- Important 2025 Note: Access rules, viewing platforms, and reservation systems for Hamilton’s waterfalls can change frequently. Always check the official Hamilton Conservation Authority website before your visit for the most up-to-date information on parking, fees, and trail access.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: While Webster’s and Albion are famous, don’t miss some of the smaller falls. Tiffany Falls is a beautiful, delicate waterfall that’s just a short walk from the road, making it a great and easily accessible stop.
8. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area
This is the star attraction for nature lovers in Hamilton. The conservation area is home to two of the city’s most famous waterfalls, Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls (though they often require separate reservations). The main draw for us, however, is the hike to Dundas Peak, which showcases the stunning beauty of the Dundas Valley.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The hike to the Dundas Peak viewpoint is a must-do, especially in the autumn. The view overlooking the Dundas Valley is one of the best in all of Southern Ontario. Go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds, as this spot is extremely popular.
9. Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)
Of all the attractions in Hamilton, a visit to Canada’s largest Botanical Garden is a must. A designated National Historic Site, the RBG is Canada’s largest botanical garden, spanning over 2,400 acres. Nestled into the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, it features five distinct garden areas, including the beautiful Hendrie Park and the restored David Braley Rock Garden. It also boasts the world’s largest lilac collection and over 77 km of nature trails.
- Pricing: General admission tickets for entrance to the Royal Botanical Gardens cost $19.50 for adults, with children under 4 admitted for free. There are youth, senior, and family tickets available at a discounted price.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The RBG is massive, so don’t try to see it all in one day. If you only have time for one section, we recommend Hendrie Park. It has the most diverse collection of themed gardens and is a great introduction to what the RBG has to offer.
10. Go for a Hike on the Bruce Trail & More
The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is a massive forested area with over 40 km of trails. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream and contains several major trail networks:
- The Bruce Trail: Canada’s longest and oldest footpath stretches from Niagara to Tobermory and passes right through the heart of the Dundas Valley.
- The Main Loop Trail: Starting from the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, this easy 3.4 km loop is a great introduction to the area, passing by ruins and an old orchard.
- The Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail: This is an excellent, flat path for hiking and cycling along an old railway line.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: For a great taste of the area, start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre. You can do the easy Main Loop Trail, hop on a section of the famous Bruce Trail, and see the replica train station all from one convenient starting point.
Hamilton’s Waterfront & Parks
Once an industrial harbour, Hamilton’s waterfront has been completely transformed into a beautiful space for recreation, connecting several parks and trails. It’s now a popular outdoor gathering place for families and friends.
11. Explore Bayfront Park
This large park covers 16 hectares along Hamilton Harbour and is packed with recreational activities. It features an extensive trail system for walking and cycling, a boat launch for paddling, and a large, popular playground for families with young children. Throughout the year, Bayfront Park hosts a variety of events, including concerts and community festivals.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Bayfront Park is the perfect spot for a family picnic. There’s tons of green space to run around, a great playground for the kids, and you can watch the boats in the harbour.
12. Stroll the Waterfront Trail
The 12 km Waterfront Trail connects Pier 4 Park and Bayfront Park and is perfect for an afternoon stroll, run, or bike ride. Along the way, you can grab an ice cream cone at Scoops, rent bikes, or watch people fishing from the pier. The Harbour West Trolley also winds along the trail, offering a narrated tour of the area’s history.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: We love renting bikes and cycling a portion of this trail. It’s flat, paved, and offers great views of the harbour. A stop for an ice cream cone at Scoops is a mandatory part of the experience!
13. Take a Harbour Cruise
For a different perspective, take a 50-minute narrated tour of the harbour with the Hamilton Waterfront Trust. The captain shares fascinating details about the history of the area, from its industrial past to its recent revitalization. Longer dinner cruises are also available on the Harbour Queen.
- Note for 2025: Be sure to check the cruise operator’s website for the current schedule and availability.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The sightseeing cruise is the best way to understand the scale of the harbour and its industrial heritage. The captain’s narration is surprisingly interesting and gives you a whole new perspective on “Steeltown.”
14. Relax in Gage Park
This huge city park in East Hamilton is a destination in itself. Its main features are the beautiful themed gardens and the impressive Tropical Greenhouse. The park also contains the Hamilton Children’s Museum, walking trails, sports fields, and a wading pool. In the winter, it transforms with a free public skating rink and winter lights festivals.
- Note for 2025: Please verify the status of the Hamilton Children’s Museum, as it has undergone recent renovations.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The Tropical Greenhouse is the star attraction here, especially on a cold winter day. Stepping inside from the snow into a lush, warm greenhouse feels like a mini-vacation to the tropics.
15. Grab Fish and Chips at Hutch’s
You can’t talk about the Hamilton waterfront without mentioning Hutch’s. This classic, old-school eatery has been serving up fish and chips, ice cream, and burgers right on the beach for decades. It’s a true local institution. I used to come here all the time when I was a kid. WE lived just down the road in Burlington, and my Dad would take us there for a treat on Sundays.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Be prepared for a lineup on a sunny summer day—it’s always worth the wait. The fish and chips are a classic, but don’t forget to grab a milkshake. It’s a perfect taste of nostalgia.
Culture, Sports & Entertainment
Beyond the trails and museums, Hamilton has a vibrant cultural scene, from professional sports to live theatre.
16. Art Gallery of Hamilton
Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest art museum in Southern Ontario. Its permanent collection is recognized as one of the finest in Canada, featuring a mix of historical and contemporary Canadian art, including works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Tom Thomson.
- Note on 2025 Pricing: This gallery often has a nuanced pricing model (e.g., free for one level, paid for special exhibitions). Please verify the current admission structure on their official website.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The permanent collection of Canadian art is outstanding. Give yourself at least a couple of hours. The free access to the second level makes it a great, budget-friendly cultural stop on any visit
17. Canadian Football Hall of Fame
Located at Tim Hortons Field, home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame celebrates the history and heroes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Through interactive displays and artifacts, it offers a deep dive into all aspects of Canadian football.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Even if you’re not a huge CFL fan, it’s worth a look if you’re already at Tim Hortons Field for a game. It offers a great look into a unique and important piece of Canadian sports culture, and it is free to enter.
18. Catch a Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game
Hamilton is often called the “birthplace of Canadian football,” and the city’s passion for the game is infectious. To see it firsthand, grab tickets to see the Hamilton Tiger-Cats play at Tim Hortons Field. The CFL season typically runs from June to November.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The atmosphere at a Ticats game is electric. Hamilton fans are famously passionate. For a true local experience, grab some black and gold gear and join the “Oskee Wee Wee” chants.
19. Hess Village
When the sun goes down, Hess Village is the heart of Hamilton’s nightlife. This cobblestone, pedestrian-only area is lined with historic buildings that house a dense concentration of restaurants, bars, and patios with live music. It’s a lively spot, especially on a warm summer evening.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Hess Village is great for a patio drink, but if you’re looking for a quieter dinner, explore the restaurants on nearby King William Street, which has become the city’s unofficial “Restaurant Row.”
20. Theatre Aquarius
For a night of live theatre, Theatre Aquarius is the city’s premier professional theatre company. Located downtown in the Dofasco Centre for the Arts, it stages high-quality productions, from classic plays to contemporary musicals.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: We’ve seen a few shows here, and the quality of the productions is always impressive. It’s a great way to experience top-level Canadian theatre without the Toronto prices.
Food & Drink
Hamilton’s food scene has exploded in recent years, but some classics never go out of style.
21. Hamilton Farmers’ Market
Established in 1837, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is a year-round market and one of the oldest landmarks in the city. With more than fifty vendors, you can find everything from fresh local produce and meats to artisan cheeses and handmade goods. It’s located right downtown beside the central library.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t just browse—plan to have lunch here. There are some fantastic food stalls inside offering everything from tacos and falafel to fresh pasta. It’s a great way to sample the local food scene all in one place.
FAQ: Visiting Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is famous for its industrial heritage (it’s called “Steeltown” for a reason), its incredible number of waterfalls (over 100), and a rapidly growing arts and food scene.
Absolutely. It’s an easy drive from Toronto, and it offers a completely different vibe. It’s especially worth it for outdoor lovers who want to explore the waterfalls and hiking trails of the Niagara Escarpment.
While the downtown is walkable, a car is the best way to get around, especially for reaching the various conservation areas, waterfalls, and attractions that are spread out across the city.
So, Where Will You Go First?
Hamilton has successfully reinvented itself from a gritty industrial city into a vibrant destination with a surprising amount of natural beauty. From its historic castles and museums to the hundreds of waterfalls waiting to be explored, “The Hammer” offers a perfect blend of urban energy and outdoor adventure. We hope this guide has helped you discover all the amazing things to do in Hamilton.
