Guide

Hamilton is located at the heart of the ‘Golden Horseshoe’, a configuration of three cities – Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara Falls – which wrap around the southwestern tip of Lake Ontario. Hamilton is only 50 minutes by bus or car from Toronto and Niagara Falls.

Anytime of the year that you visit Hamilton, there will be a wealth of activities just waiting to be explored. Even in the winter, you’ll be entertained by the wide-open spaces where you can cross-country ski and the rolling hills where downhill skiers and sledders alike revel in the brisk speed.

There are a lot of things to see and do in Hamilton, and here are some places you should look into:

African Lion Safari You’ll think you’re in the middle of another continent when you drive just 6 miles north out of Hamilton to the African Lion Safari reserve! Art Gallery of Hamilton Founded in 1914, Art Gallery of Hamilton (also called AGH) is Ontario’s third largest public art gallery, and boasts one of the country’s finest collections.  Battlefield House Museum and Park You can explore a pioneer homestead, climb a monument, and enjoy the open parkland’s trails. Ben Veldhuis Limited People with ‘green thumbs’ should consider stopping at this attraction, as it has more than 2 acres of greenhouses! See 1000s of varieties of cacti, St. Paulias, succulents and hibiscus. Canadian Football Hall of Fame This sports museum, located at 58 Jackson St. W. will not disappoint you. Acting as a national shrine to the players, teams and fans of Canadian football, it traces 120 years of the sport. Canadian Marine Discovery Centre The star atraction at this center is a full-scale model of the Great Lakes vessel named the T.V. Voyaguer, a discovery ship that is complete with bridge and interactive modules.. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum features the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada’s Military from the beginning of World War II to the present. Concession Street You’ll get a history lesson, an inspiring close-up look of architectures and some amazing views when you visit this area. Dundurn Castle 610 York Blvd. is the location of one of Hamilton’s most-recognized landmarks. Griffin House The Griffin House stands today as a testament to the bravery and determination of black men and women who journeyed to freedom in Southern Ontario.

Hamilton Children’s Museum Though a “children’s” museum, all ages will enjoy the interactive play and learning that can be found here. Hamilton Farmers Market Originally founded in 1837, this indoors farmers market is located downtown at 55 York Blvd. and features the usual mix of local farm produce and ethnic specialties. The Hamilton Farmers Market is actually older than the city! Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology This National Historic Site houses the two steam engines which pumped the first clean water to the city over 140 years ago. Hamilton Place This spectacular cultural center features live theatre and concerts all year long. The Centre has an impressive listing of the national and international artists who have performed here. McMaster Museum of Art  Calling all fans of Impressionist art: this is a place you must take the time for! Princess Point Situated at the very end of Lake Ontario, Princess Point is one of the truly beautiful sections of Hamilton. Make sure you stop your busy sightseeing for a few hours to take in Princess Point. Royal Botanical Gardens A must-see for those who enjoy gardens. Spread across 2700 acres, this is Canada’s largest botanical garden. Westdale Village Locals and visitors alike will be entertained with many boutiques, eateries, pubs and bakeries. Westfield Heritage Village Surrounded by 324 acres of unspoiled woods and meadows, this is a wonderful way to spend the day. Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site was the former home of the McQuesten Family Workers Arts and Heritage Centre The mission of this historical museum is to preserve and celebrate the art, culture and heritage of working class people in Canada.