Hamilton Attractions: A Guide to the City of Waterfalls

Why Visit Hamilton?

Hamilton is a great destination for travelers who want to experience a diverse and dynamic city. Hamilton offers a variety of attractions, such as:

• Waterfalls: Hamilton has the highest number of waterfalls of any urban area in the world, according to the city’s website. You can hike, bike, or drive to see these natural wonders, which range from cascades to plunges. Some of the most popular waterfalls in Hamilton are Webster Falls, Albion Falls, Tiffany Falls, and Devil’s Punchbowl.
• Art and Culture: Hamilton has a thriving art and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, theatres, and festivals. You can visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton, which has over 10,000 works of art, or the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, which displays vintage aircrafts. You can also catch a show at the Hamilton Place Theatre, or enjoy the music and food at the Supercrawl Festival.
• History and Heritage: Hamilton has a rich history and heritage, dating back to the 18th century. You can learn about the city’s past at the Dundurn Castle, which is a 40-room mansion that was once the home of Sir Allan MacNab, a former premier of Canada. You can also explore the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, which showcases the industrial revolution, or the Battlefield House Museum, which commemorates the War of 1812.
• Nature and Wildlife: Hamilton is surrounded by nature and wildlife, with many parks, gardens, and trails. You can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is the largest botanical garden in Canada, or the African Lion Safari, which is a drive-through wildlife park. You can also hike or bike along the Bruce Trail, which is the longest and oldest footpath in Canada, or the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail, which is a former railway line.

How to Get to Hamilton?

Hamilton is located in the southern part of Ontario, about an hour’s drive from Toronto. You can get to Hamilton by car, bus, train, or plane. Here are some of the options:

• By Car: Hamilton is easily accessible by car, as it is connected to major highways, such as the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Highway 403, and Highway 6. You can use a GPS or a map to navigate your way to Hamilton. You can also rent a car from various agencies in the city or nearby airports.
• By Bus: Hamilton is served by several bus companies, such as GO Transit, Greyhound, Megabus, and Coach Canada. You can take a bus from Toronto, Niagara Falls, London, or other cities in Ontario or Quebec. You can check the schedules and fares online or at the bus terminals.
• By Train: Hamilton is also served by GO Transit and VIA Rail, which offer train services from Toronto, Niagara Falls, Windsor, Montreal, and other cities in Canada. You can take a train to the Hamilton GO Centre, which is located in the downtown core, or the West Harbour GO Station, which is located near the waterfront. You can check the schedules and fares online or at the train stations.
• By Plane: Hamilton has its own airport, the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. You can fly to Hamilton from Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, or other cities in Canada, or from Cancun, Orlando, Las Vegas, or other cities in the United States, Mexico, or the Caribbean. You can also fly to the Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from Hamilton, or the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive from Hamilton. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, or a rental car from the airports to Hamilton.

Where to Stay in Hamilton?

Hamilton has a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts and Airbnb. You can choose a place that suits your budget, preference, and location. Here are some of the recommended places to stay in Hamilton:

• Sheraton Hamilton Hotel: This is a four-star hotel that is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, connected to the Jackson Square Shopping Centre and the Hamilton Convention Centre. The hotel offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is also close to many attractions, such as the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Hamilton Place Theatre, and the FirstOntario Centre.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton: This is a three-star hotel that is located in the downtown core, near the Hamilton GO Centre and the West Harbour GO Station. The hotel offers comfortable suites, with fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a business centre, and a grocery delivery service. The hotel is also close to many attractions, such as the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the African Lion Safari, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
• The Barracks Inn: This is a boutique hotel that is located in the historic village of Ancaster, about a 15-minute drive from Hamilton. The hotel offers elegant rooms, with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, a lounge, a terrace, and a meeting room. The hotel is also close to many attractions, such as the Dundurn Castle, the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, and the Tiffany Falls.
• Osler House: This is a bed and breakfast that is located in the charming town of Dundas, about a 10-minute drive from Hamilton. The bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms, with antique furniture, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. The bed and breakfast also offers a delicious breakfast, a garden, a library, and a lounge. The bed and breakfast is also close to many attractions, such as the Webster Falls, the Albion Falls, and the Bruce Trail.

What to Do in Hamilton?

Hamilton has a lot of things to do, from sightseeing and shopping to dining and nightlife. You can enjoy the city’s attractions, or venture out to the surrounding areas. Here are some of the best things to do in Hamilton:

• See the Waterfalls: Hamilton is famous for its waterfalls, which are scattered throughout the city and the nearby escarpment. You can see the waterfalls by hiking, biking, or driving, depending on your preference and ability. You can also take a guided tour, such as the Hamilton Waterfall Tours, which offer various packages and transportation options. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hamilton are:
  • Webster Falls: This is the largest and most visited waterfall in Hamilton, with a height of 22 meters and a width of 30 meters. The waterfall is located in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which also features the Tew’s Falls and the Dundas Peak. You can access the waterfall by parking at the Christie Lake Conservation Area, and taking a shuttle bus or walking to the site. You can also enjoy a picnic, a playground, and a lookout point at the site.
  • Albion Falls: This is a picturesque waterfall, with a height of 19 meters and a width of 18 meters. The waterfall is located in the King’s Forest Park, which also features the Buttermilk Falls and the Glendale Falls. You can access the waterfall by parking at the Mountain Brow Boulevard, and taking a short walk to the site. You can also enjoy a viewing platform, a bridge, and a trail at the site.
  • Tiffany Falls: This is a scenic waterfall, with a height of 21 meters and a width of 6 meters. The waterfall is located in the Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, which also features the Sherman Falls and the Canterbury Falls. You can access the waterfall by parking at the Wilson Street East, and taking a 10-minute walk to the site. You can also enjoy a boardwalk, a bridge, and a trail at the site.
  • Devil’s Punchbowl: This is a spectacular waterfall, with a height of 37 meters and a width of 3 meters. The waterfall is located in the Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area, which also features the Lower Punchbowl Falls and the Dofasco 2000 Trail. You can access the waterfall by parking at the Ridge Road, and taking a short walk to the site. You can also enjoy a lookout point, a cross, and a trail at the site.
• Visit the Art and Culture Venues: Hamilton has a vibrant art and culture scene, with many venues that showcase the city’s creativity and diversity. You can visit the art and culture venues by walking, biking, or taking public transit, depending on your location and interest. You can also take a guided tour, such as the Hamilton Arts Council Tours, which offer various themes and routes. Some of the most popular art and culture venues in Hamilton are:

• • Art Gallery of Hamilton: This is the largest and oldest public art gallery in Ontario, with over 10,000 works of art, ranging from historical to contemporary. The gallery is located in the downtown core, near the Hamilton Place Theatre and the FirstOntario Centre. You can access the gallery by walking, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a gift shop, a café, and a library at the site.

  • Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: This is a unique museum that displays over 40 vintage aircrafts, many of which are still operational. The museum is located near the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, about a 20-minute drive from Hamilton. You can access the museum by driving, taking a taxi, or taking a shuttle bus. You can also enjoy a flight simulator, a gift shop, and a restaurant at the site.

  • Hamilton Place Theatre: This is a premier performing arts venue that hosts a variety of shows, such as concerts, musicals, comedies, and ballets. The theatre is located in the downtown core, connected to the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel and the Jackson Square Shopping Centre. You can access the theatre by walking, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a bar, a lounge, and a gallery at the site.

  • Supercrawl Festival: This is an annual festival that celebrates the arts and culture of Hamilton, with live music, food, art, fashion, and more. The festival is held in September, along the James Street North, which is the main cultural hub of the city. You can access the festival by walking, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a street party, a market, and a parade at the site.

• Explore the History and Heritage Sites: Hamilton has a rich history and heritage, dating back to the 18th century. You can explore the city’s past by visiting the various sites that commemorate the people, events, and achievements that shaped Hamilton. You can explore the history and heritage sites by driving, biking, or taking public transit, depending on your location and interest. You can also take a guided tour, such as the Hamilton Heritage Tours, which offer various themes and routes. Some of the most interesting history and heritage sites in Hamilton are:

  • Dundurn Castle: This is a 40-room mansion that was once the home of Sir Allan MacNab, a former premier of Canada and a prominent figure in Hamilton’s history. The castle is located in the Dundurn Park, which also features the Hamilton Military Museum and the Cockpit Theatre. You can access the castle by driving, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a guided tour, a garden, and a café at the site.
  • Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology: This is a museum that showcases the industrial revolution and the role of steam technology in Hamilton’s development. The museum is located in the former Hamilton Waterworks, which is a National Historic Site. You can access the museum by driving, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a guided tour, a demonstration, and a gift shop at the site.
  • Battlefield House Museum: This is a museum that commemorates the Battle of Stoney Creek, which was a pivotal event in the War of 1812. The museum is located in the Battlefield Park, which also features the Nash-Jackson House and the Battlefield Monument. You can access the museum by driving, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a guided tour, a reenactment, and a picnic at the site.

• Enjoy the Nature and Wildlife Attractions: Hamilton is surrounded by nature and wildlife, with many parks, gardens, and trails. You can enjoy the city’s natural beauty by visiting the various attractions that offer opportunities for recreation, education, and conservation. You can enjoy the nature and wildlife attractions by hiking, biking, or driving, depending on your preference and ability. You can also take a guided tour, such as the Hamilton Nature Tours, which offer various themes and routes. Some of the best nature and wildlife attractions in Hamilton are:

  • Royal Botanical Gardens: This is the largest botanical garden in Canada, with over 2,700 acres of gardens, wetlands, and forests. The garden is located in the western end of Hamilton, near the Burlington border. You can access the garden by driving, biking, or taking public transit. You can also enjoy a guided tour, a greenhouse, a tea room, and a gift shop at the site.
  • African Lion Safari: This is a drive-through wildlife park that features over 1,000 animals from Africa and other continents. The park is located in the rural area of Hamilton, about a 30-minute drive from the city. You can access the park by driving, taking a taxi, or taking a shuttle bus. You can also enjoy a walk-through area, a boat cruise, a train ride, and a splash pad at the site.
  • Bruce Trail: This is the longest and oldest footpath in Canada, with over 900 kilometers of trails that follow the Niagara Escarpment. The trail passes through Hamilton, offering scenic views of the city and the waterfalls. You can access the trail by driving, biking, or taking public transit to the various access points. You can also enjoy a guided hike, a camping site, and a conservation area at the site.
  • Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail: This is a former railway line that has been converted into a multi-use trail that connects Hamilton and Brantford. The trail is about 32 kilometers long, and passes through farmlands, woodlands, and wetlands. You can access the trail by driving, biking, or taking public transit to the various access points. You can also enjoy a picnic, a wildlife viewing, and a historical plaque at the site.

Conclusion

Hamilton is a city that offers a lot of attractions for travelers who want to experience a diverse and dynamic city. Hamilton has something for everyone, from the stunning waterfalls to the vibrant downtown. You can visit Hamilton any time of the year, as the city has events and activities for every season. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, Hamilton has it all. Hamilton is a city that you will not want to miss.