Things To Do in Hamilton Canada

Hamilton has something to please most travelers.

Here are my Top Five Things to do in Hamilton.

1. HIKING, WALKING, EXPLORING & ENJOYING NATURE

(a) NIAGARA ESCARPMENT, TRAILS & WATERFALLS

For the outdoors type person, the Niagara Escarpment (nickname is Giant's Rib) runs through the entire length of the city and there are numerous trails that can be used to explore this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Such trails include "The Bruce Trail", "The Chedoke Radial Trail" and many others provided by the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Royal Botanical Gardens.

Hamilton sometimes referred to as "The City of Waterfalls" has more than 100 waterfalls and cascades located along the escarpment and they can be viewed from these trails. Many of these falls and cascades can be viewed very closely, even being able to go behind a few waterfalls.

(b) WATERFRONT

For the recreational type people and/or history buffs, there are miles of trails along the waterfront and harbour stretching from Cootes Paradise to the Haida ship. These trails include a fish barrier, wildlife areas, fishing areas, beach area, playground, and the Haida ship. A trolley also runs along this route if you prefer to enjoy the view sitting down.

2. ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

For the gardeners, the Royal Botanical Gardens which is situated in several locations in both Hamilton and Burlington include many features such as the largest collection of Lilacs in the world, a Rose garden, Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden and others.

3. MUSEUMS

(a) DUNDURN CASTLE

For history buffs and museum folks Dundurn Castle, the home of Sir Allan MacNab in the mid 1800's will impress you with its modern facilities for its time. A little known fact is that Sir Allan MacNab was the great-great-great grandfather of Prince Charles' wife, Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall, and she actually visited this castle with Prince Charles in November 2009.

Walk with royalty in Hamilton!

(b) CANADIAN WARPLANE HERITAGE MUSEUM

For museum and aviation buffs the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a living museum which features aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's Military. The Musuem's collection includes aircraft that can still fly and others that remain on display. It has one of only two remaining Lancaster Bombers in the world that can still fly and does fly often over Hamilton!

(c) HMCS Haida

The Haida is a Tribal Class destroyer built in England, was commissioned into the Canadian Navy in 1943 and served in the Second World War. After a post-war refit, Haida continued in service through Korean War and Cold War situations, until she was decommissioned in 1963. The ship was acquired by the Province of Ontario and moved to Ontario Place (Toronto) in 1971. The ship was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984 by the federal government, and ownership was transferred to Parks Canada and then relocated to Pier 9 in Hamilton in 2003. As mentioned above, this is located along Hamilton's waterfront trail.

4. ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON

For people of culture and artists, the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) is the third largest public art gallery in Ontario and features over 9,000 works of art including historical European, historical Canadian and contemporary art. Its recently-renovated and award-winning premises present exhibitions that change three times a year.

William Blair Bruce, (born in Hamilton, then Canada West) 1859 -1906, was Canada's first impressionist painter and his works are featured here.

5. CANADIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

For sports minded people, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame is located downtown Hamilton beside City Hall. If you enjoy the Canadian Football League, this is well worth a visit to see information on all the teams, all the great stars of the game as well as the Grey Cup!