Hamilton is a port city in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is the 9th largest in the country and the 3rd in Ontario. It was once famous for its large steel production industry but is now known for being a city of waterfalls.
Geography
Hamilton is located between Toronto and Niagara Falls. It wraps around most of the western part of Lake Ontario and is located west of the Niagara Peninsula. Located within the populated and industrialized Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, Hamilton is its geographical center.
How to Reach (Modes of Transportation)
By Plane – Hamilton is served by the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. It provides domestic and international routes to the major Canadian cities, the US, the Caribbean, and European cities.
By Bus – The Hamilton GO Center provides regional bus services. A structure with a handsome art deco architectural style, it is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton. Public buses operate within the city, providing trips around the city center and to the suburbs.
By Train – The GO Transit provides regular trips to the Toronto Union Station and back. The VIA Rail provides trips to the rest of Canada and stops at nearby Aldershot, which is in the town of Burlington.
By Taxi – Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. Car rentals are also a popular mode of transportation.
By Boat – Boats at the Hamilton Harbor are mostly used for sightseeing and guided tours.
When to Visit
The best months to visit Hamilton are from June to August when the weather in the city is at its best. This summer season is also the peak season for tourists, so expect to see large crowds in the city’s attractions and destinations. Tourists stay away from the city in winter due to the below-freezing temperatures but this is also the time when hotels usually lower their rates.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions
Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival – Held for the first time in 2014, this outdoor music festival celebrates blues and roots musicians from all over the city and the country. Held at Westdale Village, dubbed as one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, it’s a music festival that hopes to bring in more awareness and support for local musical acts.
Locke Street Festival – Held annually on the famous Locke street, stalls on sidewalks and live entertainment make this street vibrant and happening during this event. Locke Street is a unique enclave of business stores and shops – being a favorite of locals and tourists alike. One of the most popular and successful day events in Southern Ontario, tens of thousands of people visit Hamilton for this one special annual event.
Rockton World’s Fair – Called a world’s fair because many people from around the world travel to see this event, over 50,000 people come and enjoy the activities that take place. For 3 days on the Thanksgiving weekend of October, families get to enjoy different activities such as workshops and bazaars of home crafts, livestock shows, a school fair, a carnival with rides, horse races, and plenty of other activities that whole families can enjoy.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit)
The Waterfalls – Hamilton has 126 waterfalls found within close proximity to the city. A must-do activity for nature-lovers, among the most popular ones is Devil’s Punchbowl, Great Fall, Cliffview, Borer’s, and Albion.
The Royal Botanical Gardens – The largest historical garden in Canada, this 2450-acre land of landscaped plants, trees, and flowers offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst the vibrant city.
Dundurn Castle – A beautiful home, the castle is one of Canada’s most recognized landmarks. It is a National Historic site, with a military museum and a restaurant on the premises. It is the best example of how the rich inhabitants of Hamilton once lived.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – One of the most visited attractions of the city, it is a living museum of aircraft dating from World War II until the present. The most impressive exhibits are the 2 Lancaster bombers that are the only ones left in the world.
Accommodation
There is no shortage of places to stay in Hamilton, with every type of accommodation for every type of traveler. Downtown hotels are more expensive but perfect for those who love dining and the nightlife. Suburban hotels offer cozier environments with family-oriented prices. For backpackers and budget travelers, camping options are also available in the city.