So, you’ve reviewed reasons to move to Hamilton. But maybe you’re not completely sold yet. Or you are, but you need some information on where to spend your weekends. Don’t worry – Hamilton has a lot to offer you! While the city is not considered a chart-topping tourist hot-spot, it still has a lot of fun things to see and do. And yes, that includes you. No matter if you’re a fan of shopping and retail therapy, prefer outdoor sports, bar-hop like it’s your job, or are a nature enthusiast. The Steel City has something for everyone. You just have to dig a little bit to find it! So, here’s a list of the top things to do in Hamilton, listed in no specific order. Why not try them all out yourself, and then list them by how much fun you’ve had? Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Top things to do in Hamilton for the aspiring history buff
Hamilton is a treasure trove for history buffs. This city has so much rich history and a lot of opportunities to explore it! From castles to airplanes, there’s something for everyone no matter your area of expertise. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the pavement and experience history through Hamilton’s lens. You might fall so in love with the city you ring up Number 1 Van Lines Ontario to arrange your move immediately!
- See one of the flying Lancaster bombers! There are only two of these, and one is at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum! Due to its many events – including booking a trip in one of the museum aircraft – this is one of the top things to do in Hamilton for sure. Not to mention the flight simulators they have. Plus, it’s so kid friendly. Scout and cadet groups can even have sleepovers, where they camp underneath a World War II aircraft and do a lot of activities.
- Visit a castle! The Dundurn Castle is a neoclassical mansion. It was built in the 1930s and is open to the public. The Cockpit Theatre and The Hamilton Military Museum are both housed in a building on the grounds of the Dundurn Castle. All excellent sightseeing ideas.
- Visit a destroyer! The HMCS Haida is a proud monument of Canadian naval warfare. The ship got famous in several exciting battles. It’s open to the public, too! Imagine yourself in the shoes of a wartime sailor!
Readers beware, you’re in for a scare!
Do you believe in ghosts? It doesn’t matter, as the Haunted Hamilton Ghost Walks are entertaining regardless. The walks start in the evening, and stretch across the city, with winding streets and haunted buildings. They’re all in good fun, especially if you’re a fan of ghost stories. Explore the city’s dark past on this historical spooky tour! There are several locations to choose from on your guided ghost tour. And yes, you can go on a Halloween ghost tour – but then a spooky costume is mandatory! You might even win a cash prize.
Top things to do in Hamilton for the nature lover
Hamilton can boast with a proximity to the Niagara Escarpment. This means that one of the top things to do in Hamilton is definitely exploring the magnificent outdoors! And they’re very magnificent. There’s about a hundred waterfalls near Hamilton – so many that the city is sometimes called ‘the City of Waterfalls’! And most of them are accessible via the Bruce Trail, including falls like the Albion falls and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. There’s a reason Hamilton is the HQ to a lot of outdoor lovers, and it’s because it’s conveniently close to so many things.
Visit the African Lion Safari
Even though it technically sits just outside of city limits, the African Lion Safari is worth a spot on the list. Who wouldn’t want to go on a safari? The safari park houses over a thousand animals and birds and is fun for the whole family. Get up close, and experience these beautiful animals in person. The park is dedicated to the conservation of declining species, and the animals can roam free. The park itself is over 750 acres, so that’s very free indeed. And don’t worry, the animals are very well taken care of by a dedicated staff.
Visit the Bruce Trail
Are you a fan of hiking? The Bruce Trail has you covered. You can pick between a one-day trip and a multi-day trip to the waterfalls, where you can immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty. Of course, it’s a popular spot for camping too. The conservancy offers both guides and the opportunity to go off on your own. Mind the Trail Users Code. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike from one end of the trail to the other!
Top things to do in Hamilton – downtown!
Who doesn’t love downtown? The city has a vibrant historical core, a great art scene, and a lot of great shopping. Why not roam downtown? Find the best gourmet food places, amble around taking in the scenery. Prowl the streets for stunning street art. If galleries are more your style, visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton. It’s famous for housing the art of renown artists. Afterward, scour the shops – stylish boutiques and funky storefronts await! It’s so important to explore the town you want to settle in. When you’re moving to Ontario, you should know what you’re gonna be dealing with. Plus, if you have a general idea of your top things to do in Hamilton, you might move to be closer to them. If you know you’re gonna be spending a lot of time buzzing in and out of downtown shops, then you can look into a downtown apartment.