Top 24 Attractions and Activities in Hamilton, Ontario for 2025

Things to do in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton was once solely recognized as an industrial hub, thanks to the steelmakers of Stelco and Dofasco. However, this charming city has now transformed into a vibrant cultural destination with much to offer. With an increasing population and many seeking refuge from the city of Toronto, we have compiled a definitive list of the top attractions in Hamilton, Ontario.

1. Dundurn Castle

One of Hamilton’s premier attractions is Dundurn Castle. This villa from the 1830s served as the residence of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, a former Premier of the United Canadas. Fully restored in the 1960s, this national historic site invites the public to explore its scenic grounds and opulent rooms.

Visitors are guided by costumed interpreters who illustrate life in nineteenth-century Ontario. Admission includes a one-hour guided tour, alongside entry to the Hamilton Military Museum, which showcases artifacts from significant conflicts including the War of 1812 and both World Wars.

Entry fees are $14 for adults and $8 for children, while kids under 5 can enter for free.

2. Royal Botanical Gardens

A visit to Canada’s largest Botanical Garden is a must when in Hamilton. Spanning over 300 acres, the Royal Botanical Gardens features more than 77 kilometers of nature trails and five cultivated gardens. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of over 2400 plant species.

This remarkable site is situated within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve and showcases various outdoor mountain plant collections, as well as a charming indoor Mediterranean Garden. The Royal Botanical Gardens also boasts the largest lilac collection globally, featuring 100,000 spring bulbs and 3000 rose bushes.

The gardens include five distinct areas: Hendrie Park, RBG Centre, The Arboretum, Laking Garden, and the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden. One highlight is the 18-meter-long Centennial Lilac Walk, adorned with over 200 varieties of lilacs that guests can appreciate as they stroll through the floral haven.

General admission for the Royal Botanical Gardens is priced at $19.50 for adults, with children under 4 entering for free, and discounted tickets available for youths, seniors, and families.

3. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Situated adjacent to Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, established in 1972, is a non-profit organization that exhibits a collection of military aircraft from Canada, dating back to World War II.

Walk through history while observing over forty aircraft on display, including the Avro Lancaster, one of only two airworthy Lancaster bombers remaining in the world! For an adrenaline boost, try the Air Combat Zone jet fighter simulation center for an exciting experience of flying in a fighter jet.

• Admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is approximately $16 for adults, with free entry for children under 5. Flight simulation experiences are available for an additional cost. Explore their website for further details.

4. Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

The Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology is another unique establishment worth visiting. This national historic site celebrates the history of steam power and its significant role in Canada’s industrialization.

The museum is located within a restored 1859 waterworks building that provided water to the city of Hamilton. Inside, guests can marvel at a collection of working steam engines, pumps, and other historical machinery, along with informative exhibits detailing the evolution of steam power and its influence on Canadian industry.

Admission is free, and the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology operates year-round.

5. Waterfront Trail

Hamilton Harbour, formerly Burlington Bay, has transformed into a vibrant outdoor gathering space. This area links Pier 4 Park and Bayfront Park via the Waterfront Trail. Stretching 12 km, the trail is perfect for leisurely strolls, where ice cream can be enjoyed while taking in the stunning views.

The trail offers bike rentals, cafés, fishing opportunities, and even the Harbour West Trolley, which narrates the area’s rich history.

6. Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park encompasses over 16 hectares along Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario. It boasts a wide range of recreational activities along its extensive trail system, featuring both paved and unpaved paths for walking, running, and cycling.

This park features a large playground, making it an ideal spot for families with young children. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the boat launch available for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Throughout the year, Bayfront Park hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, along with stunning public art installations.

7. Hamilton Harbour

Consider taking a cruise with Hamilton Waterfront Trust for a 50-minute tour around the harbour, where the captain shares captivating stories about the area. For a unique dining experience, longer dinner cruises are also available on the Harbour Queen, which doubles as a café when docked.

8. Battle of Stoney Creek

Venturing a bit farther along the Waterfront Trail, you’ll arrive at Stoney Creek. This community features various attractions, including the Fifty Point Conservation Area and King’s Forest Golf Course.

The Battlefield House Museum, situated on the site of the historic Battle of Stoney Creek, is located within Stoney Creek Battlefield Park, a picturesque location where the Battlefield Monument overlooks the landscape. Guests have the option to explore the Gage House Museum, built in 1899, as well as the historic Nash-Jackson House on the property.

9. The Erland Lee Museum

For those interested in another historic site, the Erland Lee Museum is located just 10 minutes down the road. This 19th-century farmhouse holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of Women’s Institutes, offering exhibits and programs focusing on the history of the Women’s Institute.

The nearby Devil’s Punchbowl and its own Farmers Market are worth visiting as well.

10. Gage Park

Located in East Hamilton, Gage Park is one of the largest city parks, featuring captivating themed gardens, including a rose garden, a rock garden, and a medicinal herb garden. A noteworthy attraction is the Tropical Greenhouse.

The park also houses the Hamilton Children’s Museum, which presents hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Though renovations are ongoing, a play area and spacious lawns are accessible.

With walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and a free public skating rink during the winter months, Gage Park is an excellent outdoor destination for families. Additionally, the park hosts concerts during summer and an array of winter festivals, including a Christmas market.

11. HMCS Haida National Historic Site

While exploring the waterfront, don’t miss the HMCS Haida. This floating museum honors Canada’s naval war history and is the only surviving Tribal-class destroyer. Launched in August 1942, HMCS Haida served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

Known as “Canada’s most fightingest ship,” guests can roam its historic decks while learning about its heroic battles and experiences as a Royal Canadian Navy crew member.

• Admission is a mere $3.90 for adults, while entry is free for those under 17.

12. Fish and Chips at Hutch’s

At the waterfront, there are diverse dining options to cater to various tastes and budgets. The Waterfront Grill and ice cream at Scoops are popular, but I highly recommend Hutch’s for its renowned fish and chips—a childhood favorite!

13. Hamilton Farmers Market

Established in 1837, the Hamilton Farmers Market is a historic landmark year-round. Boasting over fifty vendors, shoppers can find fresh meat, fish, artisan products, and handmade goods from across Canada. The market is conveniently located beside Jackson Square and the Public Library, right in downtown Hamilton.

14. Hiking Trails

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hamilton features a vast array of hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The Dundas Valley Conservation Area spans over 6000 acres and showcases more than 40 km of trails. Notable trails include the famous Bruce Trail, the Main Loop Trail, and the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail.

15. Main Loop Trail

The loop trail begins at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, covering a scenic 3.4 km route with ruins, an orchard, and excellent valley views. A replica of the old train station and the Trans Canada Trail run through the area, attracting hikers and cyclists alike.

16. Bruce Trail

Hiking Canada’s longest footpath is on many hikers’ bucket lists. Striking from Niagara all the way to Tobermory, the Bruce Trail winds its route through the Dundas Valley.

17. Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail

This trail, leading to the Hubs of Ontario, provides an excellent path for hiking and cycling, following the old railway lines. We adventured along this path from Brantford to Ancaster, and it was a fantastic experience.

18. Hamilton Waterfalls

Often dubbed the ‘Waterfall Capital of the World’, Hamilton boasts over 100 waterfalls within its city limits. Exploring these waterfalls is one of the city’s premier experiences.

The falls are part of the captivating Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve famed for cascades spilling over steep rock faces, particularly impressive after heavy rainfall or during the spring melt.

A visit to Hamilton’s waterfalls wouldn’t be complete without venturing to Webster’s Falls. Standing at 22 meters, this plunge pool-style waterfall is breathtaking, especially when complemented by the charming cobblestone bridge.

Equally spectacular, Albion Falls measures 18 meters wide and cascades down 20 meters. This waterfall, renowned for its beauty, is often associated with the tragic tale of Jane Riley who leapt to her death in 1915.

However, visitors must exercise caution at Albion Falls, especially when rocks are wet or slippery. Swimming at the base of the waterfall is prohibited due to deep waters and strong currents. Therefore, it’s advisable to visit during off-peak hours for a more tranquil experience.

19. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is a star attraction housing two well-known waterfalls, Tews Falls and Webster Falls. This popular hiking destination also features Dundas Peak, showcasing the natural beauty of the Dundas Valley.

Tews Falls, rising to an impressive 41 meters (134 feet), is Hamilton’s answer to Niagara Falls—just a few meters shorter. Another popular hiking route leads to the Devil’s Punchbowl Lookout and the Chedoke Waterfalls and Creek on Hamilton’s west side.

20. Art Gallery of Hamilton

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest art museum in southern Ontario, founded in 1914. Its permanent collection is among the finest in Canada, featuring a rich mix of Canadian historical, international, and contemporary art, boasting over 10,000 works from artists like Alex Colville, Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Tyler Tekatch.

Entry is complimentary for Gallery Level 2 and the Jean and Ross Fischer Gallery, courtesy of Orlick Industries. To access special exhibitions on Gallery Level 1, admission is $15 per adult, while children under 5 can enter for free.

21. Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum

Canada has its own version of football, and you can learn all about it at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, situated at Tim Hortons Field, home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Football enthusiasts must experience this museum, showcasing everything related to Canadian football.

Founded in 1963, this Hall of Fame has inducted over 300 players, coaches, builders, and media members in its history. Visitors will uncover various aspects of Canadian football through engaging displays, artifacts, and photographs. Admission is free for all.

22. Catch a Hamilton Tiger Cats Game

Hamilton, Ontario is known as the “birthplace of Canadian football,” and the game is taken seriously here. To immerse yourself in the excitement, catch a Hamilton Tiger-Cats game at Tim Horton’s Field. The season runs from May to October, offering thrilling matchups that you won’t want to miss.

Nighttime Activities in Hamilton

23. Hess Village

If you seek evening entertainment, Hess Village is the place to be. This pedestrian-friendly area buzzes with lively patios, delicious dining options, live music, and welcoming bars. It extends from Main Street to King Street West, bursting with activity day and night.

24. Theatre Aquarius

Theatre Aquarius, located in the Dofasco Centre for the Arts in downtown Hamilton, features top-tier professional performances. If you yearn for an enjoyable live theatre experience without the high costs associated with Broadway, consider checking out the upcoming shows at Theatre Aquarius.

These are our top favorite activities in Hamilton. Do you reside near design? Have you had the opportunity to hike the Bruce Trail? We encourage you to share your experiences and suggestions for other must-see attractions in the comments!