Sights and landmarks in Hamilton

Sights and landmarks in Hamilton

1. See

   Albion Falls

   A scenic 19-m cascade waterfall, blasting for 12 months a year. It took over thousands of years of freezing, melting, growth, decay and tidal changes to create the Niagara Escarpment region. Named after the former village of Mount Albion in which it resides.

2. See

   Battlefield House Museum

   At the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek (June 5–6, 1813) is a rural Upper Canada home dating from around 1796 and featuring staff in period costume, demonstrating the lifestyle of day. Every June a military re-enactment of the War of 1812/Battle of Stoney Creek is held.

   $10

3. See

   Bayfront Park

   Park built on a peninsula jutting into the harbour with a grass amphitheater and picnic facilities.

4. See

   Borer's Falls

   A relatively small but picturesque waterfall in Borer's Falls Conservation Area. The escarpment in this area is quite scenic as well.

5. See

   Canadian Football Hall of Fame

   Has interactive programs, displays, a library, archives and is home to the Grey Cup. Enter through Gate 3 in the middle of the west stands off of Melrose Ave.

   Sat 9AM-noon, Wed 4PM-7PM, and one hour after each Hamilton Tiger-Cats home game·Free

6. See

   Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

   A living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's military from the beginning of World War II to the present. Home of one of the world's two remaining flying Lancaster bombers. Those who dare can experience an open cockpit ride in a bi-plane through the Legends Flight program.

   9AM-5PM·Adult $12, seniors/students $11, youth $8, children free

7. See

   Devil's Punch Bowl

   One of the taller waterfalls in the area. It's in Devil's Punch Bowl Conservation Area.

8. See

   Dundurn Castle

   One of Hamilton's most-recognized landmarks, Dundurn Castle is a National Historic site, illustrating the life and times of Sir Allan Napier MacNab (1798–1862). More of a stately home than a "castle", the still-impressive structure was completed in 1835. Features year-round programming, tours, restaurant and an on-site military museum. The museum is only partially wheelchair accessible. Call for more details.

   Canada Day to Labour Day: Daily 10AM-4PM; Labour Day to Canada Day: Tue-Sun noon-4PM·Full-price ticket includes admission to Dundurn Castle, the Historic Kitchen Garden (June to October) and the Hamilton Military Museum: $14 for adults ages 18 to 59, $12 for seniors ages 60 and above, $12 for students ages 13 to 17, $8 for children ages 6 to 12, children five years old or younger visit for free, $37 for a family of two adults and unlimited dependent children under 18 years old

9. See

   Ferguson Station

   Ferguson Station Park

   This former Grand Trunk Railway station sits in a small park with some simulated railway tracks to provide atmosphere. The park is in an area with older downtown buildings.

10. See

    Gage Park Greenhouse

    Gage Park

    This greenhouse features tropical plants, waterfalls and ponds. The greenhouse stands in Gage Park which also has a band stand and a rose garden.

    9AM-5PM·Free

11. See

    HMCS Haida

    At Pier 9, visit the HMCS Haida, the "Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canada Navy" - a World War II destroyer that is maintained faithfully and can be explored in its entirety, either by a self-guided tour or simply by wandering around.

    $3.90, senior $3.40, youth (17 and under) free

12. See

    Hamilton Military Museum

    Military exhibits located in a former gate house built in the 1830s.

    Tue-Sun noon-4PM·Adults $4.50

13. See

    Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology

    A fine example of 19th-century public works architecture, and the only surviving facility of its time in North America, this National Historic Site houses the two 14 m (45-foot) high, 63.5-tonne (70-ton) steam engines which pumped the first clean water to the city over 140 years ago. Features various exhibits and events, including daily engine demonstrations.

    June 1 to Labour Day: Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM; Labour Day to May 31: Tue-Sun noon-4PM

14. See

    McMaster Museum of Art

    Houses a nationally significant collection of more than 6,000 works of art, featuring a permanent collection and contemporary exhibitions, lectures and events.

    Tue Wed Fri 11AM-5PM, Thu 11AM-7PM, Sat noon-5PM

15. See

    Princess Point

    At the very end of Lake Ontario, Princess Point is one of the most beautiful sections of Hamilton. Bike or rollerblade along excellently maintained paths encircling the lake, or relax at the adjacent park. Harbour cruises are also available.

16. See

    Tew's Falls

    The tallest waterfall in the city, at 41 metres only slightly shorter than Niagara Falls (although the volume of water going over Tew's Falls is much smaller and shrinks to a trickle in the summer; spring is a better viewing time).

    $5 per person, $10 per car

17. See

    The Art Gallery of Hamilton

    Founded in 1914, AGH is Ontario's third largest public art gallery, and boasts one of the country's finest collections. Its emphasis is on 19th-century European, Historical Canadian, and Contemporary Canadian art. The AGH revamped gallery, designed by Hamilton-born and raised architect Bruce Kuwabara, opened in 2005 and includes a 2,500 ft glass pavilion and Sculpture Atrium.

    Free

18. See

    Tiffany Falls

    Tiffany Falls is a 21-m ribbon waterfall. It is just off the former Highway 2.

19. See

    Webster's Falls

    Among the most beautiful waterfall in Hamilton, at 30 m wide it is the widest in the city. The surrounding area in Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area is a popular picnic spot in the summer. The staircase down to the base of the falls is treacherous but the view from down there is beautiful. While you are there, check out the cobblestone arch bridge near the falls. You can walk to Tew's Fall.

    $5 per person, $10 per car

20. See

    Westfield Heritage Village

    Surrounded by 131 ha (324 acres) of unspoiled woods and meadows, this living history museum spans various time periods in more than 35 historic buildings, plus a steam locomotive. Much of the TV series Anne of Green Gables was filmed here.

21. See

    Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

    Preserving, honouring, and promoting the culture and history of all working people. Their mandate points in the social justice direction, the union direction and the community activism path.

    10AM-4PM·Free

22. See Not mapped

    Downtown Neighbourhoods

    Like many cities, Hamilton is home to many traditional neighbourhoods, including Locke South, Concession St., James St. South, James S. North, International Village BIA, and Ottawa Street. James North has an exploding arts scene, with several galleries opened in the past few years.

23. See Not mapped

    The view from the escarpment

    There are many beautiful views of the city to be found from the escarpment. Especially when looking west, it is difficult to see streets or the roofs of houses under the thick canopy of trees (although it is easier to see these in winter). If you are driving around Hamilton, Mountain Brow Boulevard is a good place to stop for a look down. The Bruce Trail offers many excellent views, such as that at Dundas Peak, and continues along the escarpment toward Grimsby or Burlington for a longer hike.

24. See Not mapped

    Waterfalls

    The combination of many creeks and the Niagara Escarpment makes Hamilton, now sometimes referred to as "The City of Waterfalls", an excellent place for seeing waterfalls. Over 100 waterfalls and cascades are known (several were found in 2008 and there's likely some that haven't been discovered yet). The one drawback of Hamilton's waterfalls is that half of them do dry up in dry seasons. The good news is that most are on or near the Bruce Trail as it winds through the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) in Hamilton. Some of the more popular ones are:

25. See Not mapped

    Waterfront

    Hamilton is, as of summer 2020, in the midst of a major waterfront reclamation project, and has already restored the beautiful Pier 4 Park at the bottom of Bay St. This continues to the west with a waterfront trail to Princess Point, and to the east with a beautiful marina, waterfront cafe, boat and trolley tours, and a lovely playground.

26. See

    Dundas Museum & Archives

    Local history of the community of Dundas.

    Tue Wed Fri 10AM-4:30PM, Thu 10AM-8PM, Sat 1-4PM

27. See

    Felker's Falls

    Felker's Falls Conservation Area

    terraced waterfall.

28. See

    Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum

    Local history of the community of Ancaster.

    Tue-Sat noon-4PM·Adults $4

29. See

    Hamilton Children's Museum

    Hands-on exhibits for children.

    Wed-Sat 9:30AM-3:30PM, Sun 11AM-4PM·Adults $2.50, children 1-12 $4.50

30. See

    Pier 4 Park

    Beach, playground, boardwalk.

31. See

    Whitehern Historic House and Garden

    Guided tours of a Victorian home

    Tue-Sun noon-4PM·Adults $7.50

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Hamilton (CC BY-SA 4.0).