When traveling around Canada, do not forget to stop by Hamilton (Ontario). In this city, you will be able to admire incomparable in beauty waterfalls, wander along picturesque hiking trails, visit the surrounding farms with vast gardens and vineyards, see architectural and historical sights. And all this will be possible to do in peace and quiet – without the lively crowds of tourists.
General information about the city
Hamilton is located in Canada, in the province of Ontario. More specifically, it is situated between the southern sandy coast of Lake Ontario and the green and picturesque landscapes of the Niagara Escarpment.
This city, which has a population of approximately 571,000, is the fifth largest in the province of Ontario. The population density is 465 people per square kilometer.
The settlement is named after the politician George Hamilton, who is considered its founder. In 1812, after the end of the war between England and America, George purchased the Durand farm located in this area.
Now the port city of Hamilton is an important financial center and one of the leading industrial centers in Canada. In the middle of the 19th century, the metallurgical industry began to develop here, and now it accounts for the overwhelming part of the national production of steel. In Hamilton, they produce railway equipment and car parts, turbines and household appliances, wire and nails, clothes and sweets.
The settlement is divided into two parts:
- the upper city, located on a hill up to 250 meters high;
- The lower city is Doughtown and the surrounding areas on the west and east sides.
Weather conditions
The city of Hamilton in Canada has a temperate continental climate. The weather conditions are quite variable, and they are also affected by the fact that the city is located near Lake Ontario.
Here are some more details about the climate in Hamilton:
- The average air temperature in January, the coldest month, is -5°C. But due to the frequent winds, it feels like the temperature is 5-7°C lower than on the thermometer.
- The average temperature in July, the warmest month, is about +22°C. But due to the increased humidity, it is usually perceived 5-7°C higher than the thermometer shows.
- About 1,000 mm of precipitation falls throughout the year. Moreover, most of the precipitation in the form of rain falls in summer and early autumn. As for precipitation in winter, the average thickness of the snow cover in January is about 30 cm.
- The city’s location near a bay and with a slope that divides the area into lower and upper parts results in significant differences in weather conditions over short distances. The open countryside at higher altitudes experiences lower temperatures and stronger winds compared to the built-up urban areas located below.
Where to stay
In the city of Hamilton, Canada, there are many neighborhoods with different living standards and housing styles, so there is something for everyone’s budget and preferences. Here are some of the neighborhoods where tourists can stay:
- Central district. It is the most convenient for those who want to enjoy a rich cultural life, as it is in the city center that the main attractions, museums, theaters, restaurants and much more are located.
- District of Lockerd. This is a residential area with many apartment complexes, green areas, small shops and cafes. The area is ideal for those who want to live in a quiet place and still be close to the center of the city’s cultural life.
- Westdale. This residential area in the west of Hamilton is popular among young people and students. There is a large selection of affordable rental housing, and many shops and restaurants are nearby.
- Ancaster. A suburb of Hamilton known for its luxurious homes, numerous parks, and beautiful walking and recreational areas.
- The Eastern District. It is located near the main roads with public transport routes, and is known for its many residential complexes with comfortable apartments, as well as its numerous shops and restaurants. The district is popular among young people and students.
There are many high-rise buildings in the center of Hamilton that offer a variety of apartment types for rent. The surrounding area also offers a range of apartment and house options, from small townhouses to spacious multi-bedroom homes.
As for hotels, according to the trip.com website, there are about 80 hotels in Hamilton of various categories and price ranges. The estimated cost of a double room per night in a 3-star hotel is between $90 and $140 CAD, while in a 4-star hotel, the price ranges from $120 to $200 CAD. Of course, prices may vary depending on the season, hotel location, room type, and other factors.
What to see in Hamilton
Tourists visiting Hamilton will not be bored. The city has museums and art galleries, as well as parks of various sizes and styles. In short, there is something for every tourist to see in both Hamilton and the province of Ontario.
Crawford Lake Nature Reserve
The Crawford Lake Conservation Area was established to preserve natural ecosystems and historical sites in the province of Ontario. The area includes Crawford Lake, which was formed approximately 13,000 years ago as a result of glacial melting.
Various activities are available for visitors to the reserve, including hiking and exploring the natural forest along specially designated trails, fishing, and canoeing on the lake.
The reserve is also known for its reconstructed 15th-century Iroquois village, which includes three longhouses and a palisade. One of the houses is used to display contemporary Indigenous art, as well as artifacts discovered during excavations. Archaeologists have unearthed tens of thousands of items, including pottery, tools, and jewelry.
- Crawford lake Conservation Area is open for visits daily from 9:00 to 19:00
- Address: 3115 Conservation Rd, Milton, ON L9T 2X3, Canada.
Royal Botanic Gardens
In the south of the province of Ontario, at the place where the city of Hamilton converges with the city of Burlington, with the support of the British King George V, a park was laid in 1930. Now it has become the largest object of the environmental sphere of Canada and has acquired world fame.
The site covers a huge protected area of 1,000 hectares: it consists of 5 themed gardens surrounded by a natural forest. Visitors can explore an arboretum, a rock garden, a rose garden, a lilac garden with the world’s largest collection of lilacs, and a lake area.
The garden regularly hosts flower exhibitions and has an information center.
- Website: https://tourismhamilton.com/partner/royal-botanical-gardens.
- Address: 680 ains Road West, Burlington, Ontario, L7T 4H4, Canada.
Bayfront Park
One of the most popular recreational areas for Hamilton residents is Bayfront Park, located on the shores of Lake Ontario. The park stretches along a 1,800-meter coastline and covers an area of 16 hectares. It features extensive green spaces, walking and cycling trails, picnic and barbecue areas, cafes and restaurants, a free beach, and a small zoo.
Bayfront Park often hosts concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and sports events. In the summer, it hosts the Blues Festival, which attracts thousands of people from different parts of Canada and around the world.
- Address: 200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton, ON L8L 1C8, Ontario, Canada.
Dundern Castle
Dundurn Castle is a popular tourist attraction that attracts people from all over the world with its beauty. This historic building, with a total area of 1,700 m², was constructed in 1835 and became a city property in 1900.
The castle was renovated and then opened to the public. Currently, 42 of the 72 existing rooms are open to tourists.
The architecture of the brick structure is designed in a neoclassical style, and it is enhanced by numerous towers and crests. The interior of the castle is rich in various original details, including marble fireplaces, wooden staircases, wrought-iron door handles, and ceiling rosettes.
The building houses the Military Museum and a gift shop featuring Canadian craftsmanship.
The complex has a beautiful park with a lake.
- Admission to the castle is only possible as part of a guided tour. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and includes a visit to the Military Museum. Due to the large number of visitors, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Please note that tickets purchased online are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
- The castle is open for guided tours from April to December. Mondays and Tuesdays are days off. Wednesday to Sunday, the castle is open from 12:00 to 16:00, but in the summer months, it may be open until 17:00.
- The historic garden is open from mid-May to mid-October for self-guided visits.
- Ticket prices: Adults: $20.15 CAD; 60+ and students: $17.40 CAD; 6-12 years old: $12.29 CAD; Family ticket (2 adults and up to 2 children): $55.65 CAD, children under 5 years old are free.
- Website: www.hamilton.ca/things-do/hamilton-civic-museums/dundurn-national-historic-site.
- The castle is located in Dundurn Park, at 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton Art Gallery
The art gallery occupying a spacious building in the city center is one of the oldest galleries in Canada. The collection contains more than 10,000 works of art of various eras and styles – paintings, sculptures, engravings and photographs. The main attraction is considered to be a selection of paintings (more than 40 pieces) Tom Thomson, one of the leading artists of Canada in the early 20th century.
- Art Gallery of Hamilton works on such a schedule: Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00, Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday-Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. On Monday-Wednesday excursions only by prior arrangement.
- Adult admission is $15 CAD; student and senior admission is $12 CAD; children under 17 are admitted free of charge. Admission is free for all on Thursdays.
- Website: www.artgalleryofhamilton.com.
- Gallery address: 123 King Street West Hamilton, ON L8P 4S8 Canada.
Canadian Military Aircraft Heritage Museum
This museum is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to aviation during World War II and other conflicts.
The indoor exhibition is mainly dedicated to the development of Canadian aviation from 1937 to 1945. The museum features over 50 military aircraft, including fighters, bombers, reconnaissance planes, and helicopters. Some of the aircraft are in working condition and are occasionally used in air shows and other similar events.
A special attraction of the museum is the “flying fortress” B-29 Superfortress, which was used at the end of World War II and during the Korean War. This is the only working B-29 in the world.
The museum has a gift shop where you can buy books, flight clothes, and airplane models. The museum also has a library with a rich collection of aviation literature.
- The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Mondays and Tuesdays are days off.
- Admission prices: $21.85 CAD for adults; $19.15 CAD for people aged 60+ and students; $12.50 CAD for children aged 6-12; children under 5 are admitted free of charge.
- Website: www.warplane.com.
- Address: 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0, Canada.
Interesting facts about Hamilton
- Hamilton is the world capital of waterfalls. There are more than 100 of them in this city.
- The length of bicycle paths in the city is 153 km, and the length of highways is 49 km.
- The main building of McMaster University is located in the city, which was in Toronto until 1927.
- The Royal Botanical Garden of Hamilton is the largest in Canada and one of the largest in the world. It covers an area of over 1,000 hectares. You can spend a whole day exploring its grounds, but you’ll never see it all.
- In 1878, a telephone exchange was installed in the city. It was the first exchange in the British Empire and the second on the continent.
- In 1930, for the first time in history, the British Empire Games were held in Hamilton. They are now known as the Commonwealth Games.
- The first location of Canada’s most popular fast-food chain, Tim Hortons, was opened in Hamilton. This happened in 1964.
- The Canadian national anthem was written by Robert Stanley Weir, who was born in Hamilton.
- Hamilton (Ontario) – the city where such cult films and TV series as “Robocop”, “X-Men”, “The Incredible Hulk”were shot.
