18 Awesome Things to do in Hamilton, Ontario

Looking for things to do in Hamilton? Hamilton is a popular day trip in Ontario from the city of Toronto and is fast becoming one of Ontario’s favorite outdoor destinations. With a growing art scene, independent galleries, and historic architecture and museums, “The Hammer” is a truly thriving city.

Hamilton, Ontario offers easy access to recreation trails, watersports, and conservation areas providing a natural playground for hikers, boaters, and cyclists. Nestled amongst the southern shores of Lake Ontario and the landscape of the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton will surprise you.

Things to do in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton was once known only as an industrial city thanks to the steelmakers of Stelco and Dofasco but now “Steeltown” has blossomed into a cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer. With more people moving to the area and others looking to escape the city of Toronto, we have narrowed down the top things to do while in Hamilton, Ontario.

1. Dundurn Castle

One of the top attractions in Hamilton is Dundurn Castle. Take a tour of this 1830s villa that was once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab who was the Premier of the United Canadas. This national historic site was fully restored in the 1960s and is open to the public to tour its grounds and rooms.

Visitors will follow costumed interpreters through the home illustrating life from the nineteenth century in Ontario. Admission to Dundurn Castles includes a 1 hour guided tour plus admission to the Hamilton Military Museum. The military museum displays artifacts from the War of 1812, and World War I and the second World War.

Tickets cost $14 for adults and $8 for children, with children under 5 allowed in for free.

2. Royal Botanical Gardens

Of all the attractions in Hamilton, a visit to Canada’s largest Botanical Garden is a must. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Canada is a must. Boasting over 77 kilometers of nature trails, across 300 acres of land, the Royal Botanical Gardens includes 5 cultivated gardens and over 312,000 individual plants – it is no surprise why. It provides an unforgettable experience where you can witness over 2400 plant species flourish and bloom.

Nestled into the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve the Royal Botanical Gardens has many outdoor plant collections as well as an indoor Mediterranean Garden. It is also home to the world’s largest lilac collection with 100,000 spring bulbs and 3000 rose bushes.

A designated National…