Burlington's next-door neighbour has a lot to offer. Known as the "City of Waterfalls," Hamilton has more than 100 waterfalls tucked along the Niagara Escarpment, plus 15 National Historic Sites, a thriving arts scene, and a revitalized waterfront. If you are looking for things to do in Hamilton, Ontario, whether you are a local or visiting from Burlington, this guide covers the 10 best, from waterfall hikes and warplanes to castle tours and James Street North's monthly art crawl.
Best Outdoor Things to Do in Hamilton
Hamilton sits between the shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, so some of its best experiences are outdoors.
1. Chase Hamilton's Waterfalls
Hamilton is home to more than 100 waterfalls, and chasing them is a must-do on any visit. Most are just minutes from the downtown core. A few favourites to start with:
Webster's Falls: one of Hamilton's most iconic and largest waterfalls, standing 22 metres tall.
Tiffany Falls: an expansive cascade reached by a short forested walk over bridges that crisscross a stream.
Albion Falls: one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region and one of the city's most popular.
Felker's Falls: a hidden gem in the Felker's Falls Conservation Area in the Stoney Creek neighbourhood.
Others worth adding to your list include Devil's Punchbowl, Smokey Hollow Falls, Sherman Falls, Borer's Falls, and Hermitage Cascade. The escarpment these falls tumble over formed roughly 450 million years ago, and the streams once powered grist, saw, and paper mills.
Plan ahead: the falls are popular, so visit early in the morning or on weekdays, never park on the road if the lots are full, and remember that water flow is seasonal and depends on rainfall. The falls sit in environmentally sensitive areas, so stay on marked trails and obey closure signs. For a full itinerary, see our 48 hours in Hamilton guide.
2. Walk the West Harbour Waterfront and Bayfront Park
Hamilton's West Harbour waterfront has something for everyone, including roller skating, trolley rides, a floating museum, and year-round events. Stroll past Pier 8, where Theodore Tugboat greets visitors, then head to Copps Pier Park, or lace up at the outdoor skating rink in winter. For a picnic or a sunset, Bayfront Park is one of the best green spaces in the city.
3. Explore the Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens
Opened in 1932, the historic Rock Garden is considered the birthplace of Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG). The former gravel pit was transformed with escarpment stone carried from Red Hill Valley, and today it features year-round perennial and conifer displays, along with a tranquil waterfall and stream. The Visitor Centre is a great place for events and dining. RBG is headquartered in Burlington, so you can easily pair this visit with the Hendrie Valley and Laking Garden on the Burlington side, or learn about summer canoe tours at Cootes Paradise.
Best Historic Sites and Museums in Hamilton
Hamilton's 15 National Historic Sites tell the story of the city's past, from the War of 1812 to its industrial heyday.
4. Dundurn National Historic Site
No visit to Hamilton is complete without Dundurn Castle. This lavish 40-room Victorian-era home overlooking the bay was the residence of Sir Allan MacNab, one of Canada's first premiers. The site was previously a key trading location for the Mississaugas and later a fortified military encampment during the War of 1812.
Don't miss the two-acre Kitchen Garden, where costumed interpreters use 19th-century tools and techniques to grow flowers, herbs, and food. In winter, the Victorian Christmas program is a seasonal highlight, and you can read more about it in our post on Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle.
5. HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Docked at Pier 9 in West Harbour, HMCS Haida is a Tribal-class destroyer that distinguished itself in several historic battles during the Second World War and beyond. Now a Parks Canada Historic Site, it lets you step aboard and discover what life was like for the crew. During the summer season, guided tours take you from the deck down to the engine room.
6. Battlefield House Museum and Park and Eagles Among Us
In Stoney Creek, Battlefield House Museum and Park sits at the foot of the escarpment on the site of the 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek, a turning point in the War of 1812. The 19th-century homestead was once home to the Gage family, and a 100-foot monument commemorates the casualties of the battle.
Nearby is Eagles Among Us, a public art piece commissioned by the City of Hamilton. Artist David M. General, an Oneida/Mohawk member of the Six Nations of the Grand River, carved four nine-foot-tall granite eagles inscribed with symbols and text about healing and reconciliation. The site has become an important place of reflection and gathering.
7. Westfield Heritage Village
In Rockton, in rural Hamilton, Westfield Heritage Village is a living history museum with costumed interpreters leading demonstrations on everything from blacksmithing to bread-making. The 130-hectare site includes 35 carefully restored historic buildings, wooded trails, and meadows. It also hosts popular annual events, including the Maple Syrup Festival in winter and the Ice Cream Festival in summer.
8. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Since 1972, this museum has built a collection of more than 40 vintage aircraft dating back to the Second World War, making it Canada's largest flying museum. You can climb into a cockpit, try a flight simulator, or even book a flight. The biggest star is the Avro Lancaster Bomber, the only surviving Lancaster in the world that you can purchase a flight on.
Best Arts and Culture in Hamilton
9. Art Gallery of Hamilton
The Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH), steps from the downtown core, showcases local and national art, with more than 10,000 pieces in its collection. It is the heart of the city's arts scene and a great rainy-day stop.
10. James Street North Art Crawl and the Hamilton Farmers' Market
On the second Friday of every month, thousands of art lovers fill James Street North for the Art Crawl, with studios, galleries, restaurants, and stores open late. Hamilton is also known for its street art, and Tourism Hamilton offers a street art guide with the murals, artists, and locations to explore. Pair it with the Hamilton Farmers' Market downtown, where you can find everything from deli sandwiches and sweet treats to fresh flowers.
Hamilton Travel Tips
Where Should You Eat in Hamilton?
Downtown Hamilton has food to match every craving. Head to King William Street, known as "Restaurant Row," or to James Street North and Hess Village for lively restaurants and patios. Craft beer fans can check out our guide to the best craft beer spots in Hamilton, and brunch lovers can explore Hamilton's best brunch spots.
Which Hamilton Neighbourhoods Are Worth Exploring?
Beyond downtown, Tourism Hamilton highlights Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough and Waterdown, Stoney Creek and Winona, Locke Street, East Hamilton, West Hamilton, and Hamilton Mountain, each with its own character.
Hamilton FAQ
What Is Hamilton, Ontario Known For?
Hamilton is known as the "City of Waterfalls," with more than 100 waterfalls and cascades, along with 15 National Historic Sites, a growing arts scene, and an industrial heritage. Read more in the surprising history behind Hamilton, Ontario.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Hamilton's Waterfalls?
Waterfall flow is seasonal and affected by rainfall, and the falls are most crowded on weekends. Visit early in the morning or on weekdays, and check conditions before you go.
Is Hamilton Worth Visiting From Burlington?
Absolutely. With waterfalls, historic sites, and a lively downtown all close by, Hamilton makes an easy day trip or weekend outing from Burlington.
What Are the Best Historic Sites in Hamilton?
Dundurn National Historic Site, HMCS Haida, Battlefield House Museum and Park, Whitehern Historic House and Garden, the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, and Westfield Heritage Village are all highlights.
Explore More of Hamilton
This is only the beginning of what Hamilton has to offer. Browse more Hamilton stories on Burlington 365, and follow along for events, food, and things to do across Burlington and its neighbours.
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