Need Fun Things To Do in Hamilton? Here Are Our Top 12 Destinations

There's So Many Fun Things To Do In Hamilton  

Hamilton is a city that always seems to be evolving. What was once a steel city primarily known for industry has now grown into a bustling city with so much to offer visitors and locals. Whether you're looking for history, some casual family fun, or even getting lost in nature, there are many fun things to do in Hamilton.   

1. Royal Botanical Gardens  

Located just on the outskirts of Hamilton, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is home to Canada's most extensive botanical gardens. One of the most fun things to do in Hamilton, the RBG allows you to freely roam the grounds and trails to see exquisite flowers, green space, and rock gardens. But for paid admission, you can go inside and see beautiful attractions such as the two-level Mediterranean Garden, the stunning Cacti and Succulent collection, and the Breezeway, which houses many common and exotic bulbs.   

If you are newly engaged, the RBG is a perfect place to have a wedding. They offer outdoor and indoor ceremony options for your special day, and the flowers act as a beautiful backdrop for photos and guests to enjoy.   

2. Hiking Trails  

You're in luck if you keep track of your steps or are a hiking enthusiast. One of the fun things to do in Hamilton is visit one of the many hiking trails across the city and surrounding area. The city of Hamilton is split almost in half, with half being near the water and the rest being raised on top of the escarpment. This divide leads to various trails with very different surroundings and makes Hamilton home to some of the best hiking trails in Ontario.   

You may want to visit the Mountain Bruce Trail. This almost 10-km loop trail near the border of Hamilton and Stoney Creek is a tourist and local favourite. Flowing along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, it is great for beginners, families, and scenic walkers.   

Another great trail to visit in Hamilton is the Dundas Valley Trail. Located inside the Dundas Valley conservation area, this 10+km looping trail is a great way to not only get your steps but is also bicycle and equestrian-friendly. While visiting this trail, don't forget to stop by the old sawmill building and say hello to the local wildlife, including turtles and deer.  

If watching the water is more your idea of relaxation, then the Round the Lake Trail is the spot for you. Just outside Hamilton, near Ancaster, is the home of the Christie Conservation area and the Round The Lake Trail. This 5.5km looping trail is a great place to get your steps in while being near the beautiful water of Spencer Creek. While shorter than some trails in the area, this one is a great way to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and picturesque water all in one location.   

This is just a sample of the many trails that can be found in Hamilton. Before you visit any of these trails, make sure you research each one and find out important information such as seasonality, best times to go and distance so you can prepare and enjoy your time outdoors.  

3. Waterfall Capital Of The World  

A fact about Hamilton that tends to be forgotten is that it is the waterfall capital of the world. While just down the road is one of the most spectacular waterfalls, Hamilton has the most, at 156. Throughout the Hamilton area, there are various waterfalls that are a wonder to see.  

You can visit Tiffany Falls in Ancaster, home to various animals, insects, reptiles and plant species that are much harder to find elsewhere. There is Felker's Falls in the Stoney Creek area, which flows along the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment. The infamously named Devil's Punchbowl can be found just on the border of Hamilton and Stoney Creek, which flows along the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment and is home to two separate yet equally beautiful falls. This can be seen from most of the Stoney Creek area as a large, illuminated cross can be found at the top. You may also visit Albion Falls, a popular local and tourist destination on Hamilton Mountain. Albion Falls boasts two viewing platforms of the almost 20-meter-wide and tall waterfall. If you want to visit, plan ahead and go during off-peak hours, such as early morning or weekdays, to avoid parking issues.   

This is just a small sample of the many waterfalls that can be found in Hamilton. Make sure you research the best route and the best times to visit these wonders so you can experience all the fun things to do in Hamilton. 

4. Dundurn Castle  

Hamilton's history dates back centuries, and one of the most well-known places is Dundurn Castle. Housed near downtown on York Blvd., this 40-room Italianate-style castle is a beautiful historical destination in Hamilton. Built in the 1830s, Dundurn Castle is now a National Historic Site of Canada and acts as the centerpiece of the property, which also houses the Hamilton Military Museum, a theatre, and luscious grounds. You can take a guided tour through the 40-room property and find out everything you would want to know about the famous site.   

If you're looking for an incredible view of Burlington Bay or are in the market for a great place for wedding photos, Dundurn Castle and the surrounding property is a must-visit in Hamilton.  

5. Art Gallery of Hamilton  

The art scene in Hamilton is always growing. From the DIY, creative shops on Ottawa Street to the art festivals across Concession Street, Hamilton has always been a creative city. With so much artistic talent in Hamilton and across Ontario, the destination for all art lovers is the Art Gallery of Hamilton.   

In the heart of downtown Hamilton, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the largest and oldest art museum in Southern Ontario. Built in 1914, the art gallery now holds over 10,000 pieces of art from Canada and all over the world. While most art galleries are sequestered inside the building, the Art Gallery of Hamilton boasts an interior and exterior gallery.   

The interior gallery hosts rotating exhibits and specific collections that are staples of the gallery; the Art Gallery of Hamilton also has an exterior gallery showing sculptures and other outdoor art pieces.  

For anyone who is creative and needs some inspiration, the gallery will spark that creativity and is something you should do when you visit Hamilton.   

6. Gage Park  

If you're looking for something to do in Hamilton with your family, a great option is visiting Gage Park. Opened in the 1920s, this 30-hectare park is used for many yearly festivals, including It's Your Festival, Rib Fest and the Festival of Friends, which brings many internationally known bands to play every summer.   

If concerts and festivals are too much, the park is home to a beautiful botanical garden, multiple play areas for children and a picturesque water fountain near the entrance.   

These can be used in good weather and even feature a water splash pad in the summer for kids to enjoy.  

The center of the park is home to a newly renovated greenhouse. Inside it, you can explore various plants from all over the world, wildlife, including fish & turtles and an indoor waterfall.  

Gage Park is also home to three membership facilities that can be used almost all year. Near the northeastern corner of the park is home to the Gage Park Children's Museum. Inside, children can learn all about the world and valuable skills like cooperation and playing safely. For the active crowd, the park's southern section offers the indoor and outdoor Rosedale Tennis Club. This club features standard concrete and clay courts to make sure your backhand is in tip-top form. Lastly, for the older demographic, the park is home to the Rosedale Lawn Bowling Club. During the evenings and weekends, many can socialize and play games under the clear blue sky.   

With so much to offer, Gage Park is a stop that offers something for almost everyone.   

7. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum  

History and Hamilton go hand in hand. From historical monuments to memories all over the city, Hamilton is a city that embraces its history. None of which is bigger than the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. If you are a member of "the greatest generation" or want to know more about Canada's efforts in military aviation, this is a must-do in Hamilton.   

Located in Mount Hope, next to John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport, this is a living museum that is home to a collection of over 40 Canadian military aircrafts. The centerpiece of this collection is the Avro Lancaster, one of only two airworthy ones in the world. This plane can be seen flying over the city from time to time. It has been restored and is kept working by outstanding technicians at the museum and several celebrity investors, including rock legend and KISS band member Gene Simmons.  

From being able to sit in the cockpit, booking certain plane flights, to seeing how aviation has changed through the years, this is a must-do in Hamilton for the young and the young at heart.  

8. Westfield Heritage Village   

Going to a regular museum may be boring for younger children. But what if you could take a step back in time and see what it was actually like in another part of history? This can happen if you visit Westfield Heritage Village.   

Westfield Heritage Village is a living museum, which means you can actually be a part of history. With 35 restored buildings from historical times and several actors performing as characters from the time period, this museum will keep your young ones interested as they participate in this town's history.  

Over 204 hectares of land filled with woods, trails and meadows, this is a one-stop shop for the whole family and something you should do in Hamilton.   

9. Bayfront Park   

Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay are great destinations for Hamiltonians and visitors, but Bayfront Park is the place to visit in Hamilton for anyone looking for a relaxing destination. This 16-hectare park is right next to Burlington Bay, and it has a paved trail around it, which is perfect for biking, roller skating, or walking. Throughout the week, many avid fitness enthusiasts do laps and get in their steps.  

Bayfront Park is also connected to Pier 4 Park, which is home to a tugboat play area for kids to play on. After a long day of walking, playing or just relaxing at Bayfront Park and Pier 4 Park, don't forget to hit up local restaurants in the area to get a snack.  

10. African Lion Safari  

What is something to do in Hamilton that will entertain kids, grow their knowledge about a topic and give you and your family lifelong memories? If these are all important, then what you need to do in Hamilton is African Lion Safari.  

Opened in 1969 and located between Hamilton & Cambridge, this over 740-acre outdoor safari is home to many different birds and animals for you and your family to come face to face with. This safari features a paved track through seven different reserves that allow buses or visitors' own vehicles to slowly drive along and interact with animals as they freely roam. This can bring incredible moments that children and all animal lovers will never forget. Along with the track, African Lion Safari hosts a section where you can freely walk and meet primates, exotic bird species and even a herd of Asian elephants.   

With over 30 different species of animals to see and possibly interact with, African Lion Safari should be a big check mark on your "Fun Things To Do In Hamilton" checklist.   

11. CFL Hall Of Fame  

Football is the sport of Hamilton, and if you’re a sports fan, we have fun things to do in Hamilton for you. The Tiger-Cats have called this city home for decades, and with the passionate fans came the home of the Canadian Football League (CFL) Hall of Fame. First opened in 1972 near City Hall in the downtown area, this building was the home of every piece of memorabilia a CFL fan could ask for.   

From the bronze heads of each member of the hall to game-used balls and equipment to the prestigious Grey Cup trophy, this hall is filled from top to bottom with memories from over 50 years of Canadian football.   

Now featured in the newly built Tim Hortons field, this is the perfect place to visit before or after a Tiger-Cat football or Hamilton Forge FC soccer game.   

12. Adventure Village   

If your family is tired of visiting museums and movie theatres, you need to plan something to do in Hamilton. We have the perfect place for you—Adventure Village. Located on the beach strip of Lake Ontario in Hamilton, this place is full of family fun for all ages.   

You can spend hours climbing their 25-foot rock wall, burning some calories by jumping on their bungee trampoline, or taking on mom and dad at their multi-level 18-hole mini-putt course. If it's almost the start of little league, a great way to practice is visiting Adventure Village and taking a few swings at their nine-unit batting cages. From a slow softball to a 90-mph fastball, this is a great way to improve your swing and get ready for the season.   

With over three decades of memories, this place is where children and adults can enjoy many days without being bored.   

But Wait...There's More  

This is just a small sample of things to do in Hamilton. This blossoming city offers a range of activities and annual festivals throughout the year. From the list above to the Hamilton Farmer's Market, Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, and special events such as the Hamilton Fringe Festival, there are many reasons why there is much more to explore in Hamilton than you may have imagined.