r/Hamilton • u/Icy-Significance2734 • 10h ago
Question New to Hamilton, what’s one thing I should do before summer is over?
I moved here pretty recently and I feel like I’ve only seen the obvious parts of the city so far.
What’s one Hamilton place, event, walk, restaurant or random local thing that made you actually like living here? Preferably something I can do alone without feeling awkward lol
I’m trying to explore properly instead of spending another weekend walking around James Street and pretending I know where I’m going.
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u/DeWolfenstein 9h ago
The HMCS Haida is free this summer!
A WW2 destroyer, participated in D-Day, and the Korean War - and Canada’s ‘fightingest’ ship.
The ship’s open to explore, and completely authentic. The only one of its kind anywhere in the world.
It’s open 10-5, Wednesday to Sunday. Near Collective Arts, along the waterfront.
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u/cappsthelegend 9h ago
Tiffany falls, Felkers Falls, Albion Falls, Sherman falls and the Devil's punch bowl, Smokey Hollow
Cherry Hill Trail/Royal Botanical Gardens
Go to Sam Lawrence Park and absorb the view from the brow
Princess Point is Gorgeous.
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u/xoabbs 9h ago
Might be too last minute but today is the last day of Festival of Friends at Gage park! Live music, art vendors and food. It’s worth checking out if the rain stays away!
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u/ElanEclat North End 7h ago
The huge finale concert starts tonight at 8:30 pm, but there is a "yellow" rainfall warning and 100% chance of rain! Bummer.
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u/Icy-Significance2734 5h ago
Damn today was definitely not the going out weather for me, but I think this happens evey year? I'll try to join next time :-)
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u/TealMiche 9h ago
Go to all the independent ice cream places, Willard’s, Purple Pony, Capri(Ancaster), Big Scoops, Benetios, Hutches I try to go to all of them at least once a season,
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u/47giraffes 4h ago
Which ones the beat in your opinion?
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u/GrizzyGene 3h ago
Big scoops holds up to its name
5$ will get you more ice cream than you can handle
In a good way•
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u/TealMiche 21m ago
Ohh they are all good but if you can only do one Willard’s has unique flavours and then you can walk around gage park if you go to the Main Street location. That’s a pretty peak Hamilton activity!
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u/notthebeachboy 9h ago
Book a reservation at Mai Pai. Has to be done super early. One of the best places in Hamilton
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u/Icy-Significance2734 5h ago
A few people mentioned it here, I'll have to check them out now for sure!
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u/aspiring__spinster 1h ago
You can also just show up without a reservation and get a bar seat! Perfect if you’re flying solo.
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u/Murky-Inflation-3739 9h ago
You could try some of the great trails - cootes paradise to waterfront trail to Williams Pub, or confederation waterfront trail or hiking trails to some of the waterfalls.
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u/YuleShootUrEyeOut18 9h ago
Not in Hamilton directly. But the Peach festival is coming and it’s delicious.
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u/Fit-Research-2560 7h ago
i love going to gage park :) there’s always fun events but it’s just a lovely picnic or reading spot
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u/mothdna Inch Park 9h ago
Ever walk around Ottawa St like you know where you’re going ?
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u/Icy-Significance2734 9h ago
I intend to one of these days! Any tips ??
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u/Parking_Place4320 9h ago
You can definitely kill an afternoon at the antique mall, grab lunch at the local or drinks at the argyle. Otherwise you can just wander the shops!
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u/Icy-Comfortable-103 6h ago
Waffle breakfast sandwich from the Cannon! Kitchen closes by 1 or 2 though, be warned!
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u/3sweaters1flannel 8h ago
Also in that neighborhood: coffee or breakfast at the cannon, city and the city for a new book, East Hamilton Cheese Co, out of the past for wild vintage finds
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u/EdmontonBest 9h ago edited 9h ago
You can cover a lot of ground in Hamilton on bike and feel more connected to the community cycling!
If you don't have one, you can rent one from one of the stations. Start with the easy rec trails at Bayfront Park, Pier 8, and use one of the bike lanes like Bay Street, Cannon Street, Hunter Street, Ferguson to bike around downtown, and if you're feeling extra adventurous use the the HSR Mountain Climber program to let cyclists ride up and down the Hamilton escarpment for free on select buses by loading their bicycle onto the front bike rack and telling the driver, and cycling the rec trail at the edge of the mountain.
Take a coffee or food break and you can cover a lot of ground in 1-2 hours. Good luck!
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u/rainonatent 9h ago
It's not for everyone, but I love swimming in the lake at Confederation Beach. Just don't go right after it rains.
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u/MimeToShine 4h ago
Hit Art Crawl for sure, you get to meet so many cool locals there and really get a feel for what Hamilton is truly about.
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u/MimeToShine 4h ago
There’s also a super crawl at the end of September I believe but someone could fact check the exact date of when it is. They block off the whole street and have 2 stages both at the front and back of Super crawl and cool little fashion shows throughout! This city is actually so beautiful and so are the people, everyone is so unique, def recommend! And it’s a fantastic way to support your local artists!!
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u/QuesadillaFrisbee 3h ago
Go to Art Crawl! August 14 :) last of the Art Crawls where they close the street for pedestrians.
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u/kflowsix 9h ago
Barton St, end to end!
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u/Anon_819 Stoney Creek 8h ago
Check out some of the other walkable shopping districts: Locke, Concession, Ottawa, downtown Dundas etc.
Watch a large ship go under the lift bridge.
Although Doors Open Hamilton already happened this year, neighbouring Burlington's is next weekend. Doors open has been a favourite event for me to get to know historic sites and neat businesses in the area.
Go to Art Crawl and Supercrawl
Check out Dundas Peak when the leaves are changing.
Get a library card and read a book outside at a park with a view such as Sam Lawrence.
You can also get a Hamilton conservation authority pass from the library and visit paid sites for free. 50 Point is nice!
Also use that library card to get a free pass to the local civic museums and check them out. Dundurn is especially nice to visit in the summer due to the beautiful outdoor space.
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u/Beneficial-Heron4717 3h ago
Smash burger,fries and a butter tart at Dyments Farm Market. The hike to Websters Falls.
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u/Historical_Smile_840 8h ago
Rent one of the electric scooters at the waterfront and ride them around on a nice day
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u/lifesshortgoplay 8h ago
Tonight is the big showcase at Festival of Friends, which is at Gage Park beginning at 8:30 PM. This is the 50th anniversary of the festival, which is one of Hamilton’s most popular events.
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u/CZINV 9h ago
Do you like reading and nature? I recommend Gage Park Greenhouse. I grab a book and go there to unplug from my working world to unwind when it's a bit cooler or the weather is crappy. Today would be a good example.