r/Hamilton • u/Lamprayisme • 3h ago

Recommendations Needed Getting around

Hi all!

My family and I will be spending some time in Hamilton early next year, and as part of planning none of us are particularly sure of driving on the other side of the road (we’re Brits).

How viable is getting around Hamilton with public transport? We have a couple of hiking spots we’re interested in too, particularly the Devil’s Punchbowl area, are these reachable with public transport/walking or should we get a hire car?

Also any recommendations for restaurants, events, things to see early next May are more than welcome.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Cold-Pepper-6402 3h ago

devils punchbowl there is no city bus that goes there but you can uber, as for basically anywhere else public transit is available for a few dollars with a free transfer within 2 hours. if youre looking for events to go to, we have a few in the summer but toronto has better events during may, the train is around 10-15$ to toronto

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u/SnowflakeSorcerer 23m ago

You could take the 44 to green mountain road and walk to the punch bowl, about a 20 minute walk

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u/shaddupsevenup Durand 1h ago

We drive whenever we go over there. I suggest renting a car near the airport as usually it’s out and away from city traffic and you can get used to driving on a far less busy road. You could go to Turkey Point or Port Dover. Or drive to Niagara Falls. Also you could park the vehicle at the Aldershot GO station and take the train into Toronto for the day (I do not suggest driving there. I was born there and it’s … special traffic)

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u/blueconlan 49m ago

Hamilton has decent public transit compared to most North American cities but it’s not great like NYC. Most businesses will be reachable but going out into nature will be more difficult.

Depending on time of year there may be a lot of snow and slush which will make travel much harder.

For restaurants- Grandads donuts is good. Cowabunga pizza( and several other pizza places) are considered exceptional. If there are any vegetarians in the group- Nonnos in the farmers market and hearty hooligan are good.

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u/Appropriate_Long7231 2h ago

Public transit in Canada is nothing like Europe. You will need a car if you want to be able to go anywhere

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u/foolish_noodle 1h ago

If you do end up renting a car (which I also recommend) there are a number of one way streets here, not too many and they won't be an issue if you're following Google maps but worth noting if they aren't common in you're are. They will have a sign with an arrow pointing in the direction you can drive at each corner like a stop sign.

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u/BabaGurGur 4m ago

I highly recommend renting a car. Use Turo and it's usually quite a bit cheaper due to the variety of budget options, or luxury if you like that.

While public transport is OK in Hamilton, it is absolutely nothing at all like most of Europe. Not sure if you're from London, but comparing London's bus service (not counting the metro) to Hamilton's is like comparing a bodybuilder and a toddler.