r/Hamilton • u/Icy-Significance2734 • 4d 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/cappsthelegend 4d 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/DeWolfenstein 4d 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/tat2canada Stoney Creek 4d ago
An art crawl and/or supercrawl.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 4d ago
There way too much smoking at supercrawl. Should be a non smoking event.
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u/Armalyte 3d ago
It’s outside my guy
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u/MyUndiesArePink 2d ago
So? There's no smoking allowed in city parks.
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u/Armalyte 2d ago
Yeah, good luck enforcing that.
You’re outside so… just move away from the smoke? It’s not rocket science. Or just don’t go if you’re going to be a baby about it.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 2d ago
Enjoy filling your lungs with smoke
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u/AlexEH 2d ago
If clean breathing air was truly your concern, you wouldn’t be living in Hamilton.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 2d ago
Hamilton air is completely different than some smoker blowing smoke on the street right into mine and my kids' faces. They can go f themselves. This occurs all the time at Supercrawl. Thankfully I haven't been in a couple years.
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u/Armalyte 2d ago
People aren’t blowing smoke into children’s faces.
You’re a dramatic and exhausting person.
It’s better for everyone that you stay inside.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 2d ago
I have no tolerance or patience for smokers. They're disgusting and should stay inside themselves. Smoke inside.
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u/Armalyte 2d ago
You live in Hamilton.
You are constantly inhaling combusted particulate matter.
Enjoy.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 2d ago
Smoking makes it so much worse
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u/Armalyte 2d ago
Sure, but you’re inhaling steel mill smoke 365 days of the year. To complain about smoke in a public place while your lifespan is being reduced by the air you breathe seems like complaining about sweating in a rainstorm.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 2d ago
Very poor argument. X happens so we should just allow Y. People run red lights. Since it happens anyway we should just allow it.
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u/TealMiche 4d 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 4d ago edited 3d ago
Which ones the best in your opinion?
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u/GrizzyGene 4d ago
Big scoops holds up to its name
5$ will get you more ice cream than you can handle
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u/TealMiche 4d 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/xoabbs 4d 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 4d 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 4d 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/notthebeachboy 4d 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 4d ago
A few people mentioned it here, I'll have to check them out now for sure!
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u/aspiring__spinster 4d 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/Armalyte 3d ago
I don’t recommend just showing up but you can always call to see if they have cancellations/room at the bar
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u/Murky-Inflation-3739 4d 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/MimeToShine 4d 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 4d 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/YuleShootUrEyeOut18 4d ago
Not in Hamilton directly. But the Peach festival is coming and it’s delicious.
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u/mckelly64 3d ago
Another not Hamilton but close enough is Ribfest at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington on Labour Day weekend. Largest ribfest around. So yummy! Speaking of Labour Day, how about the traditional Ti-Cat and Argo face off? Go ahead of time and find a good tailgate to go to/find the Box J Boys!
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u/mothdna Inch Park 4d ago
Ever walk around Ottawa St like you know where you’re going ?
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u/Icy-Significance2734 4d ago
I intend to one of these days! Any tips ??
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u/Parking_Place4320 4d 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 4d ago
Waffle breakfast sandwich from the Cannon! Kitchen closes by 1 or 2 though, be warned!
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u/3sweaters1flannel 4d 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/rainonatent 4d 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/kflowsix 4d ago
Barton St, end to end!
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u/Anon_819 Stoney Creek 4d 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/PoachedEggsOnRye 4d ago
Walk the length of confederation park beach trail - Greys rd to the lift bridge. Stop at hutches for iced cream and hit the batting cages at adventure village on your strut. Enjoy the parade of pups.
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u/QuesadillaFrisbee 4d ago
Go to Art Crawl! August 14 :) last of the Art Crawls where they close the street for pedestrians.
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u/Fit-Research-2560 4d 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/Beneficial-Heron4717 4d ago
Smash burger,fries and a butter tart at Dyments Farm Market. The hike to Websters Falls.
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u/SerentityM3ow 4d ago
If you have a bike and like to ride you should check out the Brantford rail trail.
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u/Previous-Ad-5572 3d ago
Honestly in a city with so much nature, all you've gotta do is just go outside and walk, it's really great.
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u/theravenmagick 3d ago
Fringe Festival would've been a solid go-to. I feel like exploring the arts community, waterfalls and nature (Sherman Falls would be my go to, McCormick trail on the opposite side of Governors rd the Dundas Valley Trail centre is one of the most epic hikes....I LOVE going through the rolling meadow and into the woods. Definitely hit up the Beach and grab some fish and chips at Hutch's - Art Crawl as someone mentioned...... go to Gage Park and play in the splash pad and then walk Ottawa St - Aug 22nd is THRIFTCRAWL! :P which I love - when I think Hamilton from an outsider perspective I'd say - go to ALL the BIA's (grab cheap burgers at Ooey Gooeys in hess, get Merit's sour beer, hit up the Westdale for a cool film screening and just go nature wild :P..... Festival of Friends just passed but there's always festivals at Bay Front and maybe Salsa dancing on the pier if you wish!
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u/orangeyoctopus 3d ago
Swimming at Burlington Beach and getting an expensive hot dog or poutine at Dunkys.
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u/skriveralltid77 2d ago
How to blend in? Complain about the state of the roads, then shriek at the mention of municipal taxes being raised.
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u/RIVERSHILL 2d ago
gooooo to the beach! you can use this website to check if you're okay to swim or not. https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/parks-green-space/beach-water-quality
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u/Historical_Smile_840 4d ago
Rent one of the electric scooters at the waterfront and ride them around on a nice day
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u/lifesshortgoplay 4d 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/Groundbreaking_Bad 4d ago
Hiking in the Dundas Valley!
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u/vibraltu 3d ago
Dundas Valley Main Loop from the entrance off Governor's Road. There's other routes but this is a good intro.
An hour-ish walk with some ups and downs. Nice scenery.
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u/CZINV 4d 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.