A Day in Hamilton

Hamilton used to be known as a lunch-bucket town but over the last decade it has been rediscovering its identity as a hub for arts and culture. Millennials flock to the city for its cheap eats, opportunities to get out in nature and youthful energy. Having lived in Hamilton for 21 years, I know my way around the city pretty well and can direct you to some of the best spots to eat, shop and the best sights to see. Here is my guide to a perfect day in Hamilton.

10 a.m. – Breakfast

Breakfast at Motel

A Hamilton staple, Motel is located on the burgeoning Barton Street. Specializing in all day brunch this is the perfect place to start your day and snap a great photo for Instagram. Be sure to get here as close to 10 as possible to avoid a long wait. My favourite is the Charred & Smashed Avocado Croissant. You can check out the rest of their menu here.

11a.m. – Shopping & Lunch

The Pale Blue Dot Storefront

A short walk over to James Street North and you stumble upon a myriad of shops, cafes and art studios. One stop I recommend making is The Pale Blue Dot. This is a great place to find alternatives for single-use products such as bamboo utensils and toothbrushes, glass and metal straws, and an array of other sustainable, locally-made items.

Synonym Café

Also worth checking out if you need an afternoon pick-me-up is Synonym Shop, a "café-resto-bar-bookshop" serving up some tasty eats and even tastier coffee.

2 p.m. – Hike

Christie Lake Conservation Area

While Hamilton is fondly referred to as “Steeltown”, the city is home to some really beautiful hiking trails. Located just outside of the city centre, Christie Lake Conservation Area is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. Home to 10 km of recreational trails that are accessible any time of the year, the Conservation area is sure to have something for everyone, whether you are looking for a quiet stroll through nature or are feeling a bit more adventurous and want to do some cross-country skiing. I love the “Round the Lake” trail (despite the fact that during my cross country years I wanted nothing more than to get off parts of this trail) since it follows right along the lake. You can get some really great photos along the trail and it’s a great workout!

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

"The Big Pickle" burger at The Ship

Another Hamilton staple, The Ship boasts some of Hamilton’s best burgers. And if you’re not a burger fan they offer a lot of other really great dishes like their Crab Poutine and the Breaded Eerie Perch & Fries. I really love their French Onion burger. It’s the perfect blend of gooey cheese, crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions, definitely my go-to dish. They also offer some great vegetarian options on their menu. Hang around for a while after you eat and try some of the excellent local craft beers they have on tap. Their selection is always changing so there’s always something new and exciting to try!

7 p.m. – Waterfall

Smokey Hollow Waterfall

Hamilton is the waterfall capital of the world, so this day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the 140 plus waterfalls the city is home to. Recently volunteers have been putting on light shows at falls all over the city so try to plan your trip on a day when one of the falls will be lit up. The City of Waterfalls will let you know when those dates are. You’ll get to see a beautiful show to end your day. Smokey Hollow is my favourite and the light show here never disappoints!

This doesn’t cover all of the amazing things Hamilton has to offer so I encourage you to explore the city on your own and see what you can discover for yourself. What are your favourite spots or things to do in Hamilton or in your hometown?