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?
