From Wikitravel

Hamilton is is the fourth largest city in Ontario, the 9th largest city in Canada and the largest Hamilton in the world. It is situated at the westernmost end of Lake Ontario - the city wraps around the lake and continues towards the Niagara Escarpment, referred to by locals as "the mountain".

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By train 2.3 By car 2.4 By bus 2.5 By boat 3 Get around 4 See 5 Do 6 Learn 7 Work 8 Buy 9 Eat 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid-range 9.3 Splurge 10 Drink 11 Sleep 11.1 Budget 11.2 Mid-range 11.3 Splurge 12 Contact 13 Stay safe 14 Cope 15 Get out

Understand

"Steel Town" remains the province's major industrial area despite the loss of thousands of factory jobs over the last twenty years. It is a favourite with movie location scouts for its gritty, ungentrified industrial landscape. Hamilton could be compared with Detroit in the USA as a once rich and proud city, at its peak the fifth biggest city in the country, now fallen on hard times. The health industry is now the area's largest employer, with McMaster hospital and university dominating the city's SW. The downtown core of Hamilton has struggled lately, and some of the districts still suffer from high unemployment, crime, and homelessness. The city west of John St has not declined as much as the east end of the city. The Westdale village, with its small independant movie theatre, cupcake and coffee shops, and charming treed avenues, surrounding beautiful McMaster University campus, is worth checking out for a day trip.

Get in

By plane

• Hamilton International Airport ("HI") [1] accommodates major air carriers and tour operators, offering frequent flights to Canadian, American and Caribbean destinations.

By train

By car

Main throughoughfares into Hamilton include the Queen Elizabeth Way/403, and Highway 6. Hamilton is ideally situated for tourists, being roughly 1 hour from both Toronto and Niagara Falls.

By bus

A few buses serve the Hamilton bus depot - Greyhound runs service from the west, travelling from the Kitchener and London area, while GO Transit offers frequent travel from Toronto and the GTA. The bus depot, a handsome art deco structure, is located in the heart of downtown, at Jackson and Hughson.

By boat

Get around

Hamilton is divided into two main sections - "The Mountain" and downtown. The mountain refers to anything on the escarpment - access to the mountain is limited to a few roads, which often arrive on a different street than when you started. If you're going up the mountain, take a second to learn which access you need to take.

Hamilton is infamous for having mainly one-way streets throughout its downtown core, although many have turned two-way over the past year. Be aware of what intersection you're heading for, and what streets precede it, or you may overshoot. Conversion back to two way streets began in 2004. In the fall of 2005, John and James Streets, main North/South arteries, were converted back to two way traffic. Most of the locals preferred the one way system, but visitors will find it easier to get around.

The transit system is sub-par, but serviceable. Downtown service is quite good, but the neighbouring suburbs suffer from infrequent buses, primarily due to high levels of car ownership. HSR fares are $2.10.

See

• Princess Point - Situated at the very end of Lake Ontario, Princess Point is one of the truly beautiful sections of Hamilton. Bike or rollerblade along excellently maintained paths encircling the lake, or relax at the adjacent park. Harbour cruises are also available.

• Parks and trails - Despite its commonly-held industrial image, Hamilton has some 1077 ha (2,662 acres) of parkland, 549 ha (1,356 acres) of natural areas and 137 km (85 miles) of trails. The Bruce Trail runs right through the city. Bayfront, Pier 4 Park, and the Waterfront Trail offer panoramic views of the Hamilton Harbour [2] and northwest shoreline. There are sixty-six waterfalls within its limits and the idea of Hamilton as The City of Waterfalls [3] is being promoted recently.

• Waterfront - Hamilton is in the midst of a major waterfront reclamation project, and has already restored the beautiful Pier 4 Park at the bottom of Bay St. This continues to the west with a waterfront trail to Princess Point, and to the east with a beautiful marina, waterfront cafe, boat and trolley tours, and a lovely playground. At Pier 8, visit the HMCS Haida, a WWII destroyer that is maintained faithfully and can be explored in its entirety.

• Waterfalls - Hamilton is home to over a dozen waterfalls, including the breathtaking Webster's Falls in Greensville, Borers Falls, Tiffany Falls, Chedoke Falls at the Chedoke Civic Golf Course, Sherman Falls, Albion Falls, and the Devil's Punchbowl. Many more smaller falls cross the Bruce Trail as it winds through the escarpment.

• Trees - Hamilton is densely tree covered. From the escarpment, especially when looking west, it is difficult to see streets or the roofs of houses under the thick canopy of trees.

• Art Gallery of Hamilton - recently redesigned by Bruce Kuwabara, the AGH has won international accolades for its wonderful restoration and its excellent permanent collection, much of which was donated by the Tanenbaum family.

• Downtown Neighbourhoods - Unlike many suburban cities, Hamilton is home to many traditional neighbourhoods, including Locke South, Concession St., James St. South, James S. North, International Village BIA, and Ottawa Street. James North has an exploding arts scene, with several galleries opened in the past few years.

Do

• Doors Open Hamilton [4] - The Weekend of May 6-7, Doors Open Hamilton offers an intimate experience of various historic landmarks around the city normally off limits to visitors and tourists; various Church's, Cathedral's, Estates, Museum's, Wineries and Government Buildings. A division of Doors Open Ontario [5] it is an annual opportunity to discover the City, the Province of Ontario, and Canadian Heritage.

• The Art Gallery of Hamilton [6] - Founded in 1914, AGH is Ontario's third largest public art gallery, and boasts one of the country's finest collections. Its emphasis is on 19th-century European, Historical Canadian, and Contemporary Canadian art. In 2003, the AGH began a major renovation project, designed by Hamilton-born and raised architect Bruce Kuwabara. The revamped gallery opened in 2005 and includes a new, 2500 square foot glass pavilion and Sculpture Atrium.

• McMaster Museum of Art [7]- houses a nationally significant collection of more than 6,000 works of art, featuring a permanent collection and contemporary exhibitions, lectures and events.

• Royal Botanical Gardens [8] - Vast horticultural collection spread over five specialist gardens and four nature sanctuaries. Most notable of the latter is Cootes Paradise, a 840 ha (2076 acres) wildlife sanctuary containing a 250 ha (618 acres) coastal wetland located at the west end of Hamilton Harbour.

• Dundurn Castle [9] - One of Hamilton's most-recognized landmarks, Dundurn Castle is a National Historic site, illustrating the life and times of Sir Allan Napier MacNab (1798 - 1862). More stately home than "castle", the still impressive structure was completed in 1835. Features year-round programming, tours, restaurant and an onsite Military Museum.

• Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology [10] - A fine example of 19th century public works architecture, and the only surviving facility of its time in North America, this National Historic Site houses the two 14 m (45-foot) high, 63.5-tonne (70-ton) steam engines which pumped the first clean water to the city over 140 years ago. Features various exhibits and events, including daily engine demonstrations.

• Westfield Heritage Village [11] - Surrounded by 131 ha (324 acres) of unspoiled woods and meadows, this living history museum spans various time periods in 35+ historic buildings, plus a steam locomotive. Much of the TV series Anne of Green Gables was filmed here.

• Battlefield House and Museum [12] - In Stoney Creek is a rural Upper Canada home dating from around 1796 and featuring staff in period costume, demonstrating the lifestyle of day. Every June a military re-enactment of the War of 1812/Battle of Stoney Creek is held.

• Golf [13] at one of Hamilton's 18-hole public courses: Chedoke [14] or King's Forest [15]. There are numerous private courses [16] including the 2003 home to the Canadian Open, the top rated Hamilton Golf and Country Club [17], in Ancaster. The Hamilton Golf and Country Club is an exclusive club that dates back to Hamilton's industrial glory days. Unless you know a member, or someone that knows a member, forget playing here.

• The Movie Palace [18] offers first run movies and revue programming in a restored 1920s theatre complete with a kitcshy Imperial Rome motif and booths.

• Canada Marine Discovery Centre [19]located at Pier 8 houses state-of-the-art interactive exhibits in three galleries, a lobby and a 65 seat theatre, allowing visitors a virtual glimpse of Canada's national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Adjacent is HMCS Haida [20]offering self-guided tours of Canada's 'fightingest ship'.

• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum [21]is a living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's Military from the beginning of World War II to the present. Home of one of the worlds two remaining flying Lancaster bombers.Those who dare can experience an open cockpit ride in a bi-plane through the Legends Flight program.

• Canadian Football Hall of Fame [22] has interactive programs, displays, a library, archives and is home to the Grey Cup.

• Confederation Park/Wild Waterworks [23]offers lakefront camping, a waterpark [24] with wave pool and tube rides, and Adventure Village [25] with go-karts, batting cages, mini golf, etc.

• Hamilton Undiscovered [26] is the city's official tourism website and offers a free "Experience Hamilton" Visitor’s Guide and current info on local events and attractions.

Learn

Work

Buy

Hamilton has a few main shopping districts. While less is available in Hamilton than in neighboring Toronto, a few good areas remain specializing in antiques or speciality boutiques.

• Locke Street South/LoSo. [27] Located just west of downtown, Locke Street is home to a large number of antique shops. Prices tend to be lower than in Toronto.

• Ottawa Street. [28]Home to innumerable fabric, home decor and furnishings stores. The street has fallen on hard times lately but is still a fabric shoppers destination.

• Ancaster. Located up the mountain, at the westmost section of the city, Ancaster has several speciality boutiques. While not much is available in the historic village, Ancaster's shopping is now focused on big box retailers called the Meadowlands Power Centre. There you will find typical stores found in any Ontario suburb.

• Dundas. As west as Ancaster, but down the mountain, Dundas is a small heritage town that offers most of the good shopping opportunities in Hamilton.

• The Hamilton Farmers Market, [29] originally founded in 1837, this now indoors market is located downtown at 55 York Blvd. and features the usual mix of local farm produce and ethnic specialties. Older than the city and one of the best farmers markets in Ontario. One of the good things about living in Hamilton.

• Concession Street, [30] Originally a turn of the century African American neighbourhood. Many slaves escaping the U.S. via the Underground Railway settled in this urban neighbourhood at the edge of the escarpment. It boasts the best views of the lower city with many parks, some with fantastic vistas overlooking the downtown and hearvy industrial areas. The neighbourhood offers many shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities. The housing is an eclectic mix of million dollar estates and 1920s cottages. Stairs to the lower city are available on Mountain Avenue to traverse the 91 m (300 foot) escapment. Many busses travel along Concession making it one of the most public transit accessible areas of the city. Once considered run-down, it may be one of the most underrated areas of the city. A recent 1920s movie house has been renovated and is showing first run and art films.

• Westdale. [31] Adjacent McMaster University keeps this neighbourhood healthy. With many boutiques, grocerteria, eateries, pubs and bakeries and a movie cinema specializing in foreign and art films. Westdale Village is accessible by bus and walking distance to McMaster University and Hospital. It was Hamilton's first master-planned community in the 1920s.

Eat

It's not difficult to find a large variety of foods in Hamilton. Having a large minority and immigrant population, many people in Hamilton often take the opportunity to eat exotic cuisine. Some local eateries:

• Hutch's, 325 Bay St N, [32] offers what many consider the best fish and chips in town and, like its sister restaurant (a 50's diner] on Van Wagners Beach), offers a scenic location to munch them. Hutch's is a famous local institution which once could vie for having the best hamburgers in Canada. Urban renewal has forced Hutch's beach strip location into a boring government building. Cruise nights often held here in the summer. On the beach trail so you can walk off your Sportsmanburger.
• Affinity Vegetarian Restaurant: (87 John Street South): This is a totally vegetarian, Buddhist-themed chinese/asian style restaurant. Much of the food is spicy, featuring faux-meat dishes. Reasonably priced and nice decor. Friendly staff.
• Stoney Creek Dairy [33] -operating at its original site since 1929, is home to the "super duper sundae". Cruise nights often held here in the summer. After Hutch's you drive here for ice cream.
• Ancaster Old Mill [34] is, with its historic stone buildings, natural panoramas and waterfall, a picturesque spot for sunday brunch and what it bills as "contemporary Canadian Cuisine". Family run, but not inexpensive.
• Edgewater Manor [35] features fine dining in a 1920's-era mansion and a stunning location on the shores of Lake Ontario. Expensive.
• Karolina's Restaurant, 757 Barton St E, East End. 905 548-0306. Polish. Excellent food at reasonable prices. Small and sometimes hard to get in. Don't let the rundown area prevent you from eating here. Just west of Lottridge. For an after meal adventure you can drive north on Lottridge and check out the Hell's Angels clubhouse. You'll know it when you see it.
• Capri, 25 John St N, Downtown. 905 525-7811. Italian. First restaurant to serve pizza in Hamilton. Gangster movies filmed here. Real gangsters ate here too. Like the mafia in Hamilton, this restaurant now somewhat faded. Try the pizza blanco.
• Black Forest Inn, 255 King St E, Downtown. 905 528-3538. [36] German. The Black Forest is another Hamilton institution. Full of cuckoo clocks, this restaurant and its army of servers in Bavarian costume move the crowds through with germanic precision. Eat there and you'll find out why Hamiltonians keep coming back.
• Harvest Burger, 194 King Street West, Downtown. (905)525-3233. Canadian/Greek. A Hamilton tradition for over 25 years- Harvest Burger is the spot to be at after a night out at Hess Village, or after a day of shopping downtown. Famous for their burgers and Greek food. Also has a licensed bar on site.
• Hamilton's Restaurant Menu Guide, [37]- www.MenusOnly.com is a free restaurant menu guide featuring Hamilton and surrounding area restaurant menus, coupons, and a listing of daily specials.
• O Mariniero (The Sailor), a traditional Portugese restaurant on James St. North, serves a wonderful seafood platter.
• My Thai is a stellar Thai restaurant at the southwest corner of John St. and King William.
• La Cantina may be the best Italian restaurant in Hamilton. Their pumpkin soup is breathtaking.

Budget

Almost any restaurant on James St North.

Mid-range

Hamilton is a fairly large city and therefore is home to almost every type of mid-range dining chain. Examples include Kelsey's Montana's The Keg, Outback and such. Hess street, as well as housing some newer upper scale establishments, has several mid-range places that offer fantastic food (Ceilidh house being an example).

Splurge

• Sheraton King Street. A splurge, but nice rooms. No free parking

Drink

~*Slainte Irish Pub*~ Located at Bowen and Main Streets, this authentic Irish pub serves the best pint of Guinness in the city. The building itself is a heritage site, very old, and all the beautiful woodwork and stained glass in the bar were built and shipped over from Dublin, Ireland. The front doors of the pub are the original doors from the movie, "Michael Collins." Be sure to check out their live music Wednesday through Sunday and sports on their huge plasma tv's.

• Hess Village A "bar" in the classic sense, Hess is a block or so of pubs and eateries. Highlights include the Gown and Gavel, and the Funky Munky. Located roughly between King and Main Street, on Hess. Typically pub type bars, but it runs the gamut. Hess village is where the patio action is in Hamilton during warm summer nights. Recently dance clubs have opened in neighbourhood, adding to the entertainment mix. The summer place to be in Hamilton.

• Chester's Beers of the World A gem in the heart of downtown, Chester's offers over 250 bottled beers from all over the world. Not the place to party - this place is quiet and often empty, but the staff is friendly and courteous and the selection is unparalleled outside of Toronto.

• Augusta's Winking Judge Located on Augusta Street right behind the GO Transit station, this is the best place in Hamilton to get a tasty pint. With over 20 taps dedicated to microbreweries, they're sure to have something you like. It's worth noting that this bar does not sell popular beers like Molson, Labatt, or Sleeman products. This was original location of Winking Judge which later moved to Hess Village.

• The Rebels Rock Located on King and Emerald, this Irish pub is the only truly authentic Irish pub in the city. If you want to stay away from the bars and have a pint in a friendly living room sort of setting, this is the place. Live Irish music every wednesday, with some of the cities best celtic and east coast musicians and great homestyle food at a good price. Rough area, don't be surprised if the guy next to you at the bar is missing teeth. Founded by Toronto cop.

• The Coach and Lantern 384 Wilson Street East, Ancaster. Dating from 1823, the former "Union Hotel" has survived various incarnations and even a fire in its stables in 1878. During the war of 1812, it was puportedly the site of the Bloody Assis, and the spot where four traitors were condemned to hang outside Dundurn Castle. It's rumoured to be haunted, and not just by the Ancaster set. Has a good selection of drafts and single malts, typical pub grub and nightly entertainment of the karaoke/trivia/open mic sort. Atmosphere is as you'd expect: exposed stone walls, beams, dark, cluttered and windowless, but has a cobbled courtyard the claustrophic may enjoy in the summer.

• Collins Brewhouse 33 King St. West, Dundas. Serving locals since 1841, this "food and beverage warehouse" has 12 beers on draft, including its own Brewhouse Red and Lager. Unique décor includes plank flooring, galvanized steel, 6-seater booths, garage doors opening to a patio and a concrete bar top. Live bands, poker tournament and other shenaninghans make this a popular spot for all ages. Attracts younger crowd, especially Mac students. This is oldest tavern in Ontario.
• Hamilton's Restaurant Menu Guide [38] - www.MenusOnly.com is a free restaurant menu guide featuring Hamilton and surrounding area restaurant menus, coupons, and a listing of daily specials.

• Bar on Locke 78 Locke Street S, Hamilton. Bar on Locke offers a cozy atmosphere in the Locke Antique district with a creative menu. The bar offers about 6 beers on draft.

Sleep

Budget

• Airport Inn Located close to Hamilton's John C. Munro International Airport, the Airport Inn has 30 renovated guest rooms, free Parking, provides Airport Shuttle Bus Services, is adjacent to the Pastacinno Restaurant, located close to Brantford Casino and major entertainment and sports facilities, and is minutes away from Hamilton's largest shopping attraction, Limeridge Mall.

Mid-range

Staybridge Suites at 118 Market St. is mid-range in my book (got a room for $125 per night, including kitchen facilities and spacious room). Seems fairly newer and the facility is clean and friendly.

Splurge

Sheraton Hotel. Main Street. Sometimes you can get pretty good deals, but it is a splurge. Nice rooms. No free parking.

Contact

Stay safe

• Hamilton lies on one of the most polluted Great Lakes (Lake Erie is the worst) and suffers high air pollution (especially fine particulate) and high cancer rates, consistent with most of Southern Ontario from Windsor through Oshawa. [39]

The city is not especially unsafe and there is no particular area to avoid. The rate of violent crime is moderate compared to other similarly-sized Canadian cities.

Cope

Get out

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