Hamilton gave birth to one of Canada’s most beloved and biggest fast food chains, Tim Hortons, with the eatery opening on Ottawa Street back on May 17, 1964. Today, it’s arguably the top place for donuts and coffee in the country. But of course, that’s not the only reason you should visit – in fact, there’s so much to enjoy here you might find yourself browsing through the Hamilton townhouses and other properties, thinking about a move.
It’s a Waterfall Lovers’ Paradise
Hamilton is sometimes referred to as the “Waterfall City” with more than 100 magnificent cascades, much of which wind through the Niagara Escarpment. Be sure to visit some of the top falls for a postcard-perfect photo of your time here, like Webster’s, Buttermilk, Devil’s Punchbowl, Tew, Sherman, and Borer’s Falls. Webster’s and Tew are two of the most impressive of all, located in Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area just minutes from downtown. The former plunges for 72 feet, while the latter is the city’s tallest, a more than 134-foot-high ribbon waterfall.
It’s a Great Place for a Walk
There are lots of scenic trails in town and throughout the surrounding area for those who enjoy a good walk. Churchill Park hosts nearly 17 miles of trails, including the popular Sassafras Point Trail. The area is filled with abundant flora and fauna and boats one of the most important staging habitats of the lower Great Lakes, the Cootes Paradise Marsh. Bayfront Park at the west end of the harbor offers a mile-long paved trail that follows alongside the water and connects to other trails, like the Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail.
It Hosts a Fantastic Farmers Market
The Hamilton Farmers Market dates back to 1837 as the oldest in the city. It hosts around 70 vendors from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. downtown on Saturdays from mid-April through mid-October. It features the usual fresh local produce along with a wide variety of other delights, including handmade ice cream, freshly-prepared pasta, raw honey and all sorts of culinary experiences. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir like pure Canadian maple syrup as well as local wine for a picnic.
It Boasts a Thriving Dining Scene
From “restaurant row” along King William Street with popular eateries like the stylish Berkeley North bistro and elegant places like The French to bucket-list dining experiences at Born and Raised with its wood-fired pizzas and incredible desserts, Hamilton offers an outstanding food scene. With so many mouthwatering eats, you might want to take a foodie walking tour to try and make up your mind as to which is your favorite as you explore the countless culinary delights.
Its Art Gallery Hosts Over 10,000 Works
If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll be able to browse an impressive collection of more than 10,000 works of art at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The permanent collection is made up of 3,000 international, 5,000 Canadian and 2,000 contemporary pieces. Located downtown, it’s one of Canada’s oldest galleries, founded over a century ago in 1914, featuring a glass pavilion and sculpture atrium that are absolutely breathtaking.
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