We all know about Toronto, Ottawa and Blue Mountain as great winter spots. You may not have imagined that Hamilton is the less common, but not less fantastic winter gateway in Ontario. Here is a list of some of the things you can do in Hamilton:
Fun Outdoor Adventure
- The Waterfalls: Hamilton is home to over 100 waterfalls. Except for its more famous counterpart, Niagara Falls, Hamilton is the best place to visit in Ontario for frozen cascades. The waterfalls here freeze solid to create a spellbinding patchwork of sparkly whites and pale blues against the greys and beiges of the rocks. It is a sight not to be missed. Also, you may want to hike one of the many hiking trails in Hamilton. You may even want to try your hand at ice climbing at Tiffany Falls, a one of a kind adventure.
- Nothing compares to snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall. You can explore local trails at Christie Lake, Dundas Valley and King’s Forest Golf Club. Snowshoeing is one of Canada’s beloved winter activities that I absolutely recommend to take part in.
- If you are a golfer, you may want to try a new sport like Disc Golf at the 18-hole course at King’s Forest Golf Course.
- Ice Skating can be wonderful winter fun, especially at one of Hamilton’s skating hot spots. You have a choice of three: Pier 1, a waterfront rink overlooking Hamilton’s historic harbor, beautiful Dundas Driving Park, or Cootes Paradise where you can skate across a frozen marsh.
Best Places to Visit
Another thing that makes Hamilton a fantastic winter gateway is its many attractions. Here are some of the best ones:
- Royal Botanical Gardens: You can marvel at Nature’s Superheroes exhibit and acquaint yourself with plants and animals that survive in our planet’s most extreme environments. You can also enjoy the Canadian winterscape in the Rock Garden while listening to live jazz and sipping cocktails. This is a Thursday to Saturday event that is available from February 8 to March 16 this year. Since the event involves alcohol, IDs are required.
- If you have had enough of wintry weather, you can warm up at Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse. Enjoy the lush, tropical plants, waterfalls and fish ponds in a peaceful setting and agreeable temperature.
- If you are a museum person, you have a choice of three exciting museums. You can explore the city’s history in The Civic Museum. You can fly in a Lancaster in The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. It is the only place in the world that offers it, which is why the tickets are SOLD OUT for the event for 2024. Last, but not least, you can visit Art Gallery of Hamilton to marvel at some art…
Events
Hamilton also offers some unique events. You may want to:
- Experience the magic of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra with shows throughout the winter season, including The Music of Queen.
- Laugh at the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame with the Canadian comedy icons.
- Attend Hamilton’s Winterfest from February 2-19 and experience the Winterfest Hub on the Jackson Square rooftop with life concerts, art installations, murals and hub food.
Play
You will be surprised at how plentiful ways to have fun in Hamilton are. Here are the most exciting three:
- Treetop Trekking: Children and the young at heart can explore wonderful tree house villages in two locations: Stouffvile and Hamilton. The Stouffvile location is open all winter long, and the Hamilton one is open over the Christmas holidays.
- Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars at FirstOntario Centre from March 14 to March 17, 2024. Your little ones’ eyes will be glued to the ice as the classic stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Cars, and many more will come to life in a mesmerizing life performance.
- Westfield Heritage Village: travel back in time and walk through over 35 restored historical buildings situated on 204 hectares of conservation area with woodlands, meadows, and trails. Even though historical buildings will not be open in winter, except on special events (for Maple Syrup Season, for example), you may still walk through the village and enjoy the trails.
Whether you choose to make a visit to Hamilton a day-trip or a longer stay, you will find that you can make it into an enjoyable adventure both for both yourself and your loved ones.
Have fun in beautiful Hamilton!
