Things to Do in Hamilton, Ontario: A Weekend Guide for Locals & Visitors
Hamilton, Ontario is an eclectic city filled with natural beauty, historic charm and an active arts and food scene. Also, there are plenty of local businesses in Hamilton that are worth exploring whether you are local or visiting for the first time – Hamilton offers plenty of adventure for every taste – here is your ultimate weekend guide for experiencing all that the city has to offer!
Friday Evening: A Taste of Hamilton’s Nightlife
1. Dinner at a Local Eatery
Start off your weekend right with an amazing meal at one of Hamilton’s top restaurants! For farm-to-table dining, Aberdeen Tavern or The French are great choices; for comfort food Hambrgr or Electric Diner are both terrific alternatives.
2. Drinks & Live Music
After dinner, explore Hamilton’s vibrant nightlife. Visit The Mule for unique cocktails or Collective Arts Brewing for locally made beer; for live music fans there’s also Casbah and Mills Hardware where fantastic local and touring bands often play!
View more dining options -> https://nearmehamilton.ca/explore/?type=place&category=restaurants&sort=random
These popular spots are just a few of the local businesses that make Hamilton’s dining experience special and vibrant.
Saturday: Exploring Nature & Culture
3. Morning Hike at Dundas Peak
Start off your day right and experience breathtaking sights at Dundas Peak, offering breath-taking overlooks of Niagara Escarpment and Webster’s Falls or Tews Falls for stunning landscapes.
4. Brunch in Locke Street Village
After your hike, relax with a delectable brunch. Detour Coffee Roasters serves delicious coffee and pastries while Earth to Table: Bread Bar offers up farm-fresh ingredients in its dishes.
5. Visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton
Spend an enjoyable afternoon exploring the Art Gallery of Hamilton and its impressive collection of Canadian and international artwork, or take in Hamilton history at Dundurn Castle. Both offers entertaining glimpses into its past.
6. Shop & Stroll in James Street North
James Street North is at the hub of Hamilton’s arts and cultural scene, home to independent boutiques, vintage stores and artisan markets. If you’re lucky, you might also catch their monthly Art Crawl featuring local artists’ performances alongside food truck vendors!
This place is perfect for visitors and locals to explore unique shops and support local businesses in Hamilton from artisan markets to vintage clothing stores.
7. Sunset at Bayfront Park
Take a relaxing evening stroll along Bayfront Park for an enjoyable evening, watching the sun go down while renting kayaks or simply taking in stunning views of Hamilton Harbour. This waterfront area makes an excellent backdrop to enjoy life!
Sunday: Food, Markets & Relaxation
8. Brunch at a Local Hotspot
No weekend would be complete without brunching! Saint James provides an intimate cafe setting while The Cannon is known for their legendary waffle sandwiches. If you prefer an elegant experience with cocktails as part of brunching at The Diplomat then both locations provide outstanding brunch services!
9. Explore the Hamilton Farmers’ Market
After brunch, stop by the Hamilton Farmers’ Market where you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan cheeses and gourmet goodies to explore and support local vendors. It makes for the ideal opportunity to find unique souvenirs as well.
At Hamilton Farmers market, you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan cheeses and gourmet goodies which means exploring several local businesses in Hamilton all in one spot.
10. Relax at a Spa or Brewery
Finish off your weekend right with some restorative pampering from Body Brave Spa or Fairweather Brewing’s relaxing atmosphere and craft beer flight selection.
Plan Your Visit to Hamilton
Hamilton is an oasis of surprises, boasting outdoor adventure, rich history and vibrant cultural offerings all under one roof. There’s so much to see and experience here – hiking famous waterfalls, exploring vibrant neighborhoods or relishing culinary treats are just a few ways you’ll make the most of your visit to Hamilton!
No matter if you are exploring Hamilton as an experienced local or are visiting for the first time – use this guide as your roadmap to the best things to do—and the best local businesses in Hamilton for an unforgettable weekend experience in Hamilton, Ontario!