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Hamilton city information

The 411 of fun

What are the top sports teams in Hamilton?

1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL Football)
2. Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL Hockey)
3. Hamilton Cardinals (Intercounty Baseball)
4. Hamilton United (League1 Ontario Soccer)
5. Hamilton Honey Badgers (CEBL Basketball)
6. Hamilton Kilty B’s (Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League)
7. Hamilton Rage (Roller Derby)
8. Hamilton Olympic Soccer Club (Ontario Soccer League)
9. Hamilton Hornets (American Basketball Association)
10. Hamilton Steelhawks (Major Series Lacrosse)

Top sports teams

What 10 things tourists should know when visiting Hamilton?

Tourist information

1. Hamilton is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and performing arts venues.

2. The city is also home to many festivals throughout the year, including the popular Supercrawl music and arts festival.

3. Hamilton is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Waterfront.

4. Hamilton is a great city for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails, parks, and green spaces to explore.

5. Hamilton is known for its rich history, with many historic buildings and sites to explore.

6. Hamilton is a foodie paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafes to choose from.

7. Hamilton is a great city for shopping, with plenty of unique boutiques, shops, and malls to explore.

8. Hamilton has a thriving nightlife, with plenty of bars and nightclubs

Tourist tips

10 Essential Tips for a Memorable Trip to Hamilton?

Take Your Next Trip to the Next Level: Expert-Recommended Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure

1. Visit the Hamilton Waterfront Trail – Take a walk or a bike ride along the Hamilton Waterfront Trail for sweeping views of Lake Ontario.

2. Tour the Royal Botanical Gardens – Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada's largest botanical garden and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

3. Visit Dundurn Castle – Take a tour of Dundurn Castle, a historic home built in 1835 by Sir Allan MacNab.

4. Check out the Art Gallery of Hamilton – Spend an afternoon at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, home to the largest public collection of Canadian art in the country.

5. Explore the Hamilton Farmers’ Market – Spend a morning at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and sample the local produce and handmade goods.

6. Visit the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – Learn about the history of aviation at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

7. Hit the Links at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club

Essentials

Exploring the Local Art and Music Scene: Where Can You Discover It in Hamilton?

Discovering Local Art and Music: Where to Find It

1. Hamilton Public Library: The library hosts art exhibits and live music performances, both vocal and instrumental.

2. Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology: This museum hosts art exhibitions, concerts and film screenings.

3. Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: This professional orchestra hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.

4. Art Gallery of Hamilton: This prestigious gallery hosts a variety of rotating art exhibitions and musical performances.

5. The Pearl Company: This performing arts centre hosts various musical events and art exhibitions.

6. James Street North Art Crawl: This art crawl is held the second Friday of each month and features art galleries, studios, and musicians.

7. Supercrawl: This music and arts festival is held in downtown Hamilton and features a variety of art and music performances.

8. Hamilton Arts Council: This organization hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including music and art performances.

9. Westdale

Art/Music
Instagam spots

The Most Instagrammable Places in Hamilton?

Free or cheap things to do

1. Dundurn Castle
2. Hamilton Waterfront Trail
3. Royal Botanical Gardens
4. Art Gallery of Hamilton
5. Westdale Village
6. Hamilton Farmers’ Market
7. Hamilton Street Railway
8. Hamilton Harbour
9. Gage Park
10. The Cotton Factory

Cheap Eats: Where to get delicious and affordable food in Hamilton?

Savor the Flavor Without Breaking the Bank: Our Top Picks for Cheap Eats

1. Hamilton's Hot Chicken Shack - This local eatery serves up hot and crispy chicken with a variety of sides and sauces.

2. Mezcal Tacos & Tequila - A popular Mexican restaurant offering delicious tacos and other Mexican specialties at affordable prices.

3. The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro - A great spot for gourmet burgers, poutines and other comfort food.

4. The French - Offering a delicious French-inspired bistro menu with entrees, salads and sandwiches.

5. The Ship - This cozy pub offers a variety of pub fare from fish and chips to burgers and more.

6. Earth to Table: Bread Bar - This popular spot serves up delicious organic and locally sourced dishes.

7. East Side Mario's - Offering a variety of Italian favorites from pastas to pizzas and more.

8. The Planted Arrow - A vegan eatery serving up

Cheap eats
Day trips

Unforgettable Day Trips from Hamilton?

Free or cheap things to do

1. Niagara-on-the-Lake: Explore the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its renowned wineries, historic sites, and beautiful gardens.

2. Toronto: From art galleries to the CN Tower, there's something for everyone in Canada's largest city.

3. Dundas Valley Conservation Area: Take a hike through the woodlands and wetlands of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, with its many trails, bird watching opportunities, and scenic views.

4. Algonquin Provincial Park: Experience the natural beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park, with its extensive network of trails, lakes, and wildlife.

5. St. Jacobs and the Mennonite Countryside: Explore the small town charm and Mennonite culture of St. Jacobs and the surrounding countryside, with its markets, boutiques, and museums.

6. Elora Gorge: Go tubing or kayaking through the Elora Gorge and admire

The Best Day Ever 
Daily news

History

What fruits and vegetables are in season in Hamilton?

Taste the Season: A Guide to Seasonal Fruits in the City

In Hamilton, fruits and vegetables in season include apples, pears, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, and tomatoes.

Brief history of Hamilton?

Exploring the Past: A Concise History of the city

The earliest known inhabitants of the area that is now Hamilton, Ontario, were the Neutral Nation, who lived in the Grand River valley for thousands of years prior to European settlement. The area was first visited by Europeans in 1616, when Étienne Brûlé, an explorer employed by Samuel de Champlain, established trading posts in the region. The first permanent European settlement in the area was founded in 1784, when Richard Beasley established a trading post near the current downtown location of Hamilton. The settlement grew rapidly and by 1812, had a population of over 700 people. Hamilton was chosen as the site of the Gore District Court House in 1816, which became the first major public building in the area. The town was officially incorporated in 1846, and was named after George Hamilton, a prominent local politician and a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. The city of Hamilton grew steadily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming an important industrial centre and Canada's

Cheap fun activites

Review the best local bands in Hamilton?

    1. The Dirty Nil – This punk rock trio from Hamilton have been making waves since their formation in 2006. They’re known for their high-energy live shows and their anthemic, catchy songs.

    2. Junior Boys – This electronic/pop duo has been recording and performing since 2001, and their music has been praised by critics around the world. They’re known for their unique blend of electronic and pop sounds.

    3. The Gertrudes – This five-piece indie band from Hamilton has been playing together since 1998. They’re known for their upbeat, catchy tunes and their jazzy, folk-infused sound.

    4. Arkells – This five-piece indie rock band from Hamilton has been playing together since 2007. They’re known for their powerful live shows and their radio-friendly songs.

    5. The Reason – This four-piece rock band from Hamilton has been making music together since 2000. They’re known for their melodic, emotionally-charged songs and their hard-hitting live performances.

Cheap fun things to do in Hamilton?

Free or cheap things to do

1. Visit Dundurn Castle - Explore this historic castle and learn about its fascinating history.

2. Visit Royal Botanical Gardens - Enjoy a day outdoors exploring the diverse natural beauty of the gardens.

3. Go Shopping on Locke Street - Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants and cafes that line the street.

4. Visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton - Explore the gallery’s collection of contemporary Canadian art.

5. Spend a Day at the Beach - Spend a day at one of Hamilton’s beautiful beaches, such as Van Wagner’s Beach.

6. Go for a Hike - Explore Hamilton’s many trails for a great outdoor adventure.

7. Visit the Hamilton Farmers' Market - Browse the wide selection of locally grown produce and handmade goods.

8. Visit a Local Brewery - Sample the many craft beers produced in Hamilton.

9. Take a Tour of the City - Take a guided tour of Hamilton and learn about its history and culture.

10. Visit a Museum - Explore the many museums in Hamilton and learn about the city’s past.

Local Bands

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