City & Culture
Hamilton is a mid-sized city with a small-town vibe and a big-city palette. While exploring #hamont, you'll be met with new and exciting sights and sounds at every corner. With an ever-changing collection of restaurants, art galleries, green spaces, and community events, you'll never be bored – and can always be certain you'll run into a friendly face wherever you go. Below, you'll find some featured local hot spots and personal favourites.
Brux house
This Locke Street gem is located in the heart of the west end, amidst a neighbourhood of small businesses, new families, and stunning residential architecture. A perfect mix of casual and classy, this is a go-to for business meetings, date night, or just to hang out at the bar for an afternoon of work. They are known for their long list of local craft beers and impeccable cocktails, alongside a seasonal menu that mixes decadent ingredients with practical portions.
dundurn stairs
Hamilton’s escarpment provides the community with a unique playground for outdoor fitness activity. Almost every lower-city neighbourhood that lines the Hamilton mountain has a unique set of stairs running up the incline. Climbing the stairs is not only a fantastic way to see the city from a new perspective, but a favoured way to get a workout in during the fall, spring, and summer. They’re also open through the winter, if you’re feeling brave. My personal favourites are the Dundurn stairs, for their surrounding lush trails and proximity to some of my favourite coffee shops (like Dundurn Market) for a post-workout snack.
emerald coffee co.
A member of the Barton Village family, this elegant coffee shop is doing some amazing things. More than a coffee shop, Emerald coffee serves as a meeting place, and a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. Their knowledge of coffee is extensive, and their kombucha is ON TAP! Their space is decorated with brass, plants, and wood, beaming with a retail selection that is cozy, unique, and dripping with hometown pride.
the french
Located on King William in the heart of the established James North art scene, The French poses a perfect place for brunch with the girls, date night, or a casual drink on their stunning Parisian-inspired patio. Inside, the bar is luxe and the cocktails strong. An inspiring stop on an Art Crawl adventure, or a unique location for an afternoon meeting.
york street bridge
Spanning over the highway from Burlington to Hamilton, the York bridge is home to some fabulous views of Lake Ontario. If heading towards Toronto or Burlington, I highly recommend making a quick stop to marvel at the sights. The bridge is also a quick walk to Dundurn Castle, a favourite location for picnics, photoshoots, and a great way to absorb Hamilton’s history.
Barton village
Hamilton’s infamous Barton Street has been home to many booming businesses over decades, but fell on hard times (and an even worse reputation) for the last little while. Since 2016 however, the neighbourhood has been experiencing a resurgence, and a handful of beautiful, trendy, local shops have opened up! Now stacked with brightly painted storefronts and friendly business owners, a stroll down this street is an incredible reminder of how quickly a neighbourhood can change for the better. Some favourites include: Hello Baked, Emerald Coffee, The Heather, and Motel. Several more restaurants are set to open on this block in 2019!
dundurn market
A genuine must-visit for all Hamiltonians and tourists alike. The Dundurn Market is a haven for locally grown produce, sustainable products, fresh baked goods, handmade healthy lunch options, delicious coffee, and a serene workspace. The outdoor stall is always packed with fresh food items and gorgeous bouquets, while their fridges inside contain artisan vegan, gluten-free, and organic goods. Despite the cozy space, this place manages to have it all.
BAYFRONT
Known as Steel city, Hamilton often lacks credit for it's waterfront community. The Bayfront is brimming with running and cycle paths, wildlife, amazing summer events, and surrounded by lots of yummy concessions like Hutch's Harbour Front. Hang out for the day with pals, organize a game of frisbee, or take some time to yourself to the tune of the waves.
GORE PARK
Newly restored and packed with new businesses, vendors, food trucks, and entertainment, the Gore Park Promenade never disappoints. With a glorious fountain at it's core, it's the perfect family photo-op, chance to throw in a penny and make a wish, and scenic lunch spot for those who work nearby.
dURAND COFFEE
For a quiet, calm, cafe, Durand is a go-to. Located in the heart of a stunning residential neighbourhood, this bright, airy space is ideal for catching up with an old friend (or catching up on work!). With trendy indie music as ambiance, the owners of the cafe are often on-site, friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks and healthy snack options. Oh, and that selfie mural? Say no more.