Day Trip to Hamilton, Ontario: Top Things to See and Do

Hamilton is a perfect destination for a day trip from Toronto, Niagara Falls, London, and so many other places in Southern Ontario. The city is home to incredible hiking trails and waterfalls, along with a charming downtown filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. There are so many incredible things to do in Hamilton that make it a must-visit at least once for an amazing day trip.

Growing up in this area, I spent plenty of time exploring all corners of the city. I’ve hiked to numerous waterfalls and experienced most of the best things to do in Hamilton. It is definitely a city that will always remain close to my heart!

Continue reading to explore the top things to see and do on a day trip to Hamilton, Ontario!

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How to Get to Hamilton

Hamilton is very conveniently located off of Highway 403 and is accessible via car, bus, train, or flight.

By Plane: Book a flight to Hamilton International Airport. From here, take a taxi or an Uber into the city.

By Train: In Hamilton, there are stops for both VIA Rail trains and Go-Trains. There are a couple stop around Hamilton, including Aldershot and West Harbour GO. If heading to Hamilton for a day trip from Toronto, consider taking the Go-Train to avoid highway traffic!

By Bus: There are a number of bus stations throughout the city for Go-Buses, Greyhounds, and other bus companies. Hamilton Centre is a great stop if you are planning on exploring downtown. Depending on which part of Hamilton you wish to visit on your day trip, there may be a better bus stop – just check your maps!

When to Visit Hamilton

Hamilton is a great destination for a day trip year round, but there are better times to visit depending on what you would like to do.

Spring: This is the best time to visit if you want to see the waterfalls. While the waterfalls are incredible all throughout the year, they are the most powerful during the spring after the snow melts.

Summer: If exploring more of the city or the outdoors, summer is definitely the best time to visit. There are plenty of farmers markets and outdoor events to experience.

Fall: This is the best time to visit if your main plans are hiking. The fall foliage is incredible around the Hamilton area!

Winter: I like to visit Hamilton during the winter for holiday events, outdoor skating, hockey games, and trying out new restaurants.

Top Things to See and Do in Hamilton, Ontario on a Day Trip

Head Out for A Scenic Hike

The Hamilton area is well known for incredible hiking trails along the Niagara Escarpment. These are beautiful to explore during the whole year, but even more so during the fall season. The colours of the leaves along the trails are dreamy! Here are some of the best hiking trails in Hamilton:

• Dundas Peak
• Christie Lake Trail
• Sassafras Point Trail
• Spencer Adventure Trail
• Waterdown Wetland Trail

Visit One of the Many Beautiful Waterfalls

One of the most popular reasons for visiting Hamilton for a day trip is the waterfalls. The city is home to around 100 waterfalls, many of which are the best waterfalls to visit in Southern Ontario.

Some of the most incredible waterfalls to visit in Hamilton include:

• Websters Falls
• Tews Falls
• Albion Falls
• Tiffany Falls

Check Out the Shops in the Downtown Core

One of my favourite things to do on a day trip to Hamilton is wandering around the downtown area. Around Locke Street, there are plenty of shops ranging from fashion, health & beauty, home decor to specialty shops. Most are local businesses selling some fantastic items!

Visit Dundurn National Historic Site

The Dundurn National Historic Site is a gorgeous place to visit on your day trip to Hamilton. Here lies Dundurn Castle, a stunning villa built in the 1830s. Here, you can learn about the ground’s history through immersive experiences.

Go Shopping at Lime Ridge Mall

Lime Ridge Mall is a great shopping destination in Hamilton. It is a two level indoor mall with over 200 stores. It has several name-brand stores, boutique shops, and places to grab a bite to eat. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Hamilton!

Explore Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King

This stunning church was built in 1933. You can tour the interior of the church, attend Mass, or admire the architecture from outside. I personally love visiting churches when I travel because of the architecture, and this is one of my favourites in the area!

Grab a Bite at a Local Restaurant

Hamilton is home to many unique and delicious restaurants, serving dishes from a vast array of cuisines. Growing up near Hamilton, I always looked forward to a day trip to the city to try different foods.

Here are suggestions from Food Network for the best restaurants to try in Hamilton!

Take a Stroll Around Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is probably my favourite park in Hamilton. The park lies along the Hamilton Harbour and is the perfect place to take a relaxing walk by the water. The spacious park is perfect for picnics and spending a nice afternoon with friends or family.

Visit a Museum

There are plenty of museums to visit in Hamilton, ranging from military museums to technology museums. Some of the top ones to visit include:

• Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
• Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
• Griffin House National Historic Site
• Hamilton Children’s Museum
• The Hamilton Military Museum
• Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens is a stunning attraction to visit on a day trip to Hamilton. This nature reserve is home to both outdoor and indoor gardens, along with 27km of nature trails to enjoy.

Up to date information on pricing and hours can be found here.

Hang Out with Animals at the African Lion Safari

The African Lion Safari is located just a short drive from Hamilton and is a great attraction to spend a few hours at. Here, you can admire animals roaming around in a large contained area from a tour bus or your own car.

Bike Along the Great Trail

Previously known as the Trans Canada Trail, this trail system extends over 24,000 kilometers from coast to coast. It makes it’s way through Hamilton and is a great trail to ride your bike along on your day trip adventure!

Have you been to Hamilton for a day trip? What are your top things to see and do in Hamilton? Let me know about your experience in the comments!

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You might also like:

• Breathtaking Places to Visit in Ontario This Fall
• 9 Stunning Waterfalls to Visit in Southern Ontario
• Inglis Falls: The Most Beautiful Waterfall in Grey County, Ontario
• One Day in Montréal: How to Spend an Amazing Day Exploring Highlights
• A Scenic Day Trip to Prince Edward County
• A Day Trip Guide to Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Best Fall Hikes Near Toronto

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