List of tourist attractions in Hamilton, Ontario facts for kids

Hamilton, Ontario, is a vibrant city in Canada with lots to explore! It's home to many amazing historical places, fun cultural spots, and even a special home for exotic birds. You can discover old castles, exciting museums, beautiful parks, and cool art galleries here.

FirstOntario Centre

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

HMCS Haida, Pier 9, Hamilton, Ontario

Elephants at African Lion Safari

Exploring Hamilton's History

Hamilton has many places where you can learn about the past. These sites help us understand what life was like long ago and the important events that happened here.

Famous Historical Places

• Dundurn Castle: This amazing castle was once the home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab. He was a very important leader in old Canada, known as the Prime Minister of Upper Canada. The castle is in the west part of the city and includes the Hamilton Military Museum and Dundurn Park.
• HMCS Haida: This is a real warship that you can visit! It's a National Historic Site and was Canada's most famous warship. It's the last ship of its kind, called a Tribal Class destroyer, left in the world.
• Whitehern Historic House & Garden: Located downtown, this beautiful old house and garden let you step back in time to see how people lived in the past.
• Battlefield House Museum: Found in Stoney Creek, this museum tells the story of an important battle from the War of 1812.
• Auchmar: This historic estate belonged to a respected person named Isaac Buchanan. It's a great example of old architecture.
• Nash-Jackson House: You can find this house at Stoney Creek Battlefield Park. It's another important spot connected to the War of 1812.
• Erland Lee Museum: Located in Upper Stoney Creek, this is the birthplace of the Women's Institutes. This group helped women learn new skills and support their communities.

Museums for Everyone

• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: If you love planes, this is the place for you! It's home to one of only two working Lancaster bombers left in the world. You can also see other historic planes like the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.
• Hamilton Children's Museum: This museum in the east end is specially designed for kids. It has interactive exhibits that make learning fun and exciting.
• Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology: Also in the east end, this museum shows how steam power and old machines worked. It's a fascinating look at how technology changed our lives.
• 31 Service Battalion Museum: This military museum focuses on the history of support services in the army in Hamilton. It has the largest collection of items from the Canadian Women's Army Corps.
• Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Heritage Museum: Located downtown, this museum tells the story of a local military regiment.

Unique Shopping and Markets

• Hamilton Farmer's Market: This market has been open since 1837! It's a great place to find fresh food and local products.
• Ottawa Street North: Known as the textile district, this street was voted one of Canada's favorite streets. It's also a top spot for antique shopping.

Hamilton's Cultural Scene

Hamilton is full of places where you can enjoy art, music, and theatre.

Dundurn Castle at Dundurn Park (summer)

Whitehern Museum

Art Galleries and Districts

• Art Gallery of Hamilton: Located downtown, this is one of the biggest art galleries in Canada. It has a huge collection of amazing artworks.
• James Street North Art District: This street is a lively area filled with art studios, galleries, and shops. It's a great place to see local art.
• McMaster Museum of Art: Found in the west end, this museum is part of McMaster University and has a diverse collection of art.
• Cotton Factory: This historic building has been turned into a creative hub for artists and businesses.
• Arctic Experience McNaught Gallery: This gallery showcases beautiful art, often with a focus on Canadian and Arctic themes.

Music and Entertainment

• Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: You can enjoy beautiful classical music performed by this talented orchestra.
• Bach Elgar Choir: This choir performs a variety of choral music, from classic pieces to modern works.
• Hess Village: This area is a popular spot for entertainment and dining, with many businesses in historic buildings.

Theatre Performances

• Hamilton Theatre Inc.: This group puts on exciting musical theatre shows for everyone to enjoy.

Fun Attractions and Activities

Festivals and Events

• Festival of Friends: Started in 1975, this is Canada's largest free annual music event. It's a fantastic way to enjoy live music and spend time with friends and family.

Sports and Races

The Canadian Football Hall of Fame

• Around the Bay Road Race: This is the oldest continuous long-distance foot race in North America, running since 1894!
• Canadian Football Hall of Fame: Located downtown, this museum celebrates the history and heroes of Canadian football.
• CANUSA Games: Hamilton is twinned with Flint, Michigan. Athletes from both cities compete in these friendly games every year.
• Jukasa Motor Speedway: This is a 5/8-mile oval track near Cayuga, Ontario, where you can watch exciting auto races.
• Flamboro Downs: Here you can watch horse racing and also enjoy slot machines.

Parks, Trails, and Nature

Webster's Falls

Pier 4 Park

Hamilton Harbour Cruises via Hamilton Harbour Queen

Hamilton is famous for its beautiful natural areas, including many parks, trails, and waterfalls.

• African Lion Safari: Located in Flamborough, this is a huge wildlife park where you can see amazing animals like lions, giraffes, and elephants up close.
• Royal Botanical Gardens: In the west end, these gardens are a national treasure. They have stunning plant collections, beautiful walking trails, and educational programs.
• Hamilton Aviary: Found in Westdale within Churchill Park, this aviary is home to many exotic birds.
• Bruce Trail: This long hiking trail passes through Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Dundas, and Flamborough, offering beautiful views of the Niagara Escarpment.
• Dundas Valley Conservation Area: A large natural area in Dundas with many trails for hiking and exploring.
• Waterfront Parks:
  • Bayfront Park and Pier 4 Park: These parks are along the waterfront, offering great views of the harbor, playgrounds, and trails.
  • Beach strip and lighthouse pier: A lovely area for walking along the beach and seeing the lighthouse.
• Gage Park: A large, historic park right in the middle of the city, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
• Westfield Heritage Village: Located in Flamborough, this village is like a living history museum, showing what life was like in the 19th century.