Our Hamilton guide is supposed to provide you with a unique insight into the city and what it has to offer. Hamilton is one of the fastest-growing Canadian cities. It has a lot of employment opportunities to offer to everyone, a great downtown area, and housing prices that are very good for the Canadian market: CAD760,000 is lower than in many other cities in Ontario.

Still, the city keeps growing and it offers a lot of employment opportunities to all who would like to live there. The city is situated south of Toronto, on the shore of Lake Ontario. It is divided from Toronto by the Niagara Escarpment and is a beautiful city with many natural resources despite its strong industry. There are many outdoor trails and forested areas for all who like sports and the growing economy keeps attracting more and more people every year. 

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About the City of Hamilton

The city of Hamilton Ontario is a metropole. It has over 700,000 inhabitants who live around an hour’s drive from Toronto and can enjoy all the amenities of a big city, in both Toronto and their city. Hamilton is very popular among immigrants, as almost a quarter of its inhabitants are immigrants from different parts of the world.

The Continent of Origin of the Immigrant Population% of the Total Immigrant Population of Hamilton
Americas13
Europe48.6
Africa5.7
Asia32.2
Oceania0.3

So, the city of Hamilton is a good example of what does Canada look like. The bustling city with a growing economy, good sports and employment opportunities, and a rich American history – the city is one of the best examples of Canada in a nutshell. On top of this, the rich immigrant population testifies to the history of labour that had to be done to bring the city to where it is now and, at the same time, it is one of the incredible stories in Canada of how people from different countries can come together and make it work.

Pros and Cons of Living in Hamilton

Almost 25% of Hamilton residents are people who were not born in Canada at all. Out of this 25%, all of them are immigrants to Canada who have managed to get their citizenship or permanent residence. When it comes to the cost of living in Hamilton, Ontario, it is clear that it is higher than in some other places and provinces in Canada, but most immigrants that come to Canada tend to stay in more expensive areas for longer than born citizens, as the employment opportunities are higher and as many more immigrants in one area mean that you will be able to meet the people from your own culture and country.

Needless to say, just like with any other place in Canada, there are both pros and cons to living in Hamilton. The historical story of the city and its beginnings is rich, but today, the city is very different from what it was when it was founded. Let’s consider the housing, the neighbourhoods, the transportation, dining out, and the nightlife in Hamilton to better understand what the city has to offer to you if you are thinking about moving there.

Housing

The biggest expense, wherever you may want to move, is always going to be the housing. Housing in Hamilton, Ontario, is not cheap, with the average price of a housing unit sold being between CAD700,000-800,000, but a two-bedroom family home can be found for around CAD400,000. As this is more than enough for most immigrants, we can conclude that housing is not that expensive.

One of the most important items on the moving to Ontario checklist is going to be choosing the location of your new home. It is precisely the location of your home that will influence the price of the home the most. As with anything else in life, you will need a financial plan and you will need to know what and how to do to ensure that you have enough funds for your new home. What most immigrants focus on when moving to this city is how much of a mortgage they can afford. In reality, you will also need to consider the closing costs, as well as the property taxes that you, as the new owner, will have to pay on the property you purchase.

This being said a new home will also cost to maintain and overly large homes will cost more to fix, maintain, paint, clean, and keep up to date with all the newest gadgets and major appliances. Not only that, but even a large yard will cost in both taxes and maintenance costs. For this reason, we always suggest that you have a good think about what your financial possibilities are and what you reasonably need. The housing cost in Hamilton, Ontario, is at the same time both the biggest pro and the biggest con of living in the area.

The Neighbourhood

The city of Hamilton was not always a city and did not spring up from a single town that kept on growing. In fact, the city of Hamilton came together only in 2001, when the towns of Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Flamborough, Dundas, and Glanbrook joined and this is how the city of Hamilton came to be. Today, the towns that used to be independent are in different neighbourhoods and the city centre has turned into a bustling business hub out of which radiates 20th-century buildings, cafes, and local restaurants. Do your research and try to find out the best place for you in Hamilton – the neighbourhoods that are the furthest from the city centre are usually the most affordable to live in.

Transportation

When it comes to transit in Hamilton, it may be very different from what you are used to in your home country or home city. In fact, Hamilton offers several bus and train routes, and many bike and car-sharing services that are supposed to keep expenses low, while still enabling you to go from point A to point B. On top of this, there are also taxi services, such as Lyft and Uber, but these may be very expensive, and we recommend you only use them when you absolutely must.

Despite all the transportation means and commodities that the city has to offer, most Hamilton residents still rely on their cars to get around. Seeing a cyclist on a street is unusual and most bus departures are half-empty. Far car from an eco-utopia, Hamilton is simply a city made for cars. Still, if you do not drive, or have just come to the city, it is important to keep the expenses low until you are settled, so let’s consider some options for getting around that you can consider for the time being.

The public transportation in Hamilton mostly relies on buses. However, not all bus lines are operational 24/7 and some even do not work on the weekends. The city of Hamilton uses the PRESTO card system, which is the same as in Toronto. To access the system, you will need to purchase a fare, and a monthly fare in Hamilton costs just above CAD105 per person. If you are a student or a retired senior, there are discounts for you.

There is also the GO transit system. This system runs buses and trains through the Hamilton area and extends to Toronto City. The train line that runs through the city is that of the Lakeshore West Train Line. There are a lot of means of transport in Hamilton and choosing the best will depend on where you need to go – you should generally focus on the commuter line first, for your own commute, and then expand if you need to visit other parts of the city as well.

Dining Out

Dining out in Hamilton is also a part of living there. CAD75 is the average price for a dinner for two in a mid-level restaurant and without going overboard with the drinks. James Street North, King William, and Locke Street are all known for their many restaurants and the food prepared in Hamilton is mostly locally sourced, easy on the stomach, and very international. Needless to say, with this many tourists and immigrants, the city also has plenty of places where Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Latin American foods can be eaten.

Not only this but there are also a number of spots where you can enjoy fast food while on the go or on the way to work. And if you feel tired when coming back home and do not feel like having yet another rotisserie chicken from the local supermarket, you have the Skip the Dishes and Doordash food delivery services. We recommend you be careful with these, as the service and delivery charges add up quickly. Not only this, but the services will also charge you for food more than the restaurant producing the food would. For this reason, and for the relatively high prices of eating out, cooking at home is still the best option for many people – especially those that only recently came to the area and still have a lot of settling in to do.

Nightlife

The drinking age in many countries in the world is 18, but in Ontario, it is 19, so this is something to pay attention to, especially if you are still on hold for a residence permit or hoping to renew one in the near future. Hamilton is a relatively small city with a super-rich nightlife but there are still places, nightclubs, and places with an authentic, local music scene to try out. In fact, there are many places to go out, and if this is not enough an hour’s ride will take you to Toronto and all that this city has to offer.

When it comes to nightlife in Hamilton, it is clear that the city still has plenty of opportunities to go out. Augusta Street has many bars, and it is known as the British Pub District. Hess Street may be too much for many, as many youngsters go there to drink too much. A strong police presence speaks for itself – Hess Street is not a place for everyone. The gay community does not have a village of its own, but there are plenty of gay-friendly bars and places to hang out during the evening.

Migrating to Hamilton

As we’ve said before, almost a quarter of people living in Hamilton are people who have moved in from abroad. Out of the remaining three quarters, a portion has moved to the city from elsewhere in Canada, as the city is rich in offers and employment opportunities. However, once there, you will need to obtain an Ontario Photo Card or a driver’s license in Ontario. This being said it is important to understand that you will need to make some adjustments to your way of life once in Canada. Needless to say, these adjustments, take place once you move there, but before, you will need to consider the different options you have to come to Canada in the first place. Here are some (not all) immigration programs that you can use to immigrate to Ontario, Canada:

  • the Canadian Experience Class – the CEC – this immigration pathway has been designed for all who have work experience in Canada and are either still in Canada or would like to immigrate back to the country. The program has its own prerequisites, which detail the type and the length of employment in Canada that is acceptable for the program, criminal and medical admissibility, and the language level that is desired. You can join this program alone, as the principal applicant, or with your spouse. In any case, the program is a part of the Express Entry platform through which you apply for it
  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program – FSWP – The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a special immigration pathway that skilled and highly educated potential immigrants can use to immigrate to Ontario and Hamilton. When it comes to the program itself, it clearly outlines the education level that is necessary and favours those without Canadian experience (use the CEC program if you have Canadian work experience) and who have managerial or coordinating experience in their fields. When it comes to the program itself, it is clear that it is aimed at bringing those with a potentially high positive impact on the Canadian economy to the Canadian borders and it relies on the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) to bring the best of the best to Canada
  • the Federal Skilled Trades Program – the FSTP – The Federal Skilled Trades program is a special immigration program managed by the Express Entry platform. The program has the aim of making it easier for those with skills that Canada seeks to immigrate to Canada. Unlike the Skilled Worker Program, the Skilled Trades Program asks for less education and has a lower minimum language requirement. The program is very popular, and you will be graded on two different scales – the first one is to see if you are eligible for the program itself, and the second is the CRS score system
  • study permits – there are hundreds of thousands of study permits that are issued to those that would like to study in Canada. The programs for the international mobility of students are designed in such a way that all eligible students who have already been accepted into a Canadian university or college (any of the designated learning institutions of the post-secondary type) can get their study permit within 20 days and move to Canada for the duration of their studies. When it comes to work opportunities, most study permits are issued with a work permit as well. If otherwise is the case with you, you can ask for the expansion of the rights on the study permit, but will not be able to work more than 20 hours a week while classes are in session or 40 hours a week during the breaks
  • temporary work permits – temporary work permits are issued to all who would like to come to Canada for a short time for work. Some of these rights can also be achieved under the TRV – Temporary Resident Visa, but it is always better to seek a work permit if the main purpose of the trip is work-related. This being said, this is a very popular temporary immigration pathway, as you can use this visa to join other programs while in Canada and prolong your stay
  • International Experience Canada – the IEC program – The IEC program was imagined as a way to allow citizens of some countries to come to Canada and work and live there for a while. The program allows citizens of some 30 countries to come to Canada, work and live here, work on their language and intercultural competence, and take this knowledge with them back to their home country. The program allows Canadians to travel to all countries for a period of time, usually no longer than 2 years
  • working holiday visa – the working holiday visa is especially popular among students and other youngsters who would like to come to Canada and make sure that they have had a good summer or two. The program enables one to reside and work in Canada for a set period of time, and it is a great way to get to know the country, especially if you plan to move to Canada one day
  • intra-company transfers – Intra-company transfers are another very popular option for temporary immigration to Canada. If your company has headquarters in Canada or a branch, a subsidiary of a kind or a similar legal entity directly correlated to the mother company, you can use this program to immigrate to Canada. In the case you do so, you will be issued an employer-specific or closed work permit and will have to stay and work for the company for a set period of time. Your arrival to Canada should result in work process optimization, right-sizing the company or in other ways securing a better exchange of knowledge and working principles between the two international legal entities. To join the program, you need to have an executive or a managerial function
  • post-graduate work permit – Post-graduate work Permits (PGWP) are special work permits that are issued to those who have studied in Canada, upon their request and the completion of their studies. To be eligible for one, you need to have had more than 50% of your curriculum realized on-campus or in-person, and you will also need to have had a clean police file. You can apply for one even if you have already left Canada and are back in your home country, but there will be some limits considering the time spent outside of Canada. The PGWP can be issued for a period equal to the time you have spent studying as a full-time student (in the case of part-time studies, the equivalent in full-time is calculated first) and then you are issued the PGWP, but not for a period shorter than 8 months or longer than 3 years
  • LMIA-based work permits – LMIA-based work permits are usually issued in the form of temporary work permits that are closed in character. A closed work permit, as opposed to an open one, is issued to a single person and for work related to a single Canadian employer. The process of getting one is a two-step process, whereas the first step is carried out by the employer. The employer needs to prove to the ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents who can fill the work position sought after by the employer. Once a positive LMIA is issued, the employer gets the LMIA number and sends it to the prospective applicant, who uses the number for their own work permit application, which is then processed in a shorter time. The LMIA is issued on a case-to-case basis and there is no way to know who will get it
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the PNP-equivalent of the province. The program is not a single program, but it rather has many other, smaller programs, each with its own needs and prerequisites that a potential applicant should fulfill to be able to be considered for a PR (Permanent Residence) in Canada. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program currently has the following programs available for application:
    • the Human Capital Priorities
    • the French-speaking Skilled Worker
    • the Skilled Trades
    • The Master’s Graduate Stream
    • the Ph.D. Graduates Stream
    • the International Student Stream
    • the Foreign Worker Stream
    • the In-Demand Skills Stream
    • the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
  • Ontario family sponsorship programs – the sponsorship programs are there to unite families with those who have moved to Canada permanently, are over 18 years of age, and have a Canadian permanent residence or citizenship. The family sponsorship class of immigration can help someone already in Canada bring their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada, including their children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents. In some cases, it is also possible to get a chance to bring your siblings in as well. When it comes to the program, please beware that you will need to support your family members financially and that you will need to ensure that they are safe and taken care of. When using this pathway for immigration, you will also need to prove that your finances are good/high enough so that you can support your family members

How To Move to Hamilton From Abroad?

All of the above-explained immigration pathways are valid, legal ways for you and your family members to immigrate to Canada. When it comes to the programs themselves, you are likely to be confused by the sheer number of opportunities there are, so we always recommend you hire an immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer to ensure the application process is smooth and that you are applying for the right program considering your immigration goals, education, language level and the place that you would like to live in.

When it comes to how to move to Hamilton from abroad, most immigrants choose to come and settle here with little to no possessions except their settlement funds. However, this may not always be the right solution, as some people may simply prefer to bring their stuff with them. In this case, you will need to consider having a professional moving company move your furniture and stuff from your home country to Canada. Sometimes, this can be very expensive, so you may want to consider repurchasing everything once in Canada.

Hamilton-Based Employment

There are many opportunities to find work in Hamilton, Ontario. In fact, from the ’90s and the economic crash, the city has boomed to become one of the most economically diverse cities in Canada. Agri-food, chemical engineering, steel, construction, manufacturing industries, education, healthcare, service industries, and many more all offer chances for employment. The city recently got ranked as the top Canadian city for economic diversity.

Education System in Hamilton

The educational system in Canada is not that different from elsewhere in the world, with the notable exception of higher education being one of the cheapest among all 33 developed countries in the world. When it comes to the schooling system itself and the focus it has on students, it is clear that the focus is on individuality, choice, and self-improvement. Not too distant from the democratic dream that Canada has to offer.

Canadian School Expectations

Canadian schools are very much like American schools, with lockers in the hallways and busy cafeterias. Children are also taken to school on yellow school buses, but only if they are eligible. The eligibility only depends on the distance that the child has to cross to get to school and also on the age of the child. When it comes to the curriculum, it is highly individualized, and children can choose what they want to do at each stage of their education.

When it comes to homework, there is a lot of it, and children are expected to show independence and proactivity in every school subject. Far from the boring lecture-style instruction, Canadian schools favour pair and group work and presentations as a means of grading and learning. When it comes to the classroom and class size, Canadian classrooms mostly have no more than 25 students per class, although this number increases with every next step in education. Already in high schools, the number reaches 30, and some may even top that.

Hamilton’s Higher Education

Hamilton’s higher education is paired with the world’s top learning institutions. The high insistence on extracurricular activities and career training while still in school is important to ensure that the students are well prepared for the work market and the sheer exposure to all the activities that students can partake in can help them choose their careers better.

Support services, healthcare, domestic subjects, cosmetology, and arts are just some of the extracurriculars that students can choose to study in. When it comes to post-secondary education, many students decide to go into Canadian colleges and Universities, but not always in Hamilton. The thing is that Hamilton has excellent colleges and universities, but many young adults use this period of life to move away from their hometown and experience living alone, in a different city.

Hamilton’s Private Schools

Besides public schools in Hamilton, which offer education of very high quality, you may also choose to educate your children in private schools. These schools may offer education of even higher quality, but they do cost – in general between CAD7,000-21,000 per school year. Still, many choose to send their children to private schools, and there are almost a dozen in the Hamilton area.

Weather in Hamilton

The weather in Hamilton can be described as continental, with long and harsh winters and summers that are typically long and hot. However, the increased humidity around the summer area can make the weather feel more tropical than it truly is. Still, the average daily temperature in the summer switches between 22°C and 27°C, while in the winter, it is below freezing for almost 130 days a year. When it comes to the wintertime, you will need good winter clothes and heating in your apartment.

And do not count on a single electric heater being able to keep the place warm. You will need access to gas or another fuel to keep yourself warm during the winter, especially if you live in a home or a remote area. At the same time, you will also need good boots, water-resistant, and you will need warm layers of clothes. As different countries define winter clothes as something peculiar to them, we recommend you bring with you the warmest clothes you have, but also to make sure you have some cash on hand for clothing purchases once you arrive in Canada. November is particularly good for this, as discounts are there to ensure you do not overpay.

On the other hand, summers in Hamilton can be very warm. This does not mean that you will be experiencing temperatures of over 40°C, but at the same time, it is the humidity that is the killer. Having a read-out temperature of 27°C with a subjective feel of 35°C thanks to the humidity is not unheard of. For this reason, you will need air-conditioning to kick in in June and keep spinning to September. The critical periods, as always are July and August, and we recommend you stay away from the sun and plan activities in indoor or shaded areas only. A good trip to the beach is also a good way to cool down, but it may take quite a ride to get there, so this is the time of the year when it is best to take a vacation.

Everything You Need To Know About the Hamiltonians

‘Hey, how are you’? is not a way to greet newcomers only in the US. Many Hamiltonians are more than ready and more than willing to go out of their way to make you feel at home. The city has undergone a period of job losses and general economic decline. For this reason, the Hamiltonians are very warm and welcoming, as every customer has to be kept.

So, whether entering a restaurant or a barber’s shop, be prepared for a warm greeting and a smile on your face. And we recommend you respond the same way. Considering that the city’s economy was rebuilt, in particular by its inhabitants, all of them feel connected to the city and the charms it has to offer. The city is well-kept and all newcomers feel as if they were at home. This is, in fact, one of the biggest benefits of living in Hamilton – the richness of spirit and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you are looking for a mixture of a small-town feel and the amenities that only larger cities have to offer, Hamilton is the right place for you. It seems that the spirit of the towns that came to make up the city of Hamilton (the towns of Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Flamborough, Dundas, and Glanbrook) is still present and the general helping attitude of those that have settled the Americas a few centuries ago is still present in Canada, although it has been lost in many other countries of the world.

Check Out This Hamilton Neighborhood Guide:

Best Places to Eat in Hamilton

Once you are in Hamilton and have had the chance to settle most of your affairs, it is time to consider giving yourself a pat on the back and going out to enjoy all that the city has to offer. When it comes to one of the unique experiences that the city has to offer, eating out is probably the best one to start with. So, let’s go and consider the best places that East Hamilton and Downtown Hamilton have to offer.

East Hamilton

East Hamilton is best known for its two streets where you can find everything edible. The streets are the Ottawa Street and the Barton Street. Let’s consider some places you can find here and elsewhere in Hamilton.

Casual Meals

There are several places around the city where you can order delicious burgers, pizzas, and brews. Order the burgers the Canadian style (with mayonnaise, guaranteed satisfaction), and top it off with a nice soda or a beer (drink responsibly and have a designated driver if you drink). Here are a few places to make your stomach love Hamilton:

  • Bernie’s Tavern
  • Shorty’s Pizza
  • Baranga’s on the Beach
  • Hutch’s on the Beach
  • Hearty Hooligan
  • Cafe Baffico
  • The Parlour

Coffee Shops

Nothing says North America as a coffee shop. A perfect place to relax and enjoy, the coffee shops usually also offer cookies, shakes, and more brews than you are willing to try. Let’s have a look at a few of these:

  • Tim Horton’s
  • The Cannon
  • The Inclusion Coffeehouse

Iconic Dining Places

Of course, every city has its iconic dining places. Whether iconic because so many celebrities have visited, or because of amazing signature dishes, here are a few in the East Hamilton area:

  • Hambrgr – despite the name, they are famous for their milkshakes
  • Wildcat
  • Barton Salumeria and Charcuterie
  • Motel

Global Dining Places

Canada would not be Canada without a rich offer of international cuisine. Let’s see what Hamilton has to offer:

  • Caro Restaurant and Bar
  • Merk Snack Bar
  • Power Pizza
  • Ellis Kitchen
  • Maipai Tiki Bar
  • O Cantinho Churrasqueira and Cafe
  • Simply Italian Bakery

Downtown Hamilton

Downtown Hamilton is the heart of the city. The famous ‘Restaurant Row’ is in a way, the eatery of the whole downtown area, but there are more places to explore. James Street is another such stretch. The beauty of downtown Hamilton is that there are always new places to try out.

Downtown hamilton guide restaurants

Casual Meals

There are several places where you can grab a quick bite with your friends. Finger foods or something more elaborate, are a perfect place to enjoy a casual meal, similar to the American experience of a diner:

  • Eat Undefined
  • The Diplomat
  • Burnt Tongue
  • Bread Bar
  • Saltlick Smokehouse
  • Gown & Gavel

Fine Dining Restaurants

Finer restaurants exist as well. Although fine dining is difficult to define, one is certain: the food is amazing, and so are the prices. Here are a few places you may want to visit on a special occasion. Make sure to call in advance and reserve a table:

  • Le Tambour Tavern
  • The French
  • Brothers Grimm Bistro
  • Rapscallion
  • Shakespeare’s

Coffee Shops

Coffee shops abound throughout the city. When it comes to the area, it is important to note that every coffee house is a tad bit different. If you are a coffee-holic, it is time to explore them all. Here are a few of the best places to wake up:

  • Smalls
  • Relay
  • Andiamo
  • Mulberry
  • Steeltown Garage
  • Synonym
  • Cafe Oranje
  • The Bard and Bear Games

Iconic Dining Places

The Downtown Hamilton area also has a lot of iconic dining places. When it comes to these, it is not difficult to see why: creativity, signature dishes, and amazing cocktails are all as good as it gets in these places:

  • Electric Diner – 80s-inspired
  • My Sweet Tooth
  • Chocolat on James
  • Cafe Baffico
  • Ola Bakery

Global Dining Places

Last, but not least, the Downtown Hamilton area also has a lot of global, or international restaurants. Here are a few where you can go and grab a bite of your local food and bring back all the good memories of your hometown cuisine:

  • Mystic Ramen
  • Sagarmatha Curry Palace
  • The Mule
  • Castelli Cucina
  • Flora Pizzeria
  • Born and Raised
  • Martello
  • Charred
  • Dunas Verdes
  • Mesa
  • Noodle Me
  • Nabil’s Grill
  • Hess Village
  • Amigos

Best Places to Visit in Hamilton

And once your stomach is full, it is best to go and find yourself a nice little place to visit. After all, walking after a hearty meal is good for digestion, right? Luckily, there are a few good places to visit in both East Hamilton and Downtown Hamilton.

East Hamilton

East Hamilton is a mix of residential buildings, eateries, lakefront attractions, and unique shopping experiences. When it comes to the area, the historic roots are deep, and the whole area is experiencing a fantastic revival, especially after the turbulent 90s.

Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology

This museum is situated in an old pump house. The building itself is over 150 years old. The museum has some of the oldest steam pumps and engines in the world on display.

Confederation Park

The Confederation Part or the Confederation Beach Park is a park with an observation tower, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a go-kart track. There is also a pickleball court in the park. This is a perfect place for the family.

Playhouse Cinema

The Playhouse Cinema is one of the oldest screening houses in the city. It has newer releases, but also older classics. The cinema also has an international character: at the time of writing, Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ was screened.

The Argyle

The Argyle is probably the strangest on the list of attractions we recommend you visit. Still, the place has its own unique characteristics and represents a mix of new and old. The bar itself looks like a beaten-up place from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. Still, the three state-of-the-art golf simulators make the mix and make it work really well.

Downtown Hamilton

Downtown Hamilton does not only offer coffee houses and a fine dining experience. Quite on the contrary, the place also has art galleries, a beautiful waterfront area, heritage centres, and more.

Art Gallery of Hamilton

The Art Gallery of Hamilton has some 10,000 pieces on display. The gallery stores both local and national exhibits.

Notable Downtown Galleries

Besides the Art Gallery of Hamilton, there are more art galleries to consider. The Hamilton Artist Inc., the Assembly Galler, and You Me Gallery are some of them. Make sure to dedicate a day to each, as the exhibits are not small and not few – you will need considerable time to visit them all.

Theatre Aquarius

The Theatre Aquarius is a hub for all creative minds. It engages the community, lets you rent their space out, and allows gathering to share stories that feed your thoughts. The gallery has been operational for more than 50 years now.

Waterfront

The waterfront area was designed with the industrial era in mind. There are public art installations, spaces for sporting events, and even skating rinks. This is also the place where you can find the Theodore Tugboat.

Whitehern Historic House and Garden

The Whitehern is a historic home in Hamilton Downtown that offers a guided tour and a costumed interpreter. The home belonged to a family that had six children, all of whom never married. The home finally got into the hands of the city after all of them passed away. There are up to three hours a day, and they cost as low as CAD7.75 per person.

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre is more than 25 years old. It was started by an enthusiastic group of historians, artists, and activists who realized that the city needed one more museum. The centre is situated in an old custom house building.

Best Shops to Visit in Hamilton

We’ve mentioned before that you should be ready for harsh Canadian winters and even more so for the low temperatures. However, shopping for warm clothes to help you push through the winter is not the only shopping you should be doing. With this in mind, let’s go and consider some alternative shopping experiences that you will need to relax after a long day at work.

East Hamilton

In East Hamilton, there is everything you need. The city is truly a metropolis with all the different nationalities interwoven in a single fabric. The East Hamilton is home to different shops and places to spend your money in. Let’s have a look at some of these. Clothing and spices, textiles, and art pieces can all be found in some of these:

  • Dawson’s Hot Sauce
  • The Millionaire’s Daughter
  • Antique Avenue
  • Out of the Past Clothing
  • European Textiles
  • Bra-Making Supply
  • Cabinet of Curiosities
  • Earls Court Gallery

Downtown Hamilton

The Downtown area also has a lot of shopping experiences to offer. Here are a few places that you should visit:

  • Vintage Soul Geek
  • Girl on the Wing
  • Studio 205
  • The Local Skate Shop
  • Dr. Disc
  • Into the Abyss
  • Tourism Hamilton’s Visitor Experience Centre
  • Len Democratic
  • Hamilton International Village
  • Downtown Hamilton

Unique Things to Do in Hamilton

If shopping and eating out do not excite you, this is easy to understand. After all, all Canadian cities offer this kind of experience to their residents. But, there are also some things that you can do in Hamilton only. Here are a few:

  • Take a flight in Avro Lancaster – for lovers of flying and all things air, the Acro Lancaster can be found in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. You can book a flight and enjoy knowing there are only two of them left in the world who can still fly to this day
  • The Hamilton area is home to almost 100 waterfalls – and you can visit all of them
  • The African Safari – yes, even in Canada you can go on an African Safari – and enjoy one of over 1,000 exotic birds and animals
  • Enjoy Hamilton sporting events – Canadians are big about their sports, so it is easy to see why you would want to move here if you are into sports. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Around the Bay Road Race are just two of the many sporting attractions the city has to offer
  • The Botanical Gardens – yes, Hamilton also has its own botanical garden, known as the RBG. It has more than 1,100 species and takes up an area of over 2,700 acres

FAQs

How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Hamilton?

You will need around CAD20 per hour to make a comfortable living in Hamilton, Ontario. The relatively affordable housing in the outskirts of the city (CAD400,000 for a two-bedroom place), as well as plenty of (free) sporting places and reasonable food prices, make Hamilton one of the more affordable areas to live in.

Where are the Hamilton Waterfalls?

There is not a single set of waterfalls in Hamilton. In fact, there are almost 100 of them. When it comes to these, it is clear that you can visit one every weekend off you have, and it will still take you almost two years to visit all of them. When it comes to the waterfalls, we recommend you visit the Albion Falls and the er Chedoke Falls.

Are Stores Open in Ontario on Family Day?

As Family Day is a big national holiday, most stores will be closed. However, there will still be a few open stores. Mostly, the open stores are places where you can purchase food and basic household supplies.

Is It Safe to Live in Hamilton, Ontario?

Hamilton is a very safe place to live. By Canadian standards, this is not a small town, but it still manages to have a very low crime rate. When it comes to the Hamilton area and its surroundings, safety is ensured by a strong police presence in critical areas.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to moving to Canada, Hamilton Ontario may be the best place to go. With plenty of immigration options and a lot to see in the area, the city is likely to charm you with its accepting people and the calm atmosphere of a small town in a city of 700,000. Plenty of eateries, coffee shops, and shopping opportunities await those brave enough to seek their destiny.