If you’re looking for some seasonal fun in the sun, you’ll find it in Hamilton Halton Brant. We’ve got cool activities, seasonal celebrations, and spectacular spectacles lined up this July and August. Read on for the best reasons to pack your bags and head here this summer:
- 1
You’re thirsting for an epic day of craft beer.
Call up your friends and make plans for a great summer weekend at the Because Beer Craft Beer Festival (July 12-13 at Pier 4 Park). Get ready for two days of great craft brew – more than 40 exceptional craft breweries and cideries to be exact – along with tasty food and fantastic music, all in a scenic Hamilton bay front location that will make you feel like you’ve escaped to the cottage. If you’re feeling important, book the VIP tour bundle that includes a luxury coach tour of local breweries before the celebrations.
- 2
You want some culture with your horticulture.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington hosts memorable nights of theatre and music throughout the summer. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August are Garden Music Nights with a stunning entertainment line-up in Hendrie Park. For three weeks in August, fans of the bard will want to head to the Rock Garden, where Shakespeare at the Rock presents Elizabethan theatre under the stars.
- 3
Baby elephants make you smile.
Just outside of metropolitan Hamilton, capture a pic of the newest addition to African Lion Safari’s family of exotic animal species. Sunita, a baby Asian elephant born in November, will be on view in the park’s drive through game reserve for the summer season.
- 4
Your love for waterfronts is overflowing.
Whether you want to dig your toes in the sand or sit on a patio and enjoy the lapping of the waves, we’ve got great waterfront spots for sun and sand, dining with a view, shoreline strolling, fresh air eats, outdoor fun and getting active. Lake Ontario, Christie Lake, Valens Lake, Kelso Lake, Crawford Lake, Pinehurst Lake and the Grand River are all perfect places to spend a water-filled day in our region.
- 5
Truly Canadian spectacles are on your bucket list.
Feel the thrill as the Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Pipes and Drums perform in front of Dundurn Castle at the Canada Day Military Tattoo. Catch a glimpse of the red-coated defenders of Canada West at Ridgeway during the Fenian Raid of 1866, as the 13th Battalion Ceremonial Guard takes to the field. This spectacular military musical celebration is the perfect way to show your true patriot love on July 1st.
Later in the month, one of Canada’s most renowned Indigenous events, the Grand River ‘Champion of Champions’ Pow Wow (July 26-28 at Chiefswood Park, Ohsweken) hosts dancers, singers and drum groups representing every major North American Indigenous cultural group. All are welcome to take in the sight of over 400 participants dressed in their finest regalia competing to be the most agile, astute and exciting performer.
- 6
You’ve always wanted to fly in a Lancaster.
Fly inside a Lancaster bomber and be part of the crew on a bombing raid with the BBC 1943 Berlin Blitz virtual reality experience at Hamilton’s Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. You’ll endure a night fighter attack in a journey to the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe during this unique cinematic experience that is only offered until August 31.
- 7
You hit the road for good food and good times.
If you’re a fan of the fuzzy pitted fruit, point the car to Stoney Creek for the annual Winona Peach Festival (August 23-25). Always fresh and always fun, the festival features crafters, a midway, free entertainment, a car show, and all kinds of peach favourites from pies, crepes, and cobblers to the famous peach sundae.
Burlington is the place to tantalize your taste buds when Taste of Burlington returns in late summer (August 12-September 2). Enjoy prix-fixe dining at restaurants across the city starting at $15 for lunch and $30 for dinner.
We’ve got plenty more reasons to visit Hamilton Halton Brant this summer, from seasonal festivals and events and outdoor pursuits to great day trip ideas and shortcuts to family fun. You’ll also want to plan your getaway to Hamilton Halton Brant with special offers and discounts on summer travel.