Explore an Eclectic Collection of Rainbow Registered and Inclusive Stops On A Relaxed 2-Day Road Trip
As a Rainbow Registered tourism region, the Heart of Ontario is passionate about its role in building a more inclusive Canada, and we’re not alone! We’re proud to work with a growing collection of local businesses and organizations prioritizing the creation of welcoming spaces and experiences for all visitors. Get to know some of our many welcoming and inclusive partners on this two-day road trip.
DAY 1
MORNING: HAMILTON (ANCASTER)
Begin your day at a special place where community is celebrated, and creative interests are encouraged. Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum is a Tudor-style English cottage on seven acres of farmland on a rise overlooking the main street of Ancaster. In addition to being a hive of cultural activities, this small community museum also boasts award-winning landscaped gardens and walking trails that are well worth the time for a wander. Be sure to check out the Stories From The Edge exhibit, which showcases the history of Ancaster through 31 fascinating stories and artifacts from the earliest human occupants to the present day.
LUNCH STOP: HAMILTON (ANCASTER)
Treat yourself to lunch with a spectacular view at the Ancaster Mill, which was named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in Canada for 2023. The restaurant, built around a Niagara Escarpment waterfall, offers harvest-focused cuisine with ingredients from local farms and butchers.
AFTERNOON: HAMILTON
Spend the afternoon getting a taste for Hamilton Halton Brant’s thriving craft beer scene. Start out with a tasting flight at MERIT Brewing, where you’ll meet a team of ambitious friends striving to represent Hamilton’s heart, art, and soul in every beer, bite and experience. The brewery’s logo, which features a lightbulb, serves as a reminder to the MERIT team to keep pushing boundaries, acting with purpose, and creating a brighter future.
If you’re looking for another set of sips, consider heading over to Collective Arts Brewing. The brewery and distillery believes that collective collaboration makes for a more equitable, more inclusive, and more creative world. You’ll see that philosophy displayed in the interesting art showcased throughout the space and in the beautiful product packaging.
If you’re visiting in September and your trip aligns with Hamilton’s Supercrawl, be sure to leave some time in the afternoon to check out the art, music, performers, and one-of-a-kind street festival scene. Be sure to also check Pride Hamilton’s event schedule to see if they’ve got something fun planned that coincides with your trip.
EVENING: HAMILTON
After a full day of exploring, Merk Snack Bar’s rogue tapas-style menu, creative cocktails and impressive craft beer collection are sure to delight. The Hearty Hooligan, an all-vegan restaurant and bakery, is another excellent choice if you’d prefer a plant-based meal.
After dinner, freshen up for a fun evening out, or settle in for a relaxing night enjoying a comfortable room at C Hotel. The roster of guests who have enjoyed the European-style accommodations here in the past includes Sylvester Stallone, Olivia Newton-John and Tony Bennett.
More Evening Fun Ideas:
If you decide to head back out on the town for the evening, The Well is Hamilton’s one-stop party destination. The all-inclusive safe space regularly hosts karaoke, bingo, game nights, Cabaret drag shows, and DJs that keep the dance floor jumping with the best sound, lighting, and go-go dancers. For those who prefer a scene that’s a little more country, Dirty Dog Saloon will have you going full Coyote Ugly and dancing on the bar!
DAY 2
MORNING: MILTON
After breakfast at your hotel, start your morning off with some stunning Niagara Escarpment views. Mount Nemo Conservation Area, just a short drive from your hotel, is an excellent spot for hiking, rock climbing, and geocache exploring.
If you’re travelling in June or August, be sure to check out Halton’s Annual Pride Fest which takes place at a different location each year in the region, or the Halton Pride Parade organized by Milton Prism over in downtown Milton and join in the festivities!
LUNCH STOP: OAKVILLE
Reward yourself after your morning of fresh air fun with a delicious lunch at Oakville’s Kerr Street Café, where a tasty brunch menu is served until 3 pm.
AFTERNOON: OAKVILLE
Spend your afternoon exploring Oakville’s picture-perfect shopping districts. Start out strolling through Kerr Village after lunch, and if you have enough time, make your way to Bronte Village and Downtown Oakville.
EVENING: OAKVILLE
After getting in thousands of steps exploring Oakville, you’ll be ready for a delicious dinner. Return to Kerr Village to experience the warmth of Community. This friendly restaurant is on a mission to inspire, educate and promote a vegan lifestyle with deliciousness on every plate!
Only about a one-kilometre walk from your restaurant, the Oakville Centre For The Performing Arts is the perfect place to wrap up your trip on an artistic note. Check the calendar prior to your visit to time your trip with the concert, comedy show, informative talk, or arts performance of your choice.
Optional Second-Night Stay:
If you’d rather retreat to a cozy room after your concert than drive back home, Sandman Hotel Oakville will be ready to welcome you. The Oakville Residence and Conference Centre, located on the campus of Sheridan College, is another great budget-friendly choice nearby.
If you are looking for more close-by itinerary ideas, check out Sustainability Excellence: Halton, or drive a little further and try Rural on the Ridge for a fresh, country escape in Hamilton.
