- Embrace sweater weather in one of Canada’s coolest cities ✔️
- Sip pints on the patios of a rapidly growing collection of craft breweries ✔️
- Spot scene-stealing locations from one of Netflix’s most popular new shows ✔️
Take It Outside
Hamilton’s Conservation Areas are an ideal destination for a hit of fresh air and fall colour. In addition to a network of fantastic hiking and biking trails, Christie Lake features an 18-hole disc golf course that winds its way through fields and forests. Eramosa Karst’s underground caves and streams, meadows and forests make it a perfect escape for an afternoon of exploring.
Do Something Unexpected
If you’re a fan of the popular Netflix series, Umbrella Academy, you may be surprised to learn how many scenes from seasons one and two were filmed in Hamilton. Visiting the locations with cameo moments in the show makes for a fun day of exploring. This map includes all the details as well as scene photos from the show.
Another fun piece of Umbrella Academy trivia is that Hamilton native, T.J. McGibbon, plays young Vanya on the show. Read this blog post to check out all of her favourite Hamilton haunts, including restaurants, waterfalls and fun outdoor activities.
Stock The Trunk With Fall Flavours
Take a little detour just beyond Hamilton’s borders to find the freshest produce direct from local farms and orchards. Murphy’s Country Produce in Binbrook and Fletcher Fruit Farms in Hannon are both fantastic choices. For one-stop shopping for all things fall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Hamilton’s huge Farmer’s Market.
Score One-of-a-Kind Finds
Hamilton is a city of very distinctive neighbourhoods. Fans of vintage shopping and interior decorating will love poking around the shops of Ottawa Street. Barton Village is Hamilton’s historic shopping village. Westdale Village is a vibrant, historic neighbourhood and shopping district with interesting cafes and restaurants. The Main West Esplanade area is a neighbourhood that fans of historic architecture won’t want to miss. Locke Street is tucked just below the Niagara Escarpment and is brimming with an exciting mixture of shopping and dining.
Downtown Hamilton, including the King West and International Village districts, is the place to be for foodies with a passion for global cuisine, art lovers and avid shoppers. The Concession Street district, which stretches from Upper Wellington Street to Upper Gage Street, is a great destination for a leisurely stroll with a little shopping on the side. For a more intense workout, follow the locals’ lead and walk the stairs that lead up the Niagara Escarpment.
Sip Something New
Original Hamilton Beer Tours’ packaged experiences mean getting a taste for Hamilton’s hot craft brew scene has never been easier. Their five-hour Hamilton Public Beer Tour includes a visit to three unique Hamilton craft brewers and one cider house. You’ll enjoy a flight or glass of beer/cider at each stop, as well as a food pairing at one brewery and a guided tour at one brewery. Groups of 8 have the option of booking a private tour. To create your own tour, explore Hamilton Halton Brant’s True Brew Path.
Settle In For A Tasty Meal
Intimate dining doesn’t get much more personal than a restaurant that only serves six people at a time. The Heather may be Canada’s tiniest restaurant, but it’s been generating some big buzz! Pull up a seat at the counter and watch Chef Matt Cowan work his magic on as many as ten tasting courses that come together to create one unforgettable meal. Be sure to reserve well in advance!
Explore A Little More
Round out your day of autumn exploring in Hamilton with additional activity and dining suggestions from Tourism Hamilton and nearby Stoney Creek. To get to know the other communities that are nearby, set aside some time to discover Burlington, Dundas and Ancaster.