With its art crawls, lovingly restored historic buildings turned boutiques and bakeshops, and recent celebrity endorsements (film director Guillermo del Toro raved about the bookstores), Hamilton’s quiet cool is a refreshing detour.

If you’d like to spend your urban getaway like a local, hitting the top eat streets and shopping districts, here is your guide to the highlights of Hamilton’s most interesting ‘hoods:


Ottawa Street North

Known as the Design District, this is a neighbourhood best described as eclectic – where else could you combine antique hunting with noshing on locally famous waffles? Those celebrated waffles are found at Cannon Coffee Co., a recommended brunch pick where you can indulge in waffle sandwiches that are the perfect fuel for treasure hunting in the antique shops that dot the street. Down a flight of steps at Antique Avenue you’ll find a treasure trove of Eames chairs, mid-century modern furniture, and 70s signage. Add to your finds at Millionaire’s Daughter or Stardust Records, all great choices if you’re looking to indulge your love of secondhand. End your day with some sustenance at Hambugr or Canada’s first vegan-focused Boon Burger. If your tastes tend to Italian fare, you won’t go wrong at Café Limoncello.

Cannon Coffee Co.

James Street North

As this neighbourhood has evolved over the last few years it has truly come to embody the slogan “Art is the new Steel.” For many, the James Street North Art Crawl on the second Friday of every month is one of the best times to visit, and the chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind handmade item in a gallery, studio or store, or as you stroll the sidewalks filled with artisans and visual artists. But any time is a good time to explore the many artists’ galleries and co-operatives and the various independent retailers along this stretch.

This seven block district extends from Wilson to Murray Street. With its diversity of buildings, activities and people, the area is a real hub for shopping, galleries, and restaurants. For clothing, seek out unisex boutique O’s Clothes with labels like Fjallraven, Brixton and Penfield, and Pomp & Ceremony, or White Elephant, a clothing and lifestyle store focused on handmade and small-batch jewelry, accessories and gifts. Browse the eclectic mix of giftables, statement pieces and housewares at Pretty Grit, and don’t miss local favourite The Pale Blue Dot for antique and sustainable wares running the gamut of old and new.

Foodies will find their mecca here at The Hamilton Farmers’ Market, one of the largest and oldest in Canada and home of Canada’s first poke bar, Pokeh. Take a coffee break at Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery or Mulberry Coffee House, where you can enjoy a gluten-free donut while sitting amongst local artwork. If you have a sweet tooth, drop in to Chocolat on James for treats like chocolate-covered gummy bears and truffles. Two great restaurant choices are The Burnt Tongue, a soup shop that has evolved to offering what is, to many, the best craft burger in Hamilton; and Saltlick Smokehouse, where the table decides together what meats will be served and can choose from unique menu items like Korean beef ribs and crispy pork belly nuggets.

The Burnt Tongue

Locke Street South

Another Hamilton neighbourhood that has seen a recent evolution, this street in the southwest of the city has turned from a quiet strip into a bustling area dotted with bars, cafes and on-trend home retailers.

Lulu & Lavigne Home Studio offers an inspirational mix of new and vintage home décor and lifestyle accessories, while The Local Life is a permanent place for local makers to display their products and home to Small Batch Soap’s first retail location. Take a shopping break Democracy Coffee House, an industrial-chic vegan café where a deliberate lack of wi-fi contributes to great conversation.

If you’re looking for a meal, established local favourites include NaRoma Pizzeria with its Roman style pies and Mattson & Co. for elegant surroundings. Perhaps the neighbourhood’s busiest homegrown restaurant is well-loved Earth to Table Bread Bar, serving up pizzas and burgers with an upmarket, slow-food sensibility and commitment to eating local.

Earth to Table Bread Bar

Westdale Village

Best known for its proximity to McMaster University, this area is also home to 80+ shops and restaurants including a number of not-to-be-missed spots. This vibrant, historic neighbourhood village is best explored by a trip down King Street West. Highlights in this ‘hood are eats at Delirious Burger Company, treats at Walker’s Chocolates, and desserts and live music at The Bean Bar. Shoppers will want to check out Mixed Media for art supplies and reading materials, Casual Gourmet for kitchenware, Take Note for stationery, and Dakota Mae for womenswear. Head to the outskirts of Westdale and you’ll find Fairweather Brewing with its taproom and bottle shop, as well the nature trails of Cootes Paradise.

Fairweather Brewing

In addition to amazing shopping, art and food, Hamilton is home to the world’s largest collection of waterfalls, one of Canada’s most beloved football teams, amazing museums and heritage sites, and a happening live music scene. When you’re ready to discover why everyone is buzzing about “The Hammer”, make sure to check out the city’s experiences, tours and travel deals.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru December 31

Treewalk Village

Treetop Trekking

5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Ages 3-17: $22 Ages 18+: $10 2 and under or 65+: $0

July 24 - 28

Afternoon Mixed Media Camp (Ages 7-12): July 24 – July 28

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: July 24 to July 28, TIME: 1PM to 4PM, MEMBER COST: $135.00,...

October 20 - December 15

Bitters Workshop

Manns Distillery

581 West Street Brantford, Ontario

Now thru December 31

360 VR Experience

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

3 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 6 flyer(s) 2 flights + 1 addtional...

June 1 - October 1

On The Water

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Length: 3 hours. All tours must be booked with 2 weeks notice, during tour season

Now thru November 23

Grand Voyageur (Guided)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

Trip includes all paddling gear, experienced Voyageur Canoe interpretative guide, shuttle service between Paris &...

Now thru November 30

Discovery Kids Courses

Treetop Trekking

5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Individual Rate Ages 5-8: $27 School/ Youth Groups Rate Ages 5-8: $20

Now thru December 31

Tall Post Craft Cidery Tours & Tastings

Tall Post Craft Cider Company

1170 Hendershot Rd, Hannon, ON L0R 1P0, Canada

Now thru September 22

Five Oaks Trip

Grand River Rafting Company

181 Bethel Rd, Paris, On N3L 3E3

You can book online or if needing help… call our office at 519-442-2519. If calling,...

Now thru October 31

Guided Walk & Wade

Fly Water Guiding

17 Alexander Avenue, Paris, ON N3L 2V6

Walk and Wade (Full Day): $425 one angler, $475 two anglers Walk and Wade (1/2...

Now thru December 31

Trail Mix

Tourism Brantford

Hardy Road, Brantford, ON, Canada

Now thru January 1

Museums Burlington Online Galleries

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Similar Stories View All >>

Sneaky Spring Savings

5 Ways to Do More & Spend Less On Family Fun This Weekend

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

Read More

A Taste of Indigenous Traditions

Fun new flavourful ways to explore Indigenous culture.

Read More

The Fab Fall Road Trip Roundup

6 Amazing Autumn Drive Destination

Read More

The Like That, Try This Guide To Hamilton Halton Brant’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Scene

Stir Up Your Summer Drink Game

Read More

The Only-In-Ontario Summer Road Trip

Can’t-Miss Stops For Your Next Cruise

Read More

Water, Land, Air: Find Unexpected New Ways For Your Family To Play This Summer

Pick A Theme To Find Your Fun

Read More

7 Sensational Stays

Stellar Vacation Rentals

Read More

Can’t-Miss Foodie Getaways

Delicious Restaurant & Room Pairings

Read More

8 Outdoor Activities That Deliver Thrills and Chills In Any Fall Weather

Find late-fall fun.

Read More

The Wander-Fall Adventure Finder

Make the most of exploring season.

Read More

Take It Inside

Escape inside for a change.

Read More

Get Travel OffersEvent Details and
Planning Ideas for Your Next Trip

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.