Is there any better way to wrap up a summer day than taking a time out to watch the sun slip below the horizon? Unfortunately, although this beautiful spectacle happens 92 times each summer, schedules can get so busy that we often miss the show. Our Summer 2022 Sunset Challenge is all about helping you seize the sundown and soak it all in. See how many of these nine unique ways to revel in the golden hour you can check off before autumn’s arrival.
Summer Sunset Challenge #1:
Sunset With A Scoop
Push dessert back a few hours after dinner and take in the evening sunset with a cone or a cup in hand. Hamilton Halton Brant’s many ice cream shops deliver so many different kinds of sensational scoops you may want to do this more than once! Tasty options include:
- La Diperie in Oakville
- RC’s Boardwalk Fries and Ice Cream in Burlington
- The Purple Pony in Ancaster
- Dairee Delite in Brantford
- Paris Twisted Treats & What’s The Scoop in Paris
- Hutch’s on the Beach in Hamilton
- Whimsy Street Treats in Georgetown

Summer Sunset Challenge #2:
Sunset Before The Show
Arriving at the drive-in theatre early gets you a prime parking spot for your movie and also allows you to enjoy the sunset with a heaping helping of popcorn! Excellent drive-in choices include The 5 Drive-In in Oakville and Starlite Drive-In in Stoney Creek.
Summer Sunset Challenge #3:
Sunset On A Boat
No boat of your own? No problem! Hamilton Halton Brant’s outstanding outfitters will be happy to provide your float and your gear. Check out our paddling page to find routes and rental companies that can get you out in a canoe, kayak, raft or stand-up paddleboard. Grand River Dinner Cruises is another great option.

Summer Sunset Challenge #4:
Sunset From The Niagara Escarpment
The Niagara Escarpment’s limestone cliffs offer the perfect perch for taking in the summer sunset. Bonus points if you catch the show with a Niagara Escarpment waterfall flowing in the background. Devil’s Punchbowl in Stoney Creek and Mount Nemo in Milton are both best bets for catching the sunset.
Summer Sunset Challenge #5:
Sunset By Bike
Waterfront trails along Lake Ontario and the Grand River provide scenic sunset shows while you pedal. Browse our cycling page to find a golden hour route that suits.
Summer Sunset Challenge #6:
Sunset On A Picture-Perfect Patio
Hamilton Halton Brant’s many stellar patios are ideal for sipping on something spectacular as the sun sets. Choose from waterfront patios at our region’s many restaurants or relax on a patio at one of our fantastic craft breweries.

Summer Sunset Challenge #7:
Sunset With A Proud Indigenous Beat
The excitement of centuries of culture continues through the sunset as dancers, singers and drummers from across North America compete to become the Champion of Champions at the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow on July 23rd and 24th at Ohsweken Speedway.
Summer Sunset Challenge #8:
Sunset On The Sand
Pack an evening picnic and watch the sunset while lying on the sand at one of Hamilton Halton Brant’s beautiful beaches. Favourites include:
- Fifty Point Conservation Area in Hamilton
- Christie Lake Conservation Area in Dundas
- Pinehurst Lake in Ayr
- Waterfront at Downtown Burlington

Summer Sunset Challenge #9:
Sunset With An Arts-Filled Backdrop
Squeeze every day of summer out of your sunset challenge with an evening visit to Hamilton’s Supercrawl, taking place September 9th through 11th on James Street North. This free outdoor art and music festival takes over downtown Hamilton to showcase a diverse and dynamic lineup of live music, art, fashion, performance, talks, crafts, food, and fun.
Want to enjoy some summer fun before the sunset? Visit our Pick Pack Go page to build your customized getaway.