DISCOVER YOUR CITY
HAMILTON
Volume #02 | Issue #04
2016
GUIDEBOOK
OCTOBER
GETTING AROUND THE CITY:
SOBI BIKES
EASY TO FIND. A JOY TO RIDE. Tired of walking all the way from Les Prince to ETB? How about a faster way to get to around Hamilton when you’re running late to meet a friend? We all know that keeping our own personal bikes everywhere with us can be quite challenging, from the idea of where to store them, and how to do bike maintenance. Sobi Bikes are part of an easy-to-use bike sharing program across Hamilton. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU? You can make impromptu trips anywhere across Hamilton, and there are 110 different hubs you can find a bike from!
If you’ve ever had that awkward problem where you have a bike but your friend doesn’t, Sobi bike hubs have up to 10 bikes to choose from!
No need to worry about keeping it with you for an entire day, it can be returned to ANY hub in the system so that any combination of biking/walking/busing is possible!
TRANSPORTATION
FROM MCMASTER Any easy way to get from place to place in Hamilton when exploring the city is through the use of the HSR (Hamilton Street Railway) Bus System. You can take any bus around the city for free through the use of your McMaster Student Card and your McMaster Student Bus Pass. _________________________________ Going home can be a hassle free trip with various bus companies: GO BUS DESTINATIONS All buses depart from the Mary Keyes Bus Terminal: 47, 47G Hamilton GO 15, 15A Aldershot/Burlington 47F Bramalea GO/York U 47A, B Square One/Bramalea GO 47C, E, G & H Bronte/Oakville/Square One/Bramalea GO/York U/Yorkdale (weekends) Tickets can be bought from a ticket vending machine, Compass in MUSC, or using a Presto card. The Presto card ($6) can be purchased from Compass and allows you to easily load money onto the card. Other bus companies include MegaBus, Coach Canada and Grey Hound. All tickets can be bought ahead of time from Compass in MUSC. More information can be found here: https://www.msumcmaster.ca/services-directory/4-compass-information-centre/transportation
TOP 10
WATERFALLS
HAMILTON "THE WATERFALL
CAPITAL
OF THE WORLD"
1) Tiffany Falls 2) Albion Falls 3) Buttermilk Falls 4) Chedoke Falls 5) Smokey Hollow Falls 6) Sherman Falls 7) Webster’s Falls 8) Tews Falls 9) Devil’s Punchbowl Falls 10) Borers Falls
MULBERRY ST. COFFEEHOUSE ADDRESS: 193 James St N, Hamiton, ON Mulberry is a trendy coffee shop with an edgy downtown eclectic urban feel and reasonable prices. With brick walls, secret doors and fair trade local, organic coffee Mulberry is not a place to miss. FAN FAVOURITES: Mulberry is known for their gluten free and vegan friendly options. Apart from their delicious coffee, their seasonal, gluten free/vegan friendly donuts are a customer favourite! The paninis are a hit of local and organic ingredients and will make you come back for more. HOURS: Friday | 7AM – 11PM Saturday | 8AM – 11PM Sunday | 8AM –8PM Monday | 7AM – 9PM Tuesday | 7AM – 9PM Wednesday | 7AM – 10PM Thursday | 7AM – 10PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 20-25 minutes by bus
TOP 10 CAFES
MY DOG JOE COFFEEHOUSE
CAFE AUGUSTA
ADDRESS: 1020 King Street West Hamilton, ON
ADDRESS: 156 James St S, Hamilton, ON
With an earthy, home grown atmosphere, My Dog Joe Coffeehouse is super close to campus and has been serving organic and fair trade coffee, espresso, refreshing cold drinks and local craft beers . It also features a selection of sweet and savoury baked goods made daily from scratch on site. FAN FAVOURITES: Apart from the coffee, the sweet and savoury muffins are delicious and made from scratch with love. Get the nacho plate if you’re out with friends.
With it’s beautiful, cozy and warm vibe, Cafe Augusta is not just a coffee shop, it is your story. They are proud to not only make you a cuppa but show you how, “You and the city you are part of are rich with stories, energy and passion.” FAN FAVOURITES: Rich coffee made from unique techniques such as syphon coffee, pour-over coffee and hand-crafted espresso based beverages. Their scones are delicious, magical clouds.
HOURS: Monday - Friday | 6:30AM - 10PM Saturday | 7:30AM - 10PM Sunday | 7:30AM - 9PM
HOURS: Monday - Thursday | 7AM – 9PM Friday | 7AM – 10PM Saturday | 8AM – 10PM Sunday | 8AM – 8PM
TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 15 minute walk, 9 minutes by bus
TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 26 minutes by bus
THE PINECONE COFFEE COMPANY
FAN FAVOURITES: The Spanish Latte - their signature drink made with cinnamon and condensed milk. Their vegetarian sandwich made with goat cheese and arugula is another winner.
ADDRESS: 175 John St. S. Hamilton, ON
HOURS: Monday - Wednesday | 8AM - 6PM Thursday - Friday | 8AM - 7PM Saturday | 9AM - 7PM Sunday | 9AM - 6PM
Pinecone’s minimalistic atmosphere is what makes it unique. With a very fresh, peaceful and calming vibe Pinecone Coffee is a great place to study- not to mention free wifi.
TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 25 minutes by bus
BROWN DOG COFFEE SHOPPE
DETOUR COFFEE
ADDRESS: 211 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON
ADDRESS: 41 King St W, Dundas, ON
Large café with lots of table space that’s a great place to catch up with friends, study or explore the Locke Street ambiance!
Their mission statement speaks for itself, “We’re on a mission to make sure nobody ever has to drink a bad cup of coffee again.”
FAN FAVOURITES: Known for their excellent deep fried apple fritters; these mouth watering sweet delights are definitely something to try when you visit.
FAN FAVOURITES: Try their 3 cheese creamy mac and cheese with crispy panko sprinkled on top, DEVINE.
HOURS: Sunday - Tuesday | 8AM–10PM Wednesday - Saturday | 8AM–11PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 20-22 minutes by bus
HOURS: Monday - Saturday | 8AM-5PM Sunday | 9AM-5PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 13 minutes by bus
DEMOCRACY COFFEE HOUSE ADDRESS: 202 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON “We are 3. Democracy Coffee House is Hamilton’s top spot for gourmet coffee, vegan eats, baked goods, craft beer, and open minds”. Not solely a coffee shop, but definitely one to visit. FAN FAVOURITES: After trying the BBQ tempeh pizza, you’ll come back for more! Their coffee is delicious and a fair price as well. HOURS: Monday - Friday | 6:30AM -1 0PM Saturday | 7AM - 11PM Sunday | 8AM - 8PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 20 minutes by bus
FINCH ON LOCKE ESPRESSO BAR
MANCALA MONK
ADDRESS: 129 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON
ADDRESS: 1229 Cannon St E, Hamilton, ON
Here on Locke Street Finch Espresso is an important part of the local community. Since opening on September 4th, 2012, Finch on Locke has been here to provide quality beans, quality food, and a quality space for you to enjoy yourself in. They pride themselves on providing an inclusive environment and a unique set of products.
GAME TIME. Mancala Monk is an other family run board game cafe that will blow your mind! With an open concept design and big tables, Mancala Monk is the perfect place to let loose with friends and have a delicious cuppa coffee. Not to mention they also sell games so you can take the fun home!
FAN FAVOURITES: Check out their Cinnamon Brown Butter latte. HOURS: Monday - Thursday | 8AM - 8PM Friday/Saturday | 8AM - 10PM Sunday | 8AM - 8PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 15 - 17 minutes by bus
BOARD GAME CAFE
FAN FAVOURITES: Try the Warm Brownie A La Mode! The paninis and nachos are also fresh and scrumptious! HOURS: Monday | Closed Tuesday - Thursday | 4PM - 11PM Friday - Saturday | 12PM - 12AM Sunday | 12PM- 10PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 40 minutes by bus
GAMEOPOLIS BOARD GAME CAFE ADDRESS: 223 King St E, Hamilton, ON
FAN FAVOURITES: Their waffle sandwiches are a delight!
Gameopolis is Hamilton’s first board game lounge! For only $5 a person, play as many of our 800+ board games with no time limit! While you play you can enjoy their delightful Hamilton-local coffees and teas, delicious floats, fabulous sandwich and snack options.
HOURS: Monday - Sunday | 7AM - 5PM TRAVEL TIME FROM MCMASTER: 20 - 25 minutes by bus
UNIQUE
SHOPS
S H O P S | HAMILTON HAMILTON FARMER’S MARKET | 35 York Boulevard, Hamilton The market is open year round and contains 60 vendors. Come to the Hamilton Farmer’s Market for everything from produce, meat, fish, baked goods, specialty foods, and artisans. Famous for: Flowers! Along with all of the fresh food on sale, the market is well known for its sale of beautiful fresh flowers. Travel Time From McMaster: 9 min drive/ 23 min bus MIXED MEDIA | 154 James St N, Hamilton An art shop like no other! Check out Mixed Media for a unique experience and a place to pick up quality art materials, and other inspiring items such as gifts, cards, local art, books, and much more! Famous for: Being the most well known art shop in Hamilton! Travel Time From McMaster: 13 min drive/ 25 min bus O’S CLOTHES | 150 James St N, Hamilton A unique shopping experience that can be found online and in-store. Offering a roster of brands that were previously unavailable in the city, O’s is the go to place for those looking for quality clothing that is both stylish and comfortable. Famous for: Unique and comfortable clothing and accessories. Travel Time From McMaster: 13 min drive/ 32 min bus ARCHITECT HAIR DESIGN | 324 James St N, Hamilton A barbershop and a bar. Architect is the only licensed barbershop in Hamilton and also a licenced bar specializing in only men's cuts (whether that be the hair on your head or on your face). Famous for: Hosting the most unique grooming experience for men in Hamilton. Travel Time From McMaster: 13 min drive/ 27 min bus TEXTURES CRAFTWORKS | 236 Locke St S, Hamilton An award winning artisan collective that provides unique one-of-a-kind items and gifts since 1983. Famous for: It’s stunning handmade items. Travel Time From McMaster: 9 min drive/ 21 min bus
SHOPS | HAMILTON WHITE ELEPHANT | 133 James St N, Hamilton A jewelry, accessories, art print, paper goods, and design independent boutique (also located in Westdale) Famous for: Its dedication to Canadian made clothing and accessories. Travel Time From McMaster: 13 min drive/ 30 min bus BRYAN PRINCE BOOKSELLER | 1060 King St W, Hamilton A family run bookstore founded on the principle of celebrating books and building community. Famous for: Books, events, and community engagement. Travel Time From McMaster: 3 min drive/ 9 min bus CAKE & LOAF BAKERY | 321 Dundurn St S, Hamilton Your local neighbourhood bakery dedicated to using local ingredients for both your health and the health of your local economy. Famous for: Their innovative cake designs and original creative original packaging. Travel Time From McMaster: 7 min drive/ 25 min bus CHEAPIES | 67 King St E, Hamilton The best place in Hamilton to buy music - whether that be on new or used discs, vinyl or cassette. Also selling movies of all types and on all mediums. Famous for: Legendary music on legendary ways to listen to music. Travel Time From McMaster: 9 min drive/ 31 min bus DR. DISC | 20 Wilson St, Hamilton An essential destination for music lovers in downtown Hamilton! Selling new and used CD’s, LPs and DVDs. Famous for: Specializing in sales, rentals, and repairs of DJ equipment. Travel Time From McMaster: 9 min drive/ 36 min bus
HISTORICAL
/CULTURAL SITES
DUNDURN CASTLE | 610 York Blvd, Hamilton Dundurn Castle is a historic neoclassical mansion on York Boulevard is famous for being a 40 room italianate style villa built in the 1830s. The castle is only 30 minutes from McMaster by bus from Main at Leland. WHITEHERN HOUSE & GARDEN | 41 Jackson Street West, Hamilton The Whitehern contains elements from many time periods including but not limited to Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian. Three generations of the McQuesten family lived at Whitehern from 1852 until 1968 and is famous for being one of the finest examples of an intact historic home in Canada. It’s a 21 minute bus ride from Mac. HMCS HAIDA SHIP | 658 Catharine St. North, Hamilton The last Tribal Class destroyer in the world, and Canada's most famous warship located here in Hamilton. Famous for being one of only three remaining of the over four hundred Canadian warships from the Second World War, a time when Canada's navy was the third largest in the world. The travel time from McMaster is 65 minutes by bus. CANADIAN WARPLANE HERITAGE MUSEUM | 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a Canadian aviation museum located at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. The museum has 36 military jets, propeller-driven aircraft and helicopters on display and is famous for housing almost fifty aircraft. It’s only 59 minutes away by bus. BATTLEFIELD HOUSE MUSEUM & PARK | 77 King St W, Hamilton A living history museum and site of the historic Battle of Stoney Creek on June 6, 1813, which was fought during the War of 1812. It’s well known for it’s Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek and only 5 minutes drive away.
ARTS / MUSIC ARTCRAWL | James St North, Hamilton
“James St North is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, comprised of the Italian, Portuguese and Vietnamese communities. And most recently a burgeoning arts community! Every Second Friday of the month there is a ArtCrawl, all the galleries of the area have their new art openings on the same night.” (http://www.jamesstreetnorth.ca/blog/about/) BALTIMORE HOUSE | 43 King William Street, Hamilton
The Baltimore house isn't the typical chain looking coffee shop. Unique antique furniture, friendly service, good coffee and a nice selection of craft beers will provide the needed infrastructure for a date, hanging with friends or simply just relaxing in your own. During the evening they feature live music with local talented musicians which makes this a hotspot in hamilton. ARTWORD ART BAR | 345 James St. N, Hamilton
You don’t have to board a Go train to see quality live music! They offer live music throughout the week! ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON (AGH) | 123 King Street West,Hamilton
Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest public art gallery in southwestern Ontario and owns one of the finest collections of art in Canada, featuring over 10,000 works of art including historical European, historical Canadian and contemporary art!! CENTRE 3 FOR PRINT MEDIA AND ARTS | 173 James Street North, Hamilton
Welcome to Centre[3], one of the most dynamic artist-run print and media arts centre in Canada. Located at the heart of Hamilton’s arts district in Ontario, Centre[3] offers world-class facilities for traditional print-making and state of the art digital media facilities. GALLERY ON THE BAY | 231 Bay Street North, Hamilton
Founded in 1995 by Marlaise & David, Gallery on the Bay is located in a building that was once the headquarters of a Steel Company, then a school, then a union hall in the 80's and 90's, and now the home to artists, writers, actors, filmmakers, and musicians. Gallery on the Bay features the best local, regional and contemporary Canadian Art in a relaxing and congenial atmosphere.
CONTACT US . You might be stressed about starting your university journey, but we’re here to help! @MSU_SPARK Facebook.com/MSUSpark MSUMcMaster.ca/Spark @MSU_SPARK