Hamilton
In the middle H amilton is a city with a storied history and a vibrant future. This is the city that began, after all, with a poignant story of romance, separation and reunion.
Robert Land, a United Empire Loyalist, was the first white settler in the area, having fled from persecution in Pennsylvania, narrowly escaping execution. He settled at the head of the lake, believing his wife and children to be dead. His wife, Phebe, had however managed to escape with her children to Nova Scotia, also convinced that her husband was dead. When she journeyed to Niagara to claim farmland that was given to the loyalists, she heard rumours of a man called Land living in what would become Hamilton. She hired a Left: Dundurn Castle National Historic Site Cover Photos: The tea house in the rock gardens at Royal Botanical Gardens and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. PHOTO CREDITS: Banko Photographic, Michael Dismatsek, Mike Lalich, Peter Stevens, Hamilton Spectator, Double Decker Bus Company, Hamilton Region Conservation Authority.
Westfield Heritage Village
of it all! boat, traveled to satisfy her curiosity and discovered her long lost husband. The reunion, according to legend, was a joyous one, and the couple and their family, having been granted one thousand acres in the centre of the future city of Hamilton, helped to build the community that would be home to generations of their descendants. Robert and Phebe are buried in the Land Vault in historic Hamilton Cemetery, alongside such interesting characters as William Cook, a Canadian soldier who was killed with General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn, and Isabella Whyte, the secret half sister of Queen Victoria. Tours of this gothic cemetery are conducted regularly, and offer a running commentary on the city’s colourful past. The Land story is just one of the many that are part of the early history of Hamilton, and which make a visit to the well preserved historic sites in the area a layered and entertaining experience. Dundurn Castle, Whitehern Historic House, Griffin House and Westfield Heritage Village are just some of the authentically reconstructed or preserved sites where visitors can enjoy a taste of the past. Toronto's CN Tower – world's tallest building
Architecturally, Hamilton is also exceptionally blessed. Stand at the corner of James Street and Main for example, and you are presented with one of the best 360 degree tours of iconic architecture – the Gothic Revival style of the Pigott Building, the neoclassical former Bank of Montreal, the terra-cotta details of the Sun Life Building, the soaring pillars of the Landed Bank and Loan building, and the cozy Victorian charm of the Hamilton Club. Circling the cosmopolitan pleasures of the city are some of the best urban pleasures to be had in Ontario – the splendor of Canada’s most important gardens, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the famous Bruce Trail, and an abundance of conservation areas, water parks and walking paths. Overlooking the waters of Lake Ontario, and extending up over the protective circle of the Niagara Escarpment, this is a city whose proximity to Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula makes it an ideal destination for the traveler who wants to get close to the heart of the real Ontario. Parks Canada Discovery Centre in Hamilton
Getting to Hamilton Visiting Hamilton has never been easier. Situated in the cluster of highways, train lines and airports that service Southern Ontario, this is a city that can be reached with ease by many different means. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, Southern Ontario's low-cost airport, is one of the easiest airports to navigate, with ample and affordable parking, short walking distances and quick exit times. There’s also wireless internet connection throughout the terminal, either using your own laptop or through two kiosks in the main concourse. There is an Airport Shuttle Service, taxis and Hamilton Limo’s limousine-on-demand service, as well as car rentals that will make the approximately twenty minute trip into Hamilton easy.
Niagara Falls – one of the natural wonders of the world
Dundurn Castle National Historic Site
Affordable Accommodations Hamilton offers a selection of affordable accommodations, especially in the summer season. If modern suits your taste, Hamilton has several choices, and more on the way. The Sheraton Hotel, which is directly connected to Copps Coliseum, the Hamilton Convention Centre and the Art Gallery of Hamilton by an enclosed walkway, is a modern newly renovated hotel that places you close to many of Hamilton’s downtown attractions. Also located in downtown Hamilton is the Staybridge Suites hotel that opened in August, 2005. And the iconic Royal Connaught Hotel is set to reopen as an upscale new hotel in the near future. Close to Hamilton Inter national Airport is the new Courtyard by Marriott (opened October, 2006). Whatever your style, there will be a perfect place to lay your head in Hamilton.
History – The Hallmark of Hamilton History may well be the hallmark of Hamilton, and the range and number of the museums in the city are a testament to that fact. The city is proud of its long history and has worked hard to preserve it. The jewel in the crown is Dundurn Castle, a classic Regency style villa, restored to the style of 1855 that operates as an historic window to the past. Costumed guides give visitors a glimpse into the life of a prominent 1850's Victorian family and their servants. The gardens have been extensively restored, notably the kitchen garden that is a replica of the garden that fed the MacNab The Niagara Escarpment – a world biosphere reserve
African Lion Safari
family, all its servants and many of the neighbours. The plantings are all heritage varieties that would have been harvested there in the 1850’s. Whitehern, right next to city hall, is another historic urban estate. Almost hidden gardens surround the home, part Georgian, part Edwardian and part Victorian, where the McQuesten family lived from 1852 to 1968. They were instrumental in establishing the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, McMaster University and the Queen Elizabeth Way. A half an hour away is Westfield Heritage Village, a restored 19th century village complete with over thirty buildings, including a schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. The Museum of Steam and Technology, a National Historic Site, preserves the amazing technology that pow ered the city 140 years ago, while the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has restored and displays aircraft from WWII, including the only operational Lancaster in North America. In nearby Ancaster, Griffin House preserves the story of Enerals Griffin, a Virginian slave who escaped to freedom and lived in this simple clapboard house which is now a museum and an important cultural landmark of the Black Heritage Network.
Impressive Art Art lovers will find that Hamilton is exceptionally supplied with great art experiences. The city is home to Ontario’s third largest art gallery, the Art Gallery of Hamilton. After an $18 million renovation and expansion designed by Hamilton born architect
Whitehern Historic House and Garden
Bruce Kuwabara, the AGH is now a beautiful exhibition space, and home to the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum collection of Nineteenth century European art. The McMaster Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of close to 6,000 works and is recognized internationally for its specialist collection of early twentieth-century German prints and outstanding European paintings, drawings and prints.
Fun for Families Families will enjoy a visit to the Parks Canada Discovery Centre and HMCS Haida, Canada’s most famous warship. The African Lion Safari, north of Hamilton, is a perennial favourite with both adults and children. It’s a surprising place, where the visitors are confined (to their cars) and the animals roam free. There is also a safari lake cruise, parrot shows and the chance to watch the elephants bathe. For fun in the water, Wild Waterworks has tdoor wave pools and giant body slides. African Lion Safari
Art Gallery of Hamilton
Afterwards, grab a bite at one of the waterfront restaurants. The Hamilton Children’s Museum offers fun in the Muckabout Room, and the Sensarium. Hamilton’s galleries, museums and activities are surprisingly varied and abundant, with something that will intrigue every visitor and something for every member of the family.
Antique Shopping on Locke Street
Distinctive Shops One of the charms of Hamilton is its collection of neighbourhoods, each with a distinctly different and unique character, and each offering the intrepid shopper an exceptional experience. Even if you don’t buy, the walk through these small distinct neighbourhoods will be worth it. Westdale Village, for example, in the west end of the city, is full of the energy of its student population from nearby McMaster University. Personal and specialized shops are numerous. The little shops on Locke Street are places where you can discover great bargains on antiques and collectibles, designer clothes and specialty items for the kitchen. Everything from a carved Victorian settee to vintage clothing can be found here, at incredible prices. James Street North is a neighbourhood that bubbles with artsy avant garde style. Here is where you can discover the works of tomorrow’s noteworthy artists while they are still affordable. There is no place in the country like Hamilton’s Ottawa Street. It is the textile bargain capital of Canada. The street is lined with stores that specialize in everything you need to sew clothing or make draperies or upholster furniture. There are stores that specialize in buttons and trims, and those that provide curtain rods and rings. You can find authentic Chanel wool gabardine by the yard, and Versace silk for a fraction of their value. Restaurants on the street echo the relaxed European flavours of the neighbourhood, and are a great place to recuperate from shopping with a cappuccino or a plate of pierogi. Royal Botanical Gardens
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Hamilton Harbour Queen boat tours
The east end of the city is a culinary paradise, with shops tucked into corners and supplying a range of ethnic foods, from Bosnian Specialties on Grays Road, to the homemade panzerotti’s at Nardini’s on Highway 8. Nearby Dundas is a well-preserved small town that will make you think you have gone back in time. Have a look in the windows of the Deluxe Restaurant, a perfectly preserved café from the early fifties, which has been featured in several films. Dundas itself has been a film star, standing in for New Hampshire in a couple of episodes of The West Wing, and serving as the backdrop for Robin Williams’ “Man of the Year”. Shopping is eclectic and excellent, from unique art to elegant bath and beauty products, gorgeous beads and handmade jewelry. Stop in at the Dundas Valley School of Art, a prestigious and well-regarded art school in a reclaimed factory building. There’s often a good art show in its Dofasco Gallery, and pieces are frequently for sale.
The Great Outdoors When visitors get a clear view of Hamilton from the top of the escarpment, they are amazed to discover the large areas of trees, gardens and water that make up the city and its environs. The expanse of green forests, the curve of the bay and the view of Lake Ontario is a revelation. It may be the Steel City, but it is also a garden city. In fact, Hamilton is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada’s most prestigious gardens, and one of the world’s largest. The RBG includes five gardens and four nature sanctuar-
ies on 2,700 acres of land, linked by shuttle bus and open all year. The gardens are home to the world’s largest collection of lilacs, and nearly two acres of roses. Thirty kilometres of trails weave through nature sanctuaries and marshland, including Cootes Paradise, one of North America’s largest wetland restoration projects. There are frequent special events like the Herb Show and the Orchid Show, and every Spring people come from miles away to snap up exotic flowers and heritage vegetables at the annual plant sale. Hiking trails are numerous, with the Bruce Trail being the best known. The Iroquois Bruce Trail is the member club of the Bruce Trail association that maintains a 125 kilometre section of the Bruce, from Grimsby to North Burlington along the Niagara Escapement. This part of the trail gives hikers access to several beautiful waterfalls, like Tiffany, Sherman, Webster’s, Tews and Borer’s Falls, as they trek through the parkland and conservation areas. The Chippewa Trail will join Hamilton to Caledonia along a 15 kilometre abandoned rail corridor, 8 kilometres of which are now completed. It will become part of the Trans Canada Trail. Spectacular views and for-
Westfield Heritage Centre and Historical Village
Baranga's on the Beach
ested walks make the Dundas Valley a natural attraction for hikers and bikers, but the trail system also connects to two heritage sites, The Hermitage Ruins, and Griffin House. One of the most enjoyable trails, and a favourite of locals, is the Waterfront Trail. It is part of an exciting transformation that is turning the area into a popular destination with activities for everyone. There are two parts to the trail, both paved and perfect for walking, cycling or boarding. If you get tired, there’s a trolley you can ride.
Hamilton Place
The Hamilton Beach Recreation Trail which follows the Lake Ontario shoreline for about 8 km from Burlington to Confederation Park is a lovely walk that passes by beachfront cottages that have been lovingly preserved, and provides open views of the lake and the boats going through the lift bridge. Hamilton is circled by major conservation areas that offer great outdoor adventure and opportunities for hiking, bird watching, sketching, swimming, or just enjoying the mix of gardens, forest and wetlands. The area is agriculturally rich. Pickyour-own farms are plentiful in the area, providing the opportunity to gather fruits and vegetables at their very
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freshest. In the Fall, every weekend is the occasion for a great traditional fall agricultural fair. The rich natural environment in and around Hamilton makes the city an attractive destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities. Whether it's biking, boating, boarding, or just a leisurely stroll that you want, the experience is mere steps away from city centre.
Performing Arts It has been said that, for a city to be truly civilized, it must nurture its talent and create a home for that talent to blossom. Hamilton has excelled at both of these. This is the city that has produced, for example, the comic actors Red Green (aka Steve Smith), Martin Short, and Eugene Levy, singer Stan Rogers, architect Bruce Kuwabara, and ballerina Karen Kain. And there are few cities with as many major venues for performance. Hamilton will entertain you! The theatre scene is vibrantly alive. Theatre Aquarius is beginning its thirty-fourth season and it is just one example of the quality and reach of Hamilton’s performing arts. It’s the third largest regional theatre in Ontario and has a reputation for showcasing both innovative and classic theatre works. Its performance home is the state of the art Dofasco Centre for the Arts, with a 750 seat auditorium and an The Double Decker Bus Company
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intimate studio theatre. Hamilton Place, beloved by the stars who have performed there for its amazing acoustics, is the city’s premiere venue for plays, operas, musicals, ballet and concerts. The main theatre is massive, with seating for over 2,000 people, but the acoustics are so well designed that even those in the most distant seats can hear everything. Next door at Copps Coliseum you can enjoy performances by big name attractions like Blue Rodeo and Elton John. One of the best things about theatre and performing arts in Hamilton is that all the venues are within a short walk of some of the best dining in Southern Ontario serving a great variety of cuisine. Dinner and a show is a great way to get acquainted with the heart of the city.
Tourism Hamilton 34 James Street South, Hamilton ON L8P 2X8 Telephone: 905-546-2666 or 1-800-263-8590 www.tourismhamilton.com
Tourism Hamilton is a public-private partnership with the City of Hamilton. It has been established with a 19-member Board of Directors to be the tourism marketing agency for the City of Hamilton.
Executive Editor: David Adames, Executive Director Email: dadames@hamilton.ca Editor: Ted Flett, Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator Email: tflett@hamilton.ca Contributor: Barbara Ramsay Orr Printed in Canada – FEbruary 2007