Outdoor Activities in Hamilton

Hamilton is home to many of Canada’s most beloved natural wonders. There is no limit to the variety of outdoor activities that await Hamilton residents and guests.

The Niagara Escarpment that splits down the middle of the city, adds to Hamilton’s diverse natural landscape, and creates all sorts of opportunities for learning and entertainment. Between the scenic sights, the extensive range of Hamilton Real Estate, and the city’s thriving culture, it’s no wonder that The Ambitious City has widespread appeal and offers enormous value to home buyers.

If you’re a prospective buyer who prefers to be a part of a city filled with outdoor fun and excitement, Hamilton is the perfect place. Below, we’ll look at some iconic places and activities that the city has to offer.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Located at the western tip of Lake Ontario, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) maintains Hamilton’s extensive natural areas and garden lands. It is a major resource for horticulture, education, and conservation of native plants, offering a wide variety of programs that immerse participants of all ages in the diverse natural world.

 RBG visitors get to enjoy 27 km of nature trails in Hamilton and Burlington as well as five distinct garden areas: Hendrie Park, RBG Centre, The Arboretum, Laking Garden, and the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden. With 300 acres of cultivated gardens that include more than 2,300 plant species and over 181,000 individual plants, RBG is sure to engage your senses with its vibrant colours and otherworldly fragrance.

Waterfalls

Hamilton is the Waterfall Capital of the World, with over 100 waterfalls tucked along the Niagara Escarpment that runs across the city. Just minutes from the downtown core, adventurers will find no shortage of forested paths with plenty of fresh air, calming sounds, and breathtaking views.

• Webster Falls is a popular classical curtain waterfall that’s close to hiking trails, lush green spaces, and amazing amenities. At 22-metres tall, it’s also the largest in the region.
• Tew Falls is another sight to behold. This ribbon waterfall is Hamilton’s tallest, with its 41 meters of rock face.
• Tiffany Falls is popular among those who hike with kids. This 21-metre tall expansive cascade waterfall is a short and easy hike from the parking lot on Wilson Street.
• Albion Falls is a cascade waterfall that’s almost as wide as it is tall (18 meters by 19 meters). It’s one of the city’s most picturesque and popular waterfalls, owing to the steps, shelves and rushing water that merge into such a picturesque sight.
• Smokey Hollow Falls, which also goes by the names Grindstone, Waterdown, and Great Falls, is a 10-metre tall ribbon waterfall that flows from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown. Its leafy forest setting is a calming and fascinating sight.

When chasing waterfalls across Hamilton—or any city for that matter—it’s important to ensure your safety in these environmentally sensitive locations. Stay on marked designated trails, keep an eye out for rare plants so they don’t get damaged, and don’t walk too close to slopes, edges and other areas that create fall or slipping hazards.

Parks and Conservation Areas

The abundance of parks and conservation areas right in the backyard of Hamilton means that there’s always something to keep nature lovers and enthusiasts entertained. Although a great deal of these areas tend to go unnoticed, they offer a lot of potential for activities like bird watching, picnicking, hiking, and biking.

• Confederation Park on the shores of Lake Ontario offers 93 hectares for family-friendly outdoor fun, including spaces for walking, biking, rollerblading, mini-golf, and other activities.
• Christie Lake on the Niagara Escarpment is one of the most awe-inspiring lake settings. Here, you can spend the day hiking, biking, swimming, boating, picnicking, and playing a variety of sports. 
• Eramosa Karst Conservation Area in Stoney Creek offers an exciting natural adventure. Its streams, caves, meadows, and forests make it the perfect place for hiking as well as nature appreciation and education.

Hamilton Harbour

Also referred to as “The Harbour” and “The Bay,” Hamilton’s beautiful waterfront is regarded as one of the most noteworthy harbours because of its complete amenities and rich history.

Located just minutes from the city’s downtown core, this historic harbour has it all—treats, roller skating, historic ships, trails, and so much more. There’s something for the whole family in this complete summer day trip destination. Here are some of its highlights:

• The Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink that’s open for roller skating between June and September.
• Bike Rentals that offer surreys, tandems, and single bikes for those who want to ride along the paths and trails.
• A Hamiltonian Tour Boat that offers a 50-minute narrated tour of the harbour.
• Greenspaces and trails where visitors can picnic, take a stroll, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the green locale.
• Pier 4 and Pier 8 are connected by a trail that visitors can navigate by foot, bike, or trolley, and take in the panoramic views of the parkland and shoreline.

If you’re thinking about moving to a growing city with a flourishing natural environment and limitless amenities, Hamilton is a great option. Contact Sarit or Jordan Zalter, two of Hamilton’s top real estate agents for help finding homes for sale, learning about the best neighbourhood to fit your lifestyle, or for help answering any questions about buying or selling real estate.