From Wikitravel

Hamilton [1] (2006 population 504,559; UA population 647,634; CMA population 692,911) is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is situated at the westernmost end of Lake Ontario—the city wraps around the lake and continues towards the Niagara Escarpment, referred to by locals as "the mountain."

Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe. On January 1, 2001 the new City of Hamilton was formed through amalgamation of the former City with the constituent towns of the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Municipality. Residents of the city are known as Hamiltonians. Since 1981, the metropolitan area has been listed as the ninth largest in Canada and the third largest in Ontario.

Traditionally, the local economy has been led by the steel and heavy manufacturing industries. Within the last decade, there has been a shift towards the service sector, particularly health sciences. The Hamilton Health Sciences corporation employs nearly 10,000 staff and serves approximately 2.2 million people in the region.

Hamilton is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Bruce Trail, McMaster University and several colleges. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame can be found downtown right beside Hamilton City Hall and across town to the east, the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats play at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Partly because of its diverse locations, numerous TV and film productions have been filmed in Hamilton, regulated by the Hamilton Film and Television Office. A growing arts and culture sector garnered media attention in a 2006 Globe and Mail news article, entitled "Go West, Young Artist," which focused on the growing art scene in Hamilton. The article highlighted local art galleries, recording studios and independent film production.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

• John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (CYHM) [2] accommodates major air carriers and tour operators, offering frequent flights to Canadian, American, Caribbean and European destinations.

[edit] By train

Aldershot station (between Hamilton and Burlington) is serviced by VIA Rail, and is along the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. GO Transit trains service Aldershot station during the week. Downtown Hamilton only receives one-way rush-hour GO train service, departing Hamilton on weekday mornings and returning to Hamilton on weekday evenings.

[edit] By car

Main thoroughfares into Hamilton include the Queen Elizabeth Way/Highway 403, and Highway 6. Hamilton is ideally situated for tourists, being roughly 1 hour from both Toronto and Niagara Falls.

[edit] By bus

A few buses serve the Hamilton bus depot - Greyhound runs service from the west, traveling from the Kitchener and London area, as well as from Niagara Falls and Buffalo (USA) in the east. The Bus parcel service (Greyhound courrier express) for Hamilton is at 74 Cannon Street, (905) 525-3019. GO Transit offers frequent travel from Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Regional carriers are also available, such as Coach Canada. The bus depot, a handsome art deco structure, is located in the heart of downtown, at Jackson and Hughson. Hamilton also has a very accommodating Bus Transit, a Bus travels on almost every main street almost every half hour its a quick cheap way to get around.

[edit] By boat

There's a marina, but you have to bring your own boat.

[edit] Get around

Hamilton is divided into two main sections—"The Mountain" and downtown. The Mountain refers to anything on the escarpment—access to the mountain is limited to a few roads, which often arrive on a different street than when you started. If you're going up the mountain, take a second to learn which access you need to take.

Hamilton is infamous for having mainly one-way streets throughout its downtown core, although many have turned two-way over recent years. Be aware of what intersection you're heading for, and what streets precede it, or you may overshoot. Conversion back to two way streets began in 2004. In the fall of 2005, John and James Streets, main North/South arteries, were converted back to two way traffic. Most of the locals preferred the one way system, but visitors will find it easier to get around.

The transit system is decent for a city of its size. Downtown service is quite good, but the neighbouring suburbs suffer from infrequent buses, primarily due to high levels of car ownership. HSR (Hamilton Street Railway) fares are $2.40, as of Tuesday, January 1, 2008[3].

[edit][add listing] See

• McMaster Museum of Art, University Av at Sterling St {Lee building), 905-525-9140 ext.23081, [4]. Tu,W,F 11AM-5PM, Th 11AM-7PM, Sa 12PM-5PM. Houses a nationally significant collection of more than 6,000 works of art, featuring a permanent collection and contemporary exhibitions, lectures and events.
• Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd West, 905-527-1158, [5] - Vast horticultural collection spread over five specialist gardens and four nature sanctuaries. Most notable of the latter is Cootes Paradise, a 840 ha (2,076 acres) wildlife sanctuary containing a 250 ha (618 acre) coastal wetland located at the west end of Hamilton Harbour.

• Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd, 905-546-2872, [6]. Canada Day to Labour Day: Daily: 10AM-4PM; Labour Day to Canada Day: Tu-Su: 12PM-4PM. One of Hamilton's most-recognized landmarks, Dundurn Castle is a National Historic site, illustrating the life and times of Sir Allan Napier MacNab (1798 - 1862). More of a stately home than a "castle", the still-impressive structure was completed in 1835. Features year-round programming, tours, restaurant and an on-site military museum.

• Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, 900 Woodward Av at the QEW, 905-546-4797,[7]. June 1 to Labour Day: Tu-Su 11AM-4PM; Labour Day to May 31: Tu-Su 12PM-4PM. A fine example of 19th century public works architecture, and the only surviving facility of its time in North America, this National Historic Site houses the two 14 m (45-foot) high, 63.5-tonne (70-ton) steam engines which pumped the first clean water to the city over 140 years ago. Features various exhibits and events, including daily engine demonstrations.

• Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rokton, 519-621-8851, [8]. Surrounded by 131 ha (324 acres) of unspoiled woods and meadows, this living history museum spans various time periods in 35+ historic buildings, plus a steam locomotive. Much of the TV series Anne of Green Gables was filmed here.

• Battlefield House and Museum, [9]. In Stoney Creek is a rural Upper Canada home dating from around 1796 and featuring staff in period costume, demonstrating the lifestyle of day. Every June a military re-enactment of the War of 1812/Battle of Stoney Creek is held.

• The Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King Street West, 905-527-6610, [10]. Founded in 1914, AGH is Ontario's third largest public art gallery, and boasts one of the country's finest collections. Its emphasis is on 19th-century European, Historical Canadian, and Contemporary Canadian art. In 2003, the AGH began a major renovation project, designed by Hamilton-born and raised architect Bruce Kuwabara. The revamped gallery opened in 2005 and includes a new 2,500-square-foot glass pavilion and Sculpture Atrium.

• The Movie Palace, 526 Concession St., (905) 383-2641, [11] Offers first run movies and revue programming in a restored 1920s theatre complete with a kitschy Imperial Rome motif and booths.

• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Road, Mt Hope, (905) 679-4183 (email: museum@warplane.com), [12]. A living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's Military from the beginning of World War II to the present. Home of one of the worlds two remaining flying Lancaster bombers. Those who dare can experience an open cockpit ride in a bi-plane through the Legends Flight program [13].

• Canadian Football Hall of Fame, 58 Jackson St. West, 905-528-7566 [14]. Tu-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM. Has interactive programs, displays, a library, archives and is home to the Grey Cup.

• Parks Canada Discovery Centre, 57 Discovery Drive (at Pier 8), 905-526-0911, [15]. Houses state-of-the-art interactive exhibits in three galleries, a lobby and a 65-seat theatre, allowing visitors a virtual glimpse of Canada's national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Adjacent is HMCS Haida [16], offering self-guided tours of Canada's "fightingest ship".

• Princess Point. Situated at the very end of Lake Ontario, Princess Point is one of the most beautiful sections of Hamilton. Bike or rollerblade along excellently maintained paths encircling the lake, or relax at the adjacent park. Harbour cruises are also available. [17]

• Parks and trails - Despite its commonly-held industrial image, Hamilton has some 1,077 hectares (2,662 acres) of parkland, 549 ha (1,356 acres) of natural areas and 137 km (85 miles) of trails. The Bruce Trail runs right through the city. Bayfront, Pier 4 Park, and the Waterfront Trail offer panoramic views of the Hamilton Harbour [18] and northwest shoreline. There are 100 waterfalls and cascades within its limits giving Hamilton a nickname The City of Waterfalls. [19]

• Waterfront - Hamilton is in the midst of a major waterfront reclamation project, and has already restored the beautiful Pier 4 Park at the bottom of Bay St. This continues to the west with a waterfront trail to Princess Point, and to the east with a beautiful marina, waterfront cafe, boat and trolley tours, and a lovely playground. At Pier 8, visit the HMCS Haida, a WWII destroyer that is maintained faithfully and can be explored in its entirety.

• Waterfalls - Hamilton is home to 100 waterfalls and cascades (that have been found as of May 30, 2008), including Progreston Falls, Great Falls, Upper Grindstone Falls (or Spring Falls), Boundary Falls, Upper Quarry Cascade, Quarry Falls, Borer's Falls, Lower Borer's Falls, Little Rock Chapel Falls, the breathtaking Webster's Falls and Tews Falls, Baby Webster's Falls, Lower Tews Falls, Ferguson Falls, Darnley Cascade, Greensville Falls, Steven's Falls, Weir's Falls, Springhill Falls, Dundas Falls, Dyment Falls, Lower, Middle and Upper Sydenham Falls, Mineral Springs Falls, Tiffany Falls with its new easy-access trail, Washboard Falls, Scenic Falls, Canterbury Falls, Little Canterbury Falls, Sisters of Mary Falls, Heritage Falls, Hermitage Cascade, Sherman Falls, Old Dundas Road Falls, Lower and Upper Mill Falls at the Ancaster Old Mill Restaurant, Shaver Falls, Little Falls on Wilson St., Lower Little Falls, Stephanie Falls, Upper Princess Falls, Lower Princess Falls beside Hwy #403, Mountview Falls, Sanatorium Falls, Chedoke Falls, Lower Chedoke Falls, unique double waterfall at Chedoke Golf Course, Cliffview Falls, Westcliffe Falls, Upper and Lower Beckett Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Albion Falls, Felker's Falls, Little Davis Falls, Veever's Falls, Billy Green Falls, Centennial Falls, the Devil's Punchbowl, Lower Punchbowl Falls, Dewitt Falls, Wall Falls, Fruitland Falls, West McNeilly Falls, McNeilly Falls, Pond Falls, Grand Cascade, East of Fifty Falls, Puddicombe Falls and many more. The one drawback of Hamilton's waterfalls is that half of them do dry up in dry seasons. The good news is that most are on or near the Bruce Trail as it winds through the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) in Hamilton. Often now Hamilton is referred to as "The City of Waterfalls". [20]

Three unique and beautiful posters titled "WATERFALLS OF HAMILTON" feature 20 of Hamilton's waterfalls, the first poster with a sub-title "SEASONS" shows them in all four seasons, the second poster with a sub-title "AUTUMN" shows 20 falls all in Autumn and the third poster with a sub-title "SPRING" shows 20 falls in Spring. One or more of these posters are available at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (gift shop), Dundurn Castle (gift shop), Parks Canada Discovery Centre (gift shop), Carnegie Gallery in Dundas, The Picture Frame in Westdale, Burlington Central Library on New St. (front counter) and the Royal Botanical Gardens (gift shop) in Burlington.

• Trees - Hamilton is densely tree covered. From the escarpment, especially when looking west, it is difficult to see streets or the roofs of houses under the thick canopy of trees.

• Downtown Neighbourhoods - Like many cities, Hamilton is home to many traditional neighbourhoods, including Locke South, Concession St., James St. South, James S. North, International Village BIA, and Ottawa Street. James North has an exploding arts scene, with several galleries opened in the past few years.

• Theatre Aquarius Usually puts on many good plays, starring local talent, not too pricey and has good dining in the surrounding area.

• Doors Open Hamilton [21], usually held on the first weekend in May, offers an intimate experience of various historic landmarks around the city normally off limits to visitors and tourists: various place of worship, estates, museums, wineries and government buildings. A division of Doors Open Ontario [22], it is an annual opportunity to discover the City, the Province of Ontario, and Canadian Heritage.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Tourism Hamilton [23] is the city's official tourism website and offers a free "Experience Hamilton" Visitor’s Guide and current info on local events and attractions.

• Golf [24] at one of Hamilton's 18-hole public courses: Chedoke [25] or King's Forest [26]. There are numerous private courses [27] including the 2003 home to the Canadian Open, the top rated Hamilton Golf and Country Club [28], in Ancaster. The Hamilton Golf and Country Club is an exclusive club that dates back to Hamilton's industrial glory days. Unless you know a member, or someone that knows a member, forget playing here.

• Confederation Park/Wild Waterworks [29] offers lakefront camping, a waterpark [30] with wave pool and tube rides, and Adventure Village [31] with go-karts, batting cages, mini golf, etc.

• Workers Arts & Heritage Centre [32] is a unique facility boosting Canadian workers history, culture and art. Located in a National Historic site, near Hamilton's harbour, this gem offers educational and group tours, exhibitions (available to travel across Canada), and meeting space.

• Haunted Hamilton Ghost Walks [33] Explore the dark alleys and haunted buildings where voices of the past are said to still linger to this day. Haunted Walks of Downtown Hamilton, the Historic Customs House, the Hermitage Ruins in Ancaster and Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake - done regularly throughout the year.
  • Visit GhostWalks.com for the Interactive Calendar or call 905-529-4327.
  • Visit HauntedHamilton.com for other events and free articles on all that is spooky.

[edit] Learn

McMaster University [34] is one of the country's leading research institutions. It offers undergrad and postgrad degrees in a wide variety of subject areas. Health sciences and Engineering are "Mac"'s most prestigious programs. There's also Mohawk College, which is easier to get into.

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

Hamilton has a few main shopping districts. While less is available in Hamilton than in neighbouring Toronto, a few good areas successfully specialize in antiques or specialty boutiques.

• Locke Street South - Located just west of downtown, Locke Street is home to a large number of antique shops. Prices tend to be lower than in Toronto.

• Ottawa Street [35] - Home to innumerable fabric, home decor and furnishings stores. The street has fallen on hard times lately but is still a fabric shoppers destination.

• Ancaster - Located up the mountain, at the westmost section of the city, Ancaster has several specialty boutiques. While not much is available in the historic village, Ancaster's shopping is now focused on big box retailers called the Meadowlands Power Centre. There you will find typical stores found in any Ontario suburb.

• Dundas - As west as Ancaster, but down the mountain, Dundas is a small heritage town that offers most of the good shopping opportunities in Hamilton.

• The Hamilton Farmers Market [36] , originally founded in 1837 and since moved indoors, is located at 55 York Blvd downtown. It features the usual mix of local farm produce and ethnic specialties, and is older than the city and is one of the best farmers markets in Ontario. One of the good things about living in Hamilton.

• Concession Street [37] - Originally a turn of the century African American neighbourhood. Many slaves escaping the U.S. via the Underground Railway settled in this urban neighbourhood at the edge of the escarpment. It boasts the best views of the lower city and features many parks, some with fantastic vistas overlooking the downtown and heavy industrial areas. The neighbourhood offers many shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. The housing is an eclectic mix of million dollar estates and 1920s cottages. Stairs to the lower city are available on Mountain Avenue, traversing the 91 m (300 foot) escarpment. Many buses travel along Concession, making it one of the most public transit accessible areas of the city. Once considered run-down, it may be one of the most underrated areas of the city. A recent 1920s movie house has been renovated and is showing first run and art films.

• Westdale [38] - Adjacent McMaster University keeps this neighbourhood healthy, with its many boutiques, groceries, eateries, pubs and bakeries and even a movie cinema specializing in foreign and art films. Westdale Village is accessible by bus and is walking distance to McMaster University and Hospital. It was Hamilton's first master-planned community in the 1920s.

• Lime Ridge is a great mall with over 200 shops and services, located on Upper Wentworth, adjacent to the Lincoln Alexander Parkway.

[edit][add listing] Eat

It's not difficult to find a large variety of foods in Hamilton. Having a large minority and immigrant population, many people in Hamilton can and do take the opportunity to eat exotic cuisines.

[edit] Budget

Almost any restaurant on James St North.

[edit] Mid-range

Hamilton is a fairly large city and therefore enjoys almost every mid-range dining chain. Examples include Kelsey's, Montana's, The Keg, Outback, etc, etc. Hess Street, in addition to housing some newer upper-scale establishments, has several mid-range places that offer fantastic food (Ceilidh House being an example).

• Hutch's, 325 Bay St N. Offers what many consider the best fish and chips in town and, like its sister restaurant (a '50s diner on Van Wagners Beach), offers a scenic location to munch them. Hutch's is a famous local institution which once could vie for having the best hamburgers in Canada. Urban renewal has forced Hutch's beach strip location into a boring government building. Cruise nights often held here in the summer. On the beach trail, so you can walk off your Sportsmanburger.
• Affinity Vegetarian Restaurant, 87 John Street South. This is a totally vegetarian, Buddhist-themed Chinese/Asian-style restaurant. Much of the food is spicy, featuring faux-meat dishes. Reasonably priced and nice decor. Friendly staff.
• Stoney Creek Dairy, [39]. Operating at its original site since 1929, is home to the "Super Duper Sundae". Cruise nights are often held here in the summer. After Hutch's you drive here for ice cream.
• Ancaster Old Mill, [40]. With its historic stone buildings, natural panoramas and waterfall, this is a picturesque spot for Sunday brunch and what it bills as "contemporary Canadian Cuisine". Family run, but not inexpensive.
• Edgewater Manor, [41]. Features fine dining in a 1920s-era mansion located stunningly on the shores of Lake Ontario. Expensive.
• Karolina's Restaurant, 757 Barton St E, East End, 905 548-0306. Polish. Excellent food at reasonable prices. Small and sometimes hard to get in. Don't let the rundown area prevent you from eating here. Just west of Lottridge. For an after-meal adventure you can drive north on Lottridge and check out the Hell's Angels clubhouse. You'll know it when you see it.
• Capri, 25 John St N, Downtown. 905-525-7811. Italian. First restaurant to serve pizza in Hamilton. Gangster movies filmed here. Real gangsters ate here too. Like the mafia in Hamilton, this restaurant now somewhat faded. Try the pizza bianco.
• Black Forest Inn, 255 King St E, Downtown, 905-528-3538. [42] German. The Black Forest is another Hamilton institution. Full of cuckoo clocks, this restaurant and its army of servers in Bavarian costume move the crowds through with Germanic precision. Eat there and you'll find out why Hamiltonians keep coming back.
• Harvest Burger, 194 King Street West, Downtown, 905-525-3233. Canadian/Greek. A Hamilton tradition for over 25 years. Harvest Burger is the spot to be at after a night out at Hess Village, or after a day of shopping downtown. Famous for their burgers and Greek food. Also has a licensed bar on site.
• O Marineiro (The Sailor), a traditional Portugese restaurant on James St. North, serves a wonderful seafood platter.
• My Thai[43], corner of John St. and King William. A stellar Thai restaurant.
• La Cantina[44] May be the best Italian restaurant in Hamilton. Their pumpkin soup is breathtaking.
• Golden Grain Bakery a large variety of imported foods and European baked goods.
• Sizzle Steak House and Ultra Lounge,[45] 25 Hess St. S in Hess Village. A truly excellent place to dine, party, and just have fun. Sizzle's Menu offers a wide variety of foods, food is fresh and plate designs are magnificent. The restaurant is awesome--5 stars!
• Mimi's Bistro, 931 Queenston Road, Stoney Creek. Offers patio and serves excellent quality Canadian food at affordable prices. Serves all-day breakfast. Beautiful decor and atmosphere.

[edit] Splurge

• Sheraton, King Street. A splurge, but nice rooms. No free parking.
• Shakespeare's, 181 Main St. E., (905) 528-0689. Award winning, family owned & operated. Fabulous steak, seafood and wild game. Amazing wines.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Slainte Irish Pub - Located at Bowen and Main Streets, this authentic Irish pub serves the best pint of Guinness in the city. The very old building is a heritage site, and all the beautiful woodwork and stained glass in the bar were built and shipped over from Dublin, Ireland. The front doors of the pub are the original doors from the movie "Michael Collins." Be sure to check out their live music Wednesday through Sunday and sports on their huge plasma TVs.

• Hess Village [46] - A "bar" in the classic sense, Hess is a couple blocks of pubs and eateries. Highlights include the Gown and Gavel and the Funky Munky. Located roughly between King and Main Street, on Hess Street. Typically pub-type bars, but it runs the gamut. Hess Village is where the patio action is in Hamilton on warm summer nights. Recently, dance clubs have opened in neighbourhood, adding to the entertainment mix. This is the summer place to be in Hamilton. One of the best bar and nightclubs in Hess Village with the best music fantastic accommodations is Sizzle's Ultra Lounge.

• Chester's Beers of the World - A gem in the heart of downtown, Chester's offers over 250 bottled beers from all over the world. Not the place to party - this place is quiet and often empty, but the staff is friendly and courteous and the selection is unparalleled outside of Toronto.

• Augusta's Winking Judge - Located on Augusta Street right behind the GO Transit station, this is the best place in Hamilton to get a tasty pint. With over 20 taps dedicated to microbreweries, they're sure to have something you like. It's worth noting that this bar does not sell popular beers like Molson, Labatt, or Sleeman products. This was original location of the Winking Judge, which later moved to Hess Village.

• The Rebels Rock - Located on King and Emerald, this Irish pub may be the only truly authentic Irish pub in the city. If you want to stay away from the bars and have a pint in a friendly living room setting, this is the place. Live Irish music every Wednesday, with some of the city's best Celtic and east coast musicians, and great home style food at a good price. Don't be surprised if the guy next to you at the bar is missing teeth, as this is in a bit of a rough area. Founded by Toronto cop.

• The Coach and Lantern - 384 Wilson Street East, Ancaster. Dating from 1823, the former "Union Hotel" has survived various incarnations and even a 1878 fire in its stables. During the war of 1812, it was purportedly the site of the Bloody Assis, and the spot where four traitors were condemned to hang outside Dundurn Castle. It's rumoured to be haunted, and not just by the Ancaster set. Has a good selection of draft beers and single malt scotches, typical pub grub, and nightly entertainment of the karaoke/trivia/open mic sort. Atmosphere is as you'd expect: exposed stone walls, beams, dark, cluttered and windowless, but it has a cobbled courtyard the claustrophobic may enjoy in the summer.

• Collins Brewhouse - 33 King St. West, Dundas. Serving locals since 1841, this "food and beverage warehouse" has 12 beers on draft, including its own Brewhouse Red and Lager. Specializes in Cajun fare. Unique decor includes plank flooring, galvanized steel, 6-seater booths, garage doors opening to a patio and a concrete bar top. Live bands, poker tournament and other shenanigans make this a popular spot for all ages. Attracts a younger crowd, particularly Mac students. This is the oldest tavern in Ontario.

• Bar on Locke - 178 Locke Street S, Hamilton. Offers a cozy atmosphere in the Locke Antique district with a creative menu and about 7 beers on draft.

• The Embassy Nightclub - 52 King St. East, downtown Hamilton is the largest gay nightclub in the city and is an institution with the locals. It plays a mix of house and hip-hop, has drag shows on Thursday and Sunday, and is busiest on Fridays and Saturdays.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Airport Inn - Located close to Hamilton's John C. Munro International Airport, the Airport Inn has 30 renovated guest rooms, free Parking, provides Airport Shuttle Bus Services, is adjacent to the Pastacinno Restaurant, is located close to Brantford Casino and major entertainment and sports facilities, and is minutes away from Hamilton's largest shopping attraction, Limeridge Mall.

[edit] Mid-range

• Staybridge Suites at 118 Market St. is mid-range in my book (got a room for $125 per night, including kitchen facilities and spacious room). Seems fairly new, and the facility is clean and friendly.

[edit] Splurge

• Sheraton Hotel, 116 King Street West, ☎ (905) 529-5515, [47]. Nice rooms. No free parking.

$150 (weekend double occupancy).  edit

• Admiral Inn

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

• Hamilton lies on one of the most polluted Great Lakes (Lake Ontario is the worst; E. Coli bacteria prevents the beach from ever being open for swimming season.) and suffers high air pollution (especially fine particulate) and high cancer rates, consistent with most of Southern Ontario from Windsor through Oshawa. [48]

The city is not especially unsafe and there are few areas to avoid. The most problematic area after dark is Barton Street west of Gage Street, due to the high number of prostitutes and drug dealers that may be present. The rate of violent crime is moderate compared to other similarly-sized Canadian cities. Generally, the mountain is perceived to be much safer day or night than downtown.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Get out

Hamilton is wonderful year-round with lots of outdoor opportunities in the months of May, June, July, August, and September when the weather is great, and with indoor offerings all year long. Downtown Hamilton is beautiful in the winter seasons all the lamp posts are decorated and is a "winter wonderland".

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