Park hangs and picnics are where it's at this season and Hamilton has some great ones to choose from.
From waterfronts to botanical gardens to local neighbourhood favourties, here are some of the city’s best parks for you to lay out your picnic blanket – along with nearby spots to grab your picnic eats.
Bayfront ParK
200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton
As far as urban parks go, it doesn’t get much better than this waterfront destination – a favourite with visitors drawn to the vast green space, paved waterfront trail that loops around the park, boat launches and some stellar people (and swan) watching.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- Hutch’s at Bayfront is a local institution, famous for its burgers, fish and chips, and ice cream cones.
- Head to nearby James Street North and grab some comfort food at Harbour Diner and a classic Hamilton donut at Grandad’s Donuts
- More picnic eats nearby: Downtown
Sam Lawrence Park
255 & 371 Concession Street, Hamilton
Want a picnic with a view? This park on the edge of the city’s escarpment or “Mountain Brow” offers a panoramic view of the entire lower city from east to west and north to Hamilton Harbour. Picnic among rock and wild flower gardens and prairie grasses.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- Jonny Blonde has some of the freshest burgers in town – all made from scratch and locally sourced.
- Juice Kitchen will make you a fresh and flavourful juice or smoothie to order.
- More picnic eats nearby: Concession Street BIA
Dundas Driving Park
71 Cross Street, Dundas
This sprawling park is a Dundas jewel, perfect for fun seekers and families. Work up an appetite strolling or rolling the trail that loops around the park, at the tennis court, lawn-bowling area, splash pad or playground. Then grab a sheltered picnic table or lay out a blanket under a mature tree.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- Detour Cafe specializes in great coffee and artisanal pastries and sandwiches.
- Red Door Cucina serves up fresh and authentic paninis, salads and ‘zas – all perfect for sharing.
- More picnic eats nearby: Downtown Dundas
Gage Park
1000 Main Street East, Hamilton
You’ll find a gorgeous backdrop in every corner of this large east end park. Stop and smell the roses in the rose garden that blooms in the summer and the cherry blossom trees in the spring. Cool off near the iconic marble fountain or by the splash pad and playgrounds. And enjoy music at the vintage bandshell. Nearby attractions include the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse and Children’s Museum.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- Hambrgr serves up some of the city’s most famous burgers and sides.
- Merks Snack Bar is your go-to for tapas-sized comfort food.
- More picnic eats nearby: Ottawa Street
Royal Botanical Gardens
16 Old Guelph Road, Waterdown
How does a picnic in Canada’s largest botanical gardens sound? Lay out your blanket or find a bench at one of several breathtaking gardens. Picture yourself picnicking next to the world’s largest lilac collection or in a nationally recognized Rock Garden.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- On-Site RBG restaurants include Rock Garden and Greenhouse Cafes.
- Valentino’s in nearby Westdale serves up a variety of Panzerotti – baked or fried – along with many more takeout Italian specialties.
- More picnic eats nearby: Westdale
Battlefield Park
77 King Street West, Stoney Creek
The historic Battlefield Park in Stoney Creek is home to tiered, ornamental gardens and winding walkways to explore. Your picnic backdrop at this National Historic site includes Battlefield House Museum, a towering monument and the striking indigenous public art piece Eagles Among Us.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- The Attic Pizza has been making perfect pies for almost half a century. Grab one (or two) to share.
- Chef Martin Sushi has your favourite sushi combos.
- More picnic eats nearby: Downtown Stoney Creek
Victoria Park
500 King Street West, Hamilton
This historic park is in the heart of the Strathcona neighbourhood offers plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the playground and butterfly garden. If you want to work up an appetite, there are tennis courts, a baseball field and a swimming pool on-site as well.
Where to Grab Your Picnic
- Victoria’s is right across the street and perfect for a special occasion or fancy picnic. Think Wagyu burgers and Lobster clubs.
- Delirious Burgers and Burnt Tongue both serve up perfect burgers and sides on nearby Locke Street.
- More picnic eats nearby: Locke Street
Confederation Park
585 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton
Picnic right on the shores of Lake Ontario at this popular east end lakefront park. Enjoy more than four kilometres of the scenic Hamilton Beach Trail before or after your picnic and watch the waves roll in.
Where to Grab Your Picnic:
- Hutch’s on the Beach is where locals have been lining up for decades for classic beach eats like burgers, fish and chips and milkshakes.
- Barangas on the Beach is another local favourite, with a takeout menu that will transport you to the Mediterranean.