Rollerskating. Historic ships. Harbour cruises. Sweet treats. Find it all at Hamilton’s historic harbour – the perfect summer daytrip destination for the whole family.
Located just minutes from the city’s downtown core, Hamilton’s waterfront is easy to reach and even easier to enjoy. Here’s our guide to getting the most out of Hamilton’s beautiful waterfront. Capture your waterfront visit at our new Selfie Stations during your visit and share using #HamOntViews for a chance to be featured.
Roll, ride and cruise at Pier 8
Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink
From June to September, the outdoor rink is open to visitors to wheel around on their rollerskates – classic retro fun for the young and young-at-heart! Skates are available to rent at the kiosk or bring your own from home. (safety equipment recommended and available for free).
Theodore Tugboat
Grab a selfie with Canadian TV icon Theodore Tugboat, docked at Pier 8. When the replica boat is not out sailing on promotional missions throughout the Great Lakes and Atlantic Canada, visitors can now find him at Hamilton's West Harbour.
Hamiltonian Tour Boat
For a smaller, more intimate harbour tour, hop aboard the 12-passenger Hamiltonian Tour Boat. This 50 minute tour is narrated by a captain sharing fascinating stories about one of continent’s most noteworthy harbours. Catch unique views of Hamilton’s recreational, natural and industrial landscapes.
Harbour West Trolley
The whole family will love seeing our shoreline from a unique vantage point aboard the 37-passenger Harbour West Trolley that travels along the 12-km waterfront trail. The trackless trolley’s conductor provides great commentary on attractions passed… hop on and off wherever you’d like.
Waterfront Eats
Williams Fresh Cafe offers indoor and patio seating and a fresh, casual menu with some of the waterfront views of the city. Next to the outdoor rink is Waterfront Grill with kid-approved hamburgers and fries. Save room for ice cream from Hamilton Waterfront Scoops.
Copps Pier
This waterfront promenade honours the city’s unique industrial heritage with its thoughtful design and friendly open spaces which include chess tables with umbrellas, a playground, sandy beach area with loungers, and several event and performance areas – all along the water’s edge.
This summer, look for Pop Ups at Pier 8 featuring family-friendly programming, patio drinks & food, pop-up markets, and movie nights.
HMCS Haida (Pier 9)
A must-see when visiting Hamilton’s waterfront is the famous Canadian warship and National Historic Site, HMCS Haida. It served in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict, and the Cold War. Families can get a guided tour to get up-close and personal with the decks of this tribal class destroyer.
Events
Depending on when you’re visiting, you may be in luck and catch one of the season’s many waterfront events. Pier 8’s waterfront stage hosts musical performances on Thursday evenings in the summer. There’s also summer salsa lessons and special roller skating nights at the outdoor rink. Pop Ups at Pier 8 will run throughout the summer with movie nights and pop up markets.
Pier 4
Trails
Follow the trail west from Pier 8 to Pier 4 by foot, bike, or trolley. Take in the panoramic scenery of the shoreline and parkland from the bench, grass or boardwalk. Stop for a rest, read, or family chat before moving on to Bayfront Park.
Tugboat Playground
One of the most beloved children’s play areas in the city, the tugboat playground and splash pad is a colourful, interactive, real tug boat for kids to climb and explore.
Bayfront Park
Greenspaces and trails
From picnicking to walking the trails, relish in the peace and quiet of this vast, green waterfront locale. Besides offering ideal waterfront strolls and prime picnic areas, Bayfront Park is home to events like Dusk Dances, the Because Beer festival, Canada Day celebrations and much more.
Hutch’s Harbour Front
Renowned for its fish n’ chips, this casual, retro food stop is a must-try when you’re in Hamilton! Top off your meal with a milkshake or ice cream cone to enjoy on the patio or take down to a grassy spot in the park.
Pirate’s Life
Find adventure on the high seas of Hamilton Harbour on this floating children's theatre, docked at Bayfront Park throughout the summer Enjoy an immersive theatre program aboard a pirate ship with your mini swashbucklers – complete with face paint tattoos, pirate nicknames, and water cannons, try their sailing escape room or charter the ship for a private cruise.
RELATED:
Find out more about Hamilton’s waterfront in this article by writer Stephanie Wallcraft who explored the harbour with her daughter on a recent trip.