Hamilton’s military history is preserved across the city.
Step aboard a storied warship, experience a pivotal War of 1812 battlefield, or take to the skies in a one-of-a-kind restored warplane.
Whether you’re looking to honour those who served or uncover stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, you’ll find museums, historic sites, and memorials that tell the stories of Canada’s and Hamilton’s military past.
Discover the places that connect Hamilton, Ontario to defining moments in Canadian military history.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The sky’s the limit at Canada’s largest flying museum, home to more than 40 aircraft as well as once-in-a-lifetime flights on vintage planes you can purchase, including on the legendary Avro Lancaster Mk. X (one of only two airworthy Avro Lancasters in the world and the only one you can purchase a flight on).
HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Climb aboard a Tribal-class destroyer docked at Hamilton’s waterfront and discover what life was like for crew members serving on board. Known as the “Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canadian Navy”, HMCS Haida served in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict, and the Cold War, and was distinguished in several historical battles.
Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
The 19th-century historic homestead was the site of the 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek, which is re-enacted annually during the first week of June to commemorate this pivotal moment in the War of 1812 and Canadian history. While there, also visit the 100-foot-tall Battlefield Monument, which symbolizes peace and commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives on June 6, 1813.
Eagles Among Us
This striking public art piece was created by David M. General, a Oneida/Mohawk Indigenous artist and member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. The artwork consists of four nine-foot-tall granite-carved eagles inscribed with symbols and texts dedicated to healing, peace, and reconciliation after the War of 1812, inspired by the cultural traditions of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek communities.
Hamilton Military Museum
Burlington Heights, where the Hamilton Military Museum (and Dundurn Castle) now stand, was occupied by the British military from 1813-1815. Built as a gatehouse by Sir Allan MacNab in the late 1830s atop a War of 1812 battery, the museum now offers an opportunity to learn about the war through distinct exhibit experiences, including WWI stories.
Hamilton Cemetery
Walk among the headstones and learn the stories of Hamiltonians who served in the World Wars, the War of 1812, the American Revolution, and more. Cemetery Chronicles offers guided tours focused on the War of 1812, historic battles, naval disasters, and Stoney Creek Cemetery – the first point of contact between the British and Americans in the Battle of Stoney Creek.
John Weir Foote Armoury National Historic Site of Canada
First made for Hamilton’s volunteer militia, this Armoury remains active today and currently serves as headquarters for the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, the 705 Communications Squadron, and the 11th Field Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery – one of Canada’s oldest military units still in existence.
Hamilton Cenotaph
Unveiled in May 1923 and a replica of the Westminster Cenotaph in London, UK, this cenotaph was originally erected to commemorate those who served in WWI. The cenotaph was later expanded to include those who served in WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the War in Afghanistan. The Hamilton Cenotaph in Gore Park remains a central site of remembrance in the city, hosting the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, as well as the Veterans’ Place Memorial wall and enclaves.
Memorial Peace Arch
Peace Memorial School was built in 1919 in honour of those who died in WWI. From 1919 to 1921, part of the school was used as a military recovery ward. After the school closed in 2003, the land became Peace Memorial Park, with the former school portico, now an archway, remaining a memorial to those who served in war and peacetime.
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Memorial Pavilion
Designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, this memorial pavilion was originally created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 91st Regiment, Canadian Highlanders, now known as the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. Today, it serves as a memorial to the Argylls who lost their lives in the World Wars, and those who have served and continue to serve.
Dieppe Veterans’ Memorial Park
Commemorating the disastrous Dieppe Raid of 1942, Dieppe Veterans’ Memorial Park is dedicated to the 582 soldiers of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) who stormed the French port of Dieppe in 1942. The monument serves as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and to the more than 900 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in the raid.