Hamilton is ready for its close-up.
Gorgeous nature on all sides and a colourful street art scene provide plenty of iconic, Gram-worthy spots to grab a perfect photo on your next visit to the city.
1. Bayfront Park
Think rolling green hills surrounded by waterfront trails, just minutes from the downtown core. This urban parks beckons locals and visitors for strolls, picnics and stunning views of Hamilton Harbour. Frame your shot around the park's gleaming commemorative domed pavilion or the swans and boats in the water.
2. Devil's Punchbowl
This tall thin waterfall pours over a deep multi-coloured gorge that's a history lesson in geology and one of the most stunning natural formations along the Niagara Escarpment. Look for the huge cross perched nearby for more spectacular views of Stoney Creek and Hamilton Harbour.
3. High Level Bridge
This historic entry way into the city provides stunning views on either side. Look west to see breathtaking Cootes Paradise, a peaceful body of water surrounded lush greenery. Look east to take in Hamilton's hard-working harbour dotted with sailboats and factory towers. You'll know you're in the right place when you spot the photographers lining the bridge waiting to capture the spectacular sunsets here.
4. Hamilton Sign at City Hall
This 60-feet long H-A-M-I-L-T-O-N sign is the perfect prop for a great pic. Get creative and playful crawling through the sign's 7 feet-tall letters while posing for an epic shot. Thousands of LED lights help light up the City Hall forecourt and change colours depending on the occasion.
5. Gore Park Fountain
It doesn't get much more iconic than Hamilton's Gore Park fountain. This centrepiece of downtown's Gore Park looks majestic from any angle and draws photographers day and night, year-round.
6. Sam Lawrence Park
Want a bird's eye view of the 'lower city'? (i.e. everything from the harbour up to the edge of the Niagara Escarpment that cuts through the city). Head to this pretty park on the edge of the escarpment for sweeping views. A great spot to use that panoramic setting. Post-photo shoot, find something delicious on nearby Concession Street.
7. Tiffany Falls
This easy to reach waterfall in the Ancaster neighbourhood rewards visitors with a great photo every time. Follow the sound of rushing water as it gets louder and louder on the short walk through a forested trail over bridges and streams.
8. West Harbour
There's so much to point your phone or camera at here at the city's evolving north-end waterfront.
Grab a selfie with Canadian TV icon Theodore Tugboat, docked at Pier 8. Go retro with a shot of rollerskaters at the outdoor waterfront rink. Then stroll along the new Copps Pier that ends at a striking yellow gantry crane, honouring the city's industrial heritage.
9. Hamilton Street Art
The city's colourful street art scene offers an outdoor gallery of backdrops -perfect for selfies and striking portraits that offer a window into Hamiltn's character and many stories.
10. Dundurn Castle
This sprawling Victorian-era historic home overlooking the bay is one of the city's most popular photo backdrops. If you're looking for an iconic attraction to capture your visit, it doesn't get much more Hamilton than Dundurn Castle.