Hamilton teen and Umbrella Academy actor T.J. McGibbon shows us what she loves to see, do and eat in her hometown.
Follow along as she shares her perfect day in Hamilton.
1st Stop: Breakfast at Breezy Corners
Breezy Corners is my number one favourite breakfast spot in Hamilton. Their chocolate chip pancakes have been my go-to order for years and are always amazing! But everything at this classic diner with a from-scratch menu is delicious. I'm here at their east end location near beautiful Gage Park. (The diner was also featured in Season 2 of Umbrella Academy streaming on Netflix now – look for it in Episode 3).
2nd Stop: Chasing Waterfall Hikes
One of the things I love most about Hamilton is our beautiful waterfalls. My family and I love hiking to find different waterfalls and Tiffany Falls is definitely a good one! It has this amazing trail through a forest leading up to the viewing platform. I also love to take the connection to the Bruce Trail. It makes the hike a little longer but it's definitely worth it!
3rd Stop: Soup's On for Lunch
Burnt Tongue is an amazing local soup restaurant. Their menu changes daily so there's always something new for me to try. I don't think I've ever gotten the same soup twice! (Follow @TheBurntTongue to see their daily blackboard menu). For dessert, I tried their homemade Banana Bread and Salted Carmel ice cream sandwich and it was hands down the best ice cream sandwich I've ever had. This is their Locke Street location but they've also got restaurants downtown and in the Westdale neighbourhood.
4th Stop: Down by the Bay
Pier 8 is an awesome spot along Hamilton's waterfront in the city's North End. I love their outdoor roller-skating rink (ice skating rink in the winter) and ice cream shop, Waterfront Scoops. The roller/skating rink is right on the water and has such a nice view of Hamilton Harbour! There are also a hop on hop off trolley.
5th Stop: Donut Break
Steps away from the waterfront is my favourite local donut shop. Grandad's is a Hamilton institution and the first place I send visitors and new Hamiltonians! In fact it's so Hamilton we included it in my brother Liam's music video celebrating the city "Home". It's also featured Arkell's People's Champ video. My go-to donuts here are definitely classics like Canadian Maple or Cherry Loop!
6th Stop: Zipline Adventure
Treetop Trekking Hamilton is an aerial and zipline game park tucked into the forest at Binbrook Conservation Area. I went to their Zipline and Aerial Game Trek this year for my birthday and had a ton of fun! Their game trek includes five different courses with different difficulty levels and I loved them all. The view from up in the trees is so worth the sore arms the next day. One of their zip lines even takes you right over the lake – definitely a favourite moment!
7th Stop: Best Burgers for Dinner
Hambrgr is mostly known for its incredible burgers (some say they're the best they've ever had). But let's be honest, everything on their menu is delicious. They also make the best milkshakes I've ever had. If you're a The Umbrella Academy fan, look for their Ottawa Street location in Season 2! (they've got another location downtown on King William Street). My go-to order is always the #HAMONT 2.0 Brgr and the Cookie Monster shake!