Escape the cold without missing out on any of the fun on your next visit to Hamilton at these 25 cozy destinations.
1. Burnt Tongue
There's nothing like a bowl of hot soup on a cold winter day. Take your pick from four locations in the city (Downtown, Locke Street, Westdale, Dundas) at this beloved soup bar with rotating blackboard menus. Amazing sides include loaded fries and buttery grilled cheeses. Perfect winter comfort food!
2. Mediterranean Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens
Step into the warmth of the Mediterranean Gardens at RBG and instantly escape the cold temperatures. Spreading across two levels, the gardens bloom throughout the winter. December to April is peak interest time!
3. SYNONYM
Curl up with your favourite book and a cup of joe (or a glass of wine) and a well-crafted vegetarian snack at this gorgeous neighbourhood cafe-resto-bar-bookshop on James Street North. Whether you stay for an hour or the day, it will be time well spent.
4. Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
Warm your soul with live orchestral music as you sit back in the concert hall to enjoy an upcoming show: Come Together, Mozart in Paris, or Beethoven 5. Arrive early to enjoy the free Inside the Music: Pre-concert Talk.
5. Ancaster Mill
Let the winter wonderland outside (waterfall alert!) be the backdrop to an elegant meal at this historic one-time stone mill. While famous for their sprawling Sunday brunch buffet, their dinner menu is equally impressive.
6. Art Gallery of Hamilton
Find some mid-winter inspiration at the region's largest and oldest art galleries. Permanent pieces include Alex Colville's famous Horse and Train painting as well as the mind-blowing (and the gallery's most photographed) Bruegal-Bosch Bus by Kim Adams.
7. The Brain
Cozy up in this effortlessly cool bar on James Street North - a favourite with locals - serving craft beer, cocktails, coffees, and savoury snacks. Find a nook and crack open a board game for a night out that feels like you never left your living room.
8. Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse
Escape to a lush, tropical setting year-round in this gorgeous greenhouse, home to subtropical plants, rare species, palm trees as well as waterfalls and ponds. Visit on your own or let the kids explore and maybe even spot a turtle or two. Find it in the east end's Gage Park.
9. Hamilton Farmers’ Market
With 65 vendors, there are plenty of spots to warm up at this historic indoor farmers' market. This one-stop-shop for fresh meats, cheeses, breads and produce also features great gifts, specialty snacks, flowers, delicious lunch counters, and locally roasted coffee.
10. Maipai
Step into Barton Street's MaiPai Tiki Bar and pretend you've traveled to the tropics. Sip on an exotic drink and enjoy a slice or two of their famous Detroit-style pizza at this one-of-a-kind oasis.
11. Dundurn Castle
Take shelter from winter in the luxury of this historic estate overlooking the harbour. The castle offers tours and activities for adults and kids, including hands-on historic cooking workshops by the kitchen hearth.
12. Redchurch Cafe + Gallery
Catch up with a friend over a glass of Prosecco or specialty coffee in this welcoming coffeeshop. Muse over a gallery exhibit in the back or people watch the passerby in Gore Park from inside.
13. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Head inside Canada's largest flying museum for an impressive display of exhibits, flight memorabilia and aircrafts - including the still-airworthy 1945 Avro Lancaster. Come back in the spring and summer to rent a flight of your own!
14. Chocolat on James
Sip on a hot chocolate and enjoy the intoxicating smell of high quality chocolate being made in-house. We promise it's worth the drive.
15. Live Music Shows
Hamilton's got plenty of live music venues to warm you up this season. When you're in town, check out who's playing at the CORE, Bridgeworks, Mills Hardware and the Casbah.
16. Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Want to learn more about Hamilton's industrial heritage? Then you'll want to head full steam ahead to this National Historic Site, home to two 70-ton steam powered water pumping engines.
17. Theatre Aquarius
On stage at Hamilton's premier theatre company, this winter season speaks to identity, finding your voice, and the power of inclusivity.
18. Electric Diner
Step back in time at this fun 80's themed diner with two locations in the city. From neon lights and jukeboxes to the perfect diner dishes, the entire family can enjoy breakfast. lunch or dinner at this one of a kind spot.
19. The Argyle
Sip on signature cocktails and keep your golf swing in shape all winter at this cozy cocktail bar. The Argyle's upscale pub atmosphere, one-of-a-kind cocktails and golf simulators make for an experience you won't forget.
20. Toronto Rock
Get the family together for some fast paced action and cheer on the Hamilton's new Lacrosse team at a Toronto Rock Game. Always entertaining, it makes for a great afternoon of family fun. Be sure to check out the local restaurant scene for a bite to eat before or after the game.
21. Self Guided Brewery Tour
Sip your way through the city at our collection of craft breweries and cideries. With some of the best brews in the town, you can enjoy the day with friends and check-out a few spots on your own self-guided tour.
22. Coach and Lantern
Built in the 1700's this historic British pub has a storied past that includes a few ghostly encounters. With friendly staff, great brews, live music, and authentic pub style food, you'll feel right at home the moment you walk through the door.
23. Curated Cradle
Mamas and babies alike will enjoy this warm, inviting, and cool space. Whether you want to sip on a coffee while you watch the babes play, join a yoga class, sign up for a workshop, or do a little retail therapy, Curated Cradle has it all in one amazing place. It's a spot you wish you would have known about sooner!
24. Pure Home Couture Apothecary
Step out of the cold and into Pure Home Couture and Apothecary as you're transported to a Parisian loft with high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and rich wooden floors. Shop their brand of natural apothecary products and have your senses awakened. It's just the experience to help warm your soul during the cold winter months.
25. High Acre
Treat yourself to the warming luxury of this beautiful boutique Dundas inn where every suite has its own ensuite spa.
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