Don’t hide from winter this year. Lean into the season of snow, ice, and twinkling lights with our guide to winter in Hamilton. Hike past a frozen waterfall, grab your tickets for a winter show, then warm up with some made-in-Hamilton comfort food.
Read on for things to do in Hamilton this winter with our guide to the best of the season.
See & Do
Hamilton's outdoor winter playground and world-class attractions offer a warm welcome.
Outdoor Adventure
- Hike your way through the snowy treelines and idyllic winter scenery on Hamilton's extensive trail network.
- Experience the magic of frozen waterfalls, as some falls begin to freeze when cooler temperatures arrive. You can even take a stab at ice climbing on Tiffany Falls.
- Practice your figure eight at West Harbour's Pier 8 skating rink.
- Snowshoe after a fresh snowfall on local trails at Christie Lake, Dundas Valley and King’s Forest Golf Club.
- Try your hand at a new sport like Disc Golf at the 18-hole course at King’s Forest Golf Club.
- Find more ways to enjoy our winter playground.
- Chedoke Golf Club is open for golf lovers year-round with winter golf at their Martin Course.
Top Attractions
- Royal Botanical Gardens is beautiful during the winter months with trails, exhibits, and events to enjoy.
- Escape the cold at the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse with soaring palm trees and exotic fishponds.
- Step back in time and explore the city’s history at one of Hamilton's Civic Museums.
- Get out of the cold and close to over 50 aircraft and displays at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
- Art Gallery of Hamilton is the perfect way to keep things colourful with renowned permanent exhibits and new winter shows.
Events
- Experience the magic of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra with shows throughout the winter season, including The Music of James Bond.
- Celebrate the beauty of the season at Hamilton’s Winterfest and experience the Winterfest Hub on the Jackson Square rooftop with art installations and murals.
- The oldest foot race in North America, Around the Bay, returns with its legendary course.
- Enjoy the magic of the season at RBG WinterTide with glowing lights, firepits, and live music.
- Bring the family out for a time-honoured and tasty tradition as Maple Syrup Season returns to Westfield Heritage Village.
- Wander through beautiful floral displays and experience Alice in Bloomland at Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Get your brew loving friends together for the Because Brrr Craft Beer Festival at Bridgeworks.
- Check out our Event Calendar for more great events for your next visit.
Eat
Hamilton's growing food and drink scene will have you feeling warm and cozy all winter long.
- Wander through Hamilton's diverse neighbourhoods to discover culinary gems for comfort food and drink.
- Toast the season and warm up at some of the city's best breweries, wineries, and cideries.
- After a day exploring, warm yourself with a cup of joe at these first-rate Hamilton coffee shops.
- Dig into our Brunch Guide to find the perfect spot to cozy up and enjoy your short stack.
- Keep sipping and dining outdoors by reserving a firepit at West Avenue Cider or an outdoor dome on the patio at Collins Brewhouse in Dundas.
Play
Keep the kids active all winter with indoor activities and outdoor adventures.
- Bundle up and let them run wild at the ultimate tree-house adventure park in the forest at Treetop Trekking.
- Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum lets aviation fans of all ages see touch and even climb aboard aircraft that shaped our history and try out simulators.
- Hamilton’s Steam & Technology Museum lets kids get hands-on with learning at events throughout the winter.
- Treat the kids (and yourself) to a family-friendly meal in Hamilton at these kid-approved restaurants.
- Step back in time to experience early Canadian life at Westfield Heritage Village.
- Get creative with kids and take home a masterpiece from Play with Clay.
Bonus Planning Tips
Make your winter getaway even better with these insider tips.
- Plan your route – including how to skip the pump and avoid traffic with all-day GO Train service into Hamilton.
- Visit Triplinx for help planning a seamless trip.
- Use our Accommodations Guide to find the perfect place to spend the night after a day of exploring.
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