Hamilton Winter Guide - Tourism Hamilton

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.

Bundle up and 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. (It's Hamilton's own Game of Thrones!). You can even take a stab at ice climbing on Tiffany Falls.
Practice your figure eight at West Harbour's Pier 8 skating rink or venture out to the frozen bay at Cootes Paradise.
There's nothing quite like snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall on local trails at Christie Lake, Dundas Valley and King’s Forest Golf Club.
Winter is the perfect time to 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.

Discover the beauty of Royal Botanical Gardens during the winter season and explore their many trails, exhibits, and events.
Escape the cold and step into a lush, tropical setting with soaring palm trees and exotic fish ponds at the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse.
Step back in time into one of Hamilton's Civic Museums. Or check out Canada's largest flying museum, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

Cheer on reigning OHL champions Hamilton Bulldogs or check-out a lively game of Lacrosse with Toronto Rock.
Escape the chill at the Art Gallery of Hamilton with hot new winter exhibits like Radical Stich exploring the political and creative dimensions of beadwork and In Movement: Training Session for Freedom Fighter showcasing anti-racist activism.
Experience the magic of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra with shows throughout the winter season, including Come Together: HPO Performs the Beatles.
Celebrate the beauty of the season at Hamilton’s Winterfest Festival and this year’s reimagined Winterfest Hub on the Jackson Square rooftop with light-based sculptural and mural works, live concerts, and an outdoor skating rink.
Because Brrrr Craft Beer Festival returns in February for two days of music, games and great beer.
The oldest foot race in North America, Around the Bay, returns with its legendary course.
Check out our Event Calendar for more great events for your next visit.

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.
Check out some of the city's newest culinary hotspots: Fisticuffs for night-market inspired, Chinese Malaysian snack food or the second location for the 80's inspired, neon coloured Electric Diner in downtown's iconic Lister Building.

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.
Sing and dance along with your favourite characters from Frozen and Encanto when Disney on Ice skates into town.
Get out of the cold and up close to over 50 aircrafts and displays at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
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.
Discover Maple Syrup Season at Westfield Heritage Village to see how sap is turned to syrup at this family favourite event.

Enjoy the magic of the season with Royal Botanical Gardens holiday events, including Winter Wonders, Botanical Train Display, and the RBG Express.
Get your one-of-a-kind shopping done at the many markets throughout the city, including Stuffed!, BLK Owned, Fairweather Brewing, and more.
Head to Merry Farms to find the perfect tree this holiday. While you're there, make sure to check out the Christmas Store and take a photo with the iconic red Christmas truck.
Experience a historic holiday with Hamilton Civic Museums, including Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn Castle.
There's nothing like a live performance to get you into the festive spirit, including Barenaked Ladies Hometown Holidays, Boney M Holiday Favourites, Holidays with Gemma New, and more.