2021 Hamilton staycation guide

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Published July 26, 2021 at 1:51 pm

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Hamilton is opening back up as more and more people are vaccinated and the province lifts COVID-19 restrictions.

However, international travel is still difficult and in some cases, impossible, due to travel restrictions and still-alarming infection rates in other parts of the world. So those who have been going through travel withdrawals have had to find new ways to have fun and unwind in their own backyards — oftentimes literally.

The truth is, many people find themselves being tourists in their own city; living their entire lives in Hamilton and never actually experiencing all that the city has to offer.

With the blurred lines of home and office affecting many people’s ability to unwind in what was once their cozy dwelling, why not take this opportunity to get out and get the full Hamilton experience by planning a series of staycations? 

Rose Arden Bed & Breakfast

It may seem odd to stay at a b & b in the city you live in, but what if you just want to get away from your kids, pets, or even your spouse for the night and pamper yourself?

Rose Arden Bed & Breakfast is located on Mountain Park Ave near Juravinski Hospital and provides incredible views from the edge of the escarpment. It has nearly perfect reviews across all major booking websites, thanks to a delicious homecooked breakfast and renowned customer service.

Rose Arden B & B also offers a selection of room styles.

Food and drink crawl

Are you someone who has a list of restaurants and bars they’ve been meaning to try but can’t decide where to start? Why not try them all with a series of Hamilton-style food and drink crawls?

You could start with breakfast at Motel, Saint James, or Jet Cafe before biking or driving to Dundas for a cold brew at Detour Cafe. Once you’re hopped up on caffeine, it’s time to head on over to Black Forest Inn. for a beer or pop on the patio.

Now is when you’ll want to start planning your transportation methods to accommodate for that beer or two you just had.

It’s time for a light lunch, which means a trip to Planted or HEAL. 

After that re-energizing power bowl or jackfruit sandwich, head on over to the patio at Village Restaurant in Stoney Creek for another drink.

Feeling tired yet? Well grab yourself a double espresso from Scout Cafe Restaurant and head west for dinner.

Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Well, it’s a good thing you’re on Locke Street and you can choose from Canadian, Japanese, Italian, or Greek. Maybe you just want a slice and a pop from Pizzaiolo or fish and chips and a beer from West Town or The Squire – Pub on Locke?

Perhaps you’re in the mood for wine and a more upscale dining experience at Brux House? The world is your oyster.

Oysters! Don’t forget about the Shuck Truck. 

It may not be the most efficient route to take through Hamilton and anyone over the age of 21 would require one to two naps in order to make it through the evening, but I’m just providing the blueprint. You can take it from here.

Beer, wine, and cider

Oh my…

You may not have known this, but Hamilton has become a hotspot for beer, wine, and cider aficionados.

Here’s what you may be missing out on:

Beer

Cider

Wine

Family fun

For those looking to provide a fun staycation for the whole family, Hamilton has no shortage of options.

Royal Botanical Gardens is open and boasts over 2,400 acres of natural sanctuaries and 27 kilometres of nature trails. 

If scenic hikes and natural beauty aren’t enough to keep the kids entertained, Adventure Village has enough games and sweets to keep them occupied for hours. 

If you’re looking for something a little more cost-effective, take a trip to Gage Park to play on the swings before heading over to the Hamilton Children’s Museum.

The whole family can enjoy a trip to Winona and the home of Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery. Not only will you find 150 acres of high-quality grapes, but you’ll also come across fun activities for the kids.

“Support local” shopping

After the year-and-a-bit we’ve had, the push to “support local” has never been stronger. If you’re looking to support local shops but don’t know where to start, check out the Hamilton Business Improvement Areas (BIAs):

Trails

While urban development in Hamilton is at an all-time high, Greater Hamilton still offers some of the most beautiful and diverse hiking trails in the province.

Whether you’re in the mood for waterfront routes or lush valleys, there’s a trail for everyone:

Waterfalls

The members of TLC clearly hadn’t spent much time in Hamilton.

The city features over 100 waterfalls that cut through Hamilton and cascade along the Niagara Escarpment.

How many have you been to?

Check out this resource for self-guided Hamilton waterfall hiking trails.

If you want someone to help plan your staycation for you, Heart of Ontario offers adventures and multi-day excursions for Hamiltonians of all ages. 

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