Dundurn Castle – 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton
A National historic Site. Experience a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830’s on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813.
Visit website
Royal Botanical Gardens – 680 Plains Road W, Burlington
Explore gorgeous gardens and trails at Canada’s largest botanical garden. Royal Botanical Gardens presents five garden areas to visitors: Hendrie Park, RBG Centre (which includes the Mediterranean Garden, RBG’s only conservatory), the Arboretum, Laking Garden, and the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden. Major natural areas include trails through the valley of the lower Grindstone Creek, Rock Chapel, north and south shores of Cootes Paradise, and Princess Point. The latter are accessible directly from McMaster.
NOTE: This is the location for the Wednesday evening Congress banquet.
Visit website
Art Gallery of Hamilton – 123 King Street W, Hamilton
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the region’s oldest and largest public gallery. Look for the iconic gold-clad building with its AGH sign jutting out over King Street West in the heart of downtown – steps from hotels. With over 10,000 pieces, the AGH also has one of the most impressive permanent collections in Canada, including many renowned contemporary, Canadian and international pieces.
Visit website
McMaster Museum of Art, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton
The internationally recognized McMaster Museum of Art houses the university’s permanent collection of art from the late 15th to 21st century, as well as coins and antiques from Mediterranean cultures and China. Enjoy the museum independently, or via a free, all-ages guided tour with hands-on educational activities customized to suit your interests.
Visit website
Cootes Paradise
Established in 1927 for its significance as a migratory bird stopover, Cootes Paradise is RBG’s largest and most diverse sanctuary at over 600 hectares. RBG’s natural trails to Cootes Paradise start right at McMaster (trail access’ on the north sides of Brandon Hall and Les Prince Hall).
Visit website
HMCS Haida National Historic Site – Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton
Canada’s proud history of wartime naval service is vividly on display aboard legendary HMCS Haida, a Tribal class destroyer that served in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict and the Cold War. Distinguishing herself in several historic battles, the Royal Canadian Navy’s most famous ship now proudly rests in Hamilton. Explore its historic decks and imagine yourself as a crew member of the destroyer dubbed ‘Canada’s most fightingest ship’.
Visit website
Bayfront Park – 200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton
Bayfront Park is located at the foot of Harbourfront Drive near Hamilton’s downtown core. Make use of its asphalt pathway for in-line skating, cycling, walking, and/or jogging, or take in the surrounding harbour area.
Visit website