..A city for all seasons
Hamilton offers many natural and man-made diversions for the leisure traveler. The beauty of
the escarpment alone compels attention as it changes its expression to greet each successive season.
The City of Hamilton is a rare marriage of topography and human settlement, one of a handful of urban
centres in North America that are tiered and encircle a bay of significant size to serve as an international port. It is the
areas unique natural architecture that has contributed in great measure to the formation of a distinct regional character
and heritage.
The summer bay is dotted with power and sail craft; jet skis playfully slap the crests of waves,
while steering clear of windsurfing enthusiasts. Bayfront Park and Pier 4, acres of former industrial landfill restored to
a green area, are alive with walkers, runners, roller-bladers and kids playing on the landlocked tugboat, the twisting, turning
tubes and slides, or running through the water toys. The 1,500 kilometres of trails invite hikers, bikers and window-shopping
naturalists to explore the verdure of Hamiltons forests and botanical exhibits. The more sedate can tread manicured fairways
of more than two dozen golf courses, or tour the charming settings of six communities for the many curiosities, antiques and
heritage sites.
Fall is a cool blaze of burnt oranges, reds and yellows, country fairs and pumpkin carving, knitted
sweaters on children and their dogs, good cheer and bracing walks.
Winter introduces a fresh set of delights. The trails are given over, not just to hikers but also
to the swoosh of cross-country skiers who shuffle gracefully through the snowy forest cathedrals. Many golf courses forego
the quiet golf etiquette of summer for the whoops of tobogganers and downhill skiers. Downtown, the city streets and Gore
Park are dressed for Christmas, in the manner extolled by Charles Dickens there are carolers, and yes even tiny reindeers.
Dundurn Castle and the venerable Whitehern Historic Home & Garden near Hamilton City Hall, are decked with holly and primed
for special Christmas tours.
Spring is a time of renewal, a time for tapping trees and boiling the sap down to maple syrup at
Westfield Heritage Village. It is a time to come out to visit the worlds largest lilac collection and experience the colours
of the Tulip and Iris Show and displays at the famous Royal Botanical Gardens.
