When it comes to Hamilton’s access to nature, there are plenty of options. But there are also many attractions in the urban centre that can keep you busy and exploring. A city park with a shallow beach, nature trails and a historical building that is a great spot for cliff jumping.
Proximity to Toronto: A Convenient Urban Connection
Located less than an hour from Toronto, Canada’s largest city, Hamilton is close to business hubs and ports of entry. It is also less than an hour from five major border crossings to the United States and has easy access to Canada’s busiest international airport.
As one of Canada’s leading industrial centres, Hamilton’s economy is diversified. The city produces iron and steel, a substantial portion of the nation’s automotive components, turbines, wire, candy, and more. It is also a centre for health care, local government, and education.
Consistent feedback from the public helps to shape key policies, programs and processes for the City. We recognize that we are situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. Hamilton is committed to working together with these communities as we move forward.
Hamilton’s Access to the Niagara Escarpment
The Niagara Escarpment, a massive forested ridge dotted with conservation areas and waterfalls, bisects Hamilton. A section of the long-distance Bruce Trail closely follows its length. Nearby, HMCS Haida, a naval warship, and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum trace Canada’s military past.
Its location along the escarpment – considered a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – allows Hamilton to claim its title as the “waterfall capital of the world”. Hikers can easily find solitude among its limestone cliffs and natural beauty. A hike through Spencer Gorge and Webster’s Falls Conservation Area is a short drive from downtown and the perfect place to let distractions melt away and to take in some of Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Hamilton is home to research centres in advanced industries and boasts a highly skilled workforce that supports innovation. Its proximity to major upstate New York cities provides access to additional resources, talent pools and support systems for businesses. Our city also offers province-leading transportation options including 24/7 cargo freighter service to provide businesses with a competitive advantage for shipping products and goods across North America.
Hamilton’s Access to Lake Ontario
The port city of Hamilton lies on the western edge of Lake Ontario, surrounded by a forested escarpment known as the mountain and dotted with conservation areas and waterfalls. The long-distance Bruce Trail runs through the escarpment. HMCS Haida, a naval warship on the city’s lakefront, and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum trace Canada’s military history.
Traditional manufacturing plays an important, if declining, role in the local economy, but the city has successfully diversified its economy. Service industries are growing strongly, as is retail. Hamilton’s downtown and other’sections’ contain many 19th-century stone buildings. McMaster University, founded in 1930, is a major employer. Mohawk College and Redeemer University College — an undergraduate Christian liberal arts college — opened in 1967 and 1982 respectively.
Residents of Hamilton are represented at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. They elect a mayor and 15 city councillors, one per city ward, to the Hamilton City Council. The council works closely with the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Corporation to manage the city’s finances and infrastructure. An award-winning partnership with the construction company Downer NZ Ltd, established a decade ago, has delivered cost savings and better co-ordination of roading work in the city.
Exploring Hamilton’s Access to Outdoor Activities
As a city Hamilton has access to many outdoor activities. There is something for everyone, from hiking to kayaking to ice climbing. In addition to the Niagara escarpment, the city is home to more than 100 waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are within a short drive or hike away from the city, including Tew Falls located in Spencer Gorge Conservation Area.
The city also has a vibrant downtown with a mix of historic and new businesses. Whether you are looking for a quick drink after work or want to explore the downtown with your family, Hamilton has plenty to offer.
Hamilton’s downtown is also the home to McMaster University, an renowned school that attracts students from around the world. The school is a key part of the downtown’s energy and vibrancy. It also hosts a number of events, such as the scavenger hunt that takes participants around some of the downtown’s most interesting places. The scavenger hunt is perfect for families, students, or anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone. It is an excellent way to learn more about the city and its history.
Hamilton’s Unique Appeal
The city’s many parks and conservation areas display the natural beauty of its landscape, from the majestic waterfalls and ravines of the Smokey Hollow Natural Area to the scenic trails and mountain vistas of the Niagara Escarpment. The city also offers more than 50 shared school board parks, almost 49 kilometres of City-owned trails and 8 public beaches that provide residents and visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
A college town at heart, Hamilton is home to Colgate University and is surrounded by other post-secondary institutions. The Hamilton Institute of Technology, McMaster University and Mohawk College are a part of the community as well, offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on education and training in their field of interest.
Hamilton is a growing city with numerous opportunities for businesses to access the city’s talent pool, research and development capabilities and business support services. The city’s proximity to major upstate New York cities such as Buffalo provides additional access to large customer and supplier pools.