Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Kitchener

"Although officially a part of the neighboring city of Burlington, Ontario, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) should definitely be included on your list of things to do in Hamilton. Exploring this spectacular attraction, just 10 minutes' drive east of Hamilton, can easily occupy the best part of a day, so be sure to plan accordingly (and take good walking shoes!). Covering a vast area of over 2,420 acres, the gardens are rich in biodiversity and are home to more than 1,100 species of plants, many of them native to the region."

"How does a picnic in Canada’s largest botanical gardens sound?. Lay out your blanket or find a bench at one of several breathtaking gardens. Picture yourself picnicking next to the world’s largest lilac collection or in a nationally recognized Rock Garden."

"The RBG is another popular wedding venue that can also be booked for engagement photos. The property features an outdoor garden, pond and lot’s of greenery. There’s also an indoor greenhouse that is beautiful year round."

"After visiting Webster Falls, the tallest ribbon waterfall in Hamilton is just minutes away. At the height of 41 metres, Tew Falls is at the beginning of a hike towards the Dundas Peak, famed for its beautiful valley views. Pay for parking once at Christie Lake Conservation Area for Webster Falls and take the same shuttle to visit Tew Falls."

"Note: Spencer Gorge—which includes Webster Falls, Tew Falls and Dundas Peak—will remain closed until September 2020 due to COVID-19. Webster’s Falls is not the tallest, but is the largest falls around, and is super, super pretty!. The scenery is enhanced by the bridge over Spencer’s Creek right before the cascade of water."

"255 & 371 Concession Street Sam Lawrence Park, situated on the Mountain brow at the top of the Jolley Cut, is one of the jewels in Hamilton's park system. Its features include a rock garden with perennial flowers, ornamental benches and lighting, walkways (most of which are accessible), wildflowers and prairie grasses, and an extensive system of interpretive signs. The park also offers spectacular, panoramic views of the lower city and the harbour."

"Sam Lawrence Park offers up the most incredible skyline views of Hamilton, whether you’re visiting during the day or at night. It’s one of my favourite spots to visit in Hamilton – it’s a view you’d never get sick of looking at!. You can park right in front of the viewpoint, then take a little walk around to see the pretty florals and greenery surrounding the park."

"This park on the edge of the city’s escarpment or “Mountain Brow” offers a panoramic view of the entire lower city from east to west and north to Hamilton Harbour. Picnic among rock and wild flower gardens and prairie grasses."

"(Or maybe it only seems like a hidden gem because we’re from the other end of the city?) Either way, it’s a waterfall that’s not to be missed!. Located in Waterdown, it’s an impressive waterfall, whether you view it from the lookout platform, or take the trail down and view the waterfall from below. The path continues along the creek for awhile and is part of the Bruce Trail."

"We love the fast-moving waterfall at Smokey Hollow for lots of reasons. It makes for great photos, has a convenient viewing platform, and is surrounded by the Bruce Trail. Parking is on Mill Street, not far from Highway 5 in Waterdown."

"Learn More This beautiful lake setting on the Niagara Escarpment has it all including hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and biking. Unique offerings include disc golf (think golf but with a Frisbee) and plenty of space to launch your canoe, kayak or paddle board. Pine-filled forest and meadow trails surround the area."

"Over 10K of hiking trails with other activities available, including swimming, disc golf, fishing, and biking. There is also a bakery nearby for a post-hike treat."

"This park has a little bit of everything, making it the perfect location for a quick outing for the kids to burn some energy or a longer outing with picnic lunch. Being close to the beach means being able to build a sand castle or throw some rocks in the lake. Access to a wading pool means the kids can still go swimming without having to go in the lake."

"387 Beach Blvd. Located on the east side of Beach Boulevard, Kinsmen Park has three play areas with swings, spring toys, and a creative play structure shaped like a ship, a wading pool, benches, and picnic tables. It is adjacent to Lake Ontario."

"Nicknamed Canada's "fightingest ship" for its record of sinking the most enemy tonnage in WW2, HMCS Haida is another waterfront tourist attraction to add to your Hamilton travel itinerary. Built in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in Britain and launched in 1943, this historic destroyer is easily accessed from her berth at Hamilton's Pier 9. Designated a National Historic Site, this well-preserved museum ship is fun to explore for all ages."

"Source: Photo by user John A. Speakman used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The famous warship, the last of the tribal class, has served in the WWII and the Cold War. It was built in 1942 for the Royal Canadian Navy and was converted to a destroyer in 1952."

"One of the oldest public galleries in Canada, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is a delight to every art connoisseur. Home to about10,000 works of art, the gallery sees a huge number of visitors every year. Showcasing mainly Canadian contemporary, historical and European art, the art gallery’s collection is one of the most massive in the country."

"Source: Photo by user Nhl4hamilton used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. This is the 3rd largest gallery in the country and it has a collection of over 10,000 artworks. The Art Gallery of Hamilton features different exhibits every six months, and have programs for families and kids."

"Coming in at number one on our list is the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH). Founded in 1914, the AGH is the oldest and largest art museum in Southern Ontario with a permanent collection. The AGH is recognized as one of the finest art galleries in Canada."

"Nicknamed Canada's "fightingest ship" for its record of sinking the most enemy tonnage in WW2, HMCS Haida is another waterfront tourist attraction to add to your Hamilton travel itinerary. Built in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in Britain and launched in 1943, this historic destroyer is easily accessed from her berth at Hamilton's Pier 9. Designated a National Historic Site, this well-preserved museum ship is fun to explore for all ages."

"Source: Photo by user John A. Speakman used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The famous warship, the last of the tribal class, has served in the WWII and the Cold War. It was built in 1942 for the Royal Canadian Navy and was converted to a destroyer in 1952."

"Bridging the gap between all-you-can-eat spots and higher end fare, Sushi Azuki is a tiny takeaway spot on Locke Street specializing in sturdy examples of that classic Japanese dish. In the former home of Ka’kau Chocolate Company, Sushi Azuki’s menu is loaded with tantalizing options for pretty much any foodie. Rolls with tuna, salmon, shrimp, crabmeat, and chicken are balanced out with some solid vegetarian options, and even a selection of poke bowls."

"August 8 was originally founded in 2008, it operated its first premises in downtown Hamilton, Ontario. They deliver mouthwatering and tasty dishes. In addition, they offer a culinary experience that is completely special, from savory & sweet dishes that revitalize the palate, to a warm and welcoming environment that both authentic and soothing."

"Never in my life have I had breaded chicken that tasted like absolutely nothing. Not bad, not cardboard, just nothing - with a rubber texture for added r..."

"Joya Sushi serves authentic Japanese food as well as Korean dishes. For their sushi and sashimi, they are committed to using fish of the finest quality and freshness. For even the most sensitive preferences, their range of sashimi makes us a favorite."

"Always good food and fast and friendly service at this Family run restaurant. We usually do take out. Favourite is the Golden Dragon roll amd spicy t..."

"Merit Brewing first opened in May, 2017 and was founded by Tej Sandhu, Aaron Spinney, and Jesse Vallins. Tej and Aaron met in Hamilton while attending school. After their careers had them living apart the duo decided the time was right to create the brewery they dreamed of years ago."

"The popular craft brewery was founded collaboratively by Ram McAllister, formerly of Hoyne Brewing Co, Brent Milcz, formerly of Boshkung Brewing Co. and Niagara College grad, and Dan Ryan, a passionate home brewer with over a decade of experience in chemical engineering. Sean and Ram worked together in Victoria, British Columbia and had discussed opening a brewery in Ontario for years. When an opportunity presented itself in 2015, Sean expanded his brewery, leaving some start-up size equipment unused."

"This brewery features a bottle shop and taproom, including a patio with 60 seats as well as 10,000 sq. ft. brewing facility. They offer different types of beer like oak-aged and fruited beers, classic continental lagers, IPAs, silky stouts and porters, and more."