Summer is the season for road-tripping. Located just one hour away from Toronto, Hamilton, the city of waterfalls, is a great contender for a day trip (it also made BlogTO’s Top 25 day trips from Toronto list!), and has no shortage of hiking trails.
So pack your hiking shoes, your favourite snacks, a playlist you can car karaoke to and get ready for an outdoor adventure! Karen of @twintagekaren is sharing her top three kid friendly adventures in Hamilton, lunch and coffee recommendations included. And don’t forget to leave extra time for impromptu stops along the way - there’s always a farm, antique sale or winery on-route.
“One of the beautiful things about Hamilton is that the city offers lots of different options for shopping, picnics, restaurants, and of course coffee shops. Here are three adventures that explore three different parts of #HamOnt, of course you could easily mix and match and create your own.” - Karen Dell
Toronto day trip to Hamilton, Ontario
Adventure 1 - East Hamilton
Gorilla Cheese // 131 Ottawa St North
Big and tasty sandwiches with cheddar and mozzarella, and bread from Quality Bakery, just down Ottawa Street. Fresh-to-order lunch served with a dill pickle spear on the side!
Ward IV Coffee Bar // 1441 Main St East
This too-good-to-be-secret coffee bar serves up Donut Monster Donuts, espresso, iced coffees, croissants, salads and delicious coffee. Perfect for a quick family stop, or to take on a picnic.
Albion Falls // 885 Mountain Brow Blvd
Hamilton is home to so many beautiful waterfalls, and Albion is no exception. Just don’t stray too close to the cliff edge when you are taking that perfect shot.
Download the Google Map for this adventure
Adventure 2 - Central Hamilton
Redchurch Cafe + Gallery // 68 King St East
In the heart of Hamilton’s Gore Park, an independent espresso bar with a dedicated contemporary gallery space. The cafe serves espresso, coffee, teas, drinks, healthy snacks and light meals.
The Burnt Tongue // 10 Cannon St East
Soup restaurant serving up frites, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a soup menu which changes daily.
Bayfront Park // 200 Harbour Front Drive
Take a stroll along the Hamilton shoreline, have a picnic and enjoy the sights. Make sure to stop by Hutch’s Harbour Front (325 Bay St. N) for an ice cream cone too 🙂
Download the Google Map for this adventure
Adventure 3 - West Hamilton
Dundurn Market // 346 Dundurn St South
Eat in or make preparations for a picnic. The market has sandwiches, brunch options, coffee, fresh produce and juices.
Democracy* // 202 Locke St South
Democracy Coffee House features a huge selection of teas, coffee, and tasty treats.
Smokey Hollow // Mill St South, Waterdown
Also known as Great Falls and Grindstone Falls. For more than 100 years, mills were powered by the creek as it plunged over the Niagara Escarpment. Now, take the family for a hike along Grindstone Creek and the Bruce Trail as it weaves along the Escarpment.
Download the Google Map for this adventure
About Karen
Karen is a photographer who is often found leading her family on adventures, and obsessing over pretty light. She loves movie nights with popcorn, believes that everyday adventures are everything and spends as much time as possible near the water.
Instagram @twintagekaren | Website Twintage Photography | Facebook Twintage Photography
All photos by Karen Dell
Comments by Jessika Chabot