Hamilton is situated at head of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Niagara Falls. United Empire Loyalists fleeing American colonies during the Revolutionary War largely settled the city during the late 18th century. Whenb the Burlington Canal opened in 1830 linking Hamilton with Lake Ontario the city became a port and rail mecca. Wealthy merchants and professionals who once bgelieved that Hamilton would become the seat of provincial government were lured to the town and built lavish and ornate residences along its lakefront. Today these homes can still be seen in the downtown . Dundurn National Historic Site, the restored 40 room Italianate villa of Sir Allan Napier McNab, premier of the United Provinces of Canada from 1854 – 1856, is one of the best known estates from that era and is open to the public with guided tours offered daily.

Widely known as the home of Canada’s top steel producing companies, Stelco and Dofasco, Hamilton is much more than a blue-collar city. With cultural landmarks, beautiful homes, lush green spaces and impressive biological diversity, there is much to discover in Hamilton.

As the third largest public gallery in Ontario, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is home to one of the most diverse collections in the country. Featuring over 7,500 works of art, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is home to many key historical, modern and contemporary artworks, and is internationally recognized as having one of the finest collections of Canadian art.

Another large tourist draw is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Featuring the aircraft used by Canada's Military from the beginning of World War II up to the present, visitors can walk through the displays or take part in interactive workshops and flight combat simulations.

Throughout the year, the Ronald V Joyce Centre for the Performing Arts, Copps Coliseum and the Hamilton Convention Centre offer a wide range of concerts, performances, and other entertainment options. For example, many come to see performances by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Hamilton and the critically acclaimed Theatre Aquarius theatre company.

For sport enthusiasts, Hamilton offers year-round entertainment. From September to May, Copps Coliseum is home to the Hamilton Bulldogs - the farm team for the NHL's Montreal Canadiens. From June to September, the members of the Hamilton Thunder Professional Soccer Team show off their impressive skills. And from July to early November, the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League take the field in their quest for the storied Grey Cup.

After a Tiger Cats game, head downtown to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and learn about the history and progression of football in Canada. Another side of Hamilton is revealed in Hess Village – a popular area highlighted by cobbled streets and restored Victorian houses around Hess and George Streets. Here you can find restaurants, pubs and galleries that are sure to make your visit to Hamilton memorable.