Hamilton

Hamilton is about an hour's drive from Toronto or Niagara Falls. Named for George Hamilton, who settled land in this area in 1815, the city has also been known as "Steeltown". The city's nickname refers to Hamilton's prodigious output of steel. The steel industry, and the city, blossomed after World War II but more recently has diversified its economic base, so today, more people work in health sciences than in the steel industry.

Hamilton, population 504,000, is home to four National Historic Sites, including Dundurn National Historic Site, which features the completely restored Dundurn Castle and Hamilton Military Museum. Durndurn Castle was the elegant 1830's home of Sir Allan MacNab the Prime Minister of the United Province of Canada; The Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology; Whitehern Historic House and Garden and Battlefield House Museum (Stoney Creek). Other popular sites within Hamilton include The Royal Botanical Gardens, which cover 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, which houses the only airworthy World War II Lancaster bomber in Canada. The famous Bruce Trail, the Waterfront district and an abundance of conservation areas and walking paths attract hikers and water sport enthusiasts.

Some nearby communities include: Burlington and Brantford.

Visit the official website for Hamilton.