Hamilton – building a better waterfront!

While the transformation of Hamilton's waterfront is a work in progress, much has taken place over the past decade to revitalize these former industrial lands into a family-friendly destination. It's great news for residents of Hamilton and surrounding area! 

Here are just a few of the highlights of Hamilton's waterfront, along with some exciting upcoming events planned for the summer. 

Spanning 40 acres at the foot of Harbourfront Drive, beautiful Bayfront Park is the perfect spot for an evening stroll, a bike ride, a family picnic or an afternoon of fishing. A six metre-wide path meanders through the park and along the waterfront. There's plenty of parking, a public boat launch and Hutch's Fish and Chips is close by for an easy and delicious lunch or dinner. 

If you continue along the Waterfront Trail, following Macassa Bay, you will come to Pier 4 Park. A Hamilton gem, Pier 4 is home to the Bayport Tugboat playground, a splashpad, boardwalk and pavilion and offers easy access to William's Fresh Cafe; and Sarcoa Restaurant and Grill. It is also the site of a number of fun annual events. Coming up this summer, the inaugural Because Beer Craft Beer Festival will take place July 11-12 at Pier 4 Park. 

Adjacent to Williams Fresh Café, you'll find the HMCS Haida National Historic Site. History buffs will love taking a self-guided tour of Canada's most decorated warship. This is your opportunity to walk the decks of the pride of the Royal Canadian Navy!

For an informative and fun way to see the sights, hop aboard the Hamilton Waterfront Trolley. There are two, 37 passenger trackless trolleys that follow a 12-kilometre route along the western portion of the harbour. This narrated tour departs from various locations along the waterfront and is just $5 per person. 

Or, get your sea legs aboard the Hamiltonian Tour Boat or the Hamilton Harbour Queen. The 12-passenger Hamiltonian offers narrated, 50-minute tours, providing unique vantage points of the city.

The Harbour Queen is one of Hamilton's most popular attractions, having carried over 75,000 passengers since 2005. Offering public sightseeing cruises and private bookings, the Harbour Queen has a number of exciting events planned for 2014. Get your tickets for the Awesome 80's Cruise, taking place on July 12, or the Friday Night Sunset Socials, taking place on July 18 and 25. Food for both events will be provided by La Piazza Allegra. Call 905-525-4498 to book your spot!