While outside of the GTA, Hamilton is an ideally located city centred in the middle of the Golden Horseshoe—an economically significant area that stretches from Niagara Falls to Durham Region. Hamilton is a mere 45 minutes from Toronto, The U.S. border, and the tri-city area of Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. Situated on the banks of Lake Ontario and nestled within Ontario’s Greenbelt, Hamilton is both a lively community and a serene escape from the bustling urban sprawl of the Greater Toronto Area.

Hamilton has the most diverse economy in Canada and is home to the internationally respected McMaster University, which is also the city’s no. 1 employer. Hamilton is a hub of opportunity, attracting students, corporations, and professionals from around the world.

The city is on an upward trajectory and undergoing many infrastructure developments. There is a proposed Light Rail Transit system planned to run through the entire city from McMaster University to Eastgate Square, and a GO Transit development plan to connect Hamilton to Niagara Falls within five years. Hamilton is also home to the country’s fastest-growing airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

Downtown Hamilton

Downtown Hamilton is a vibrant community with hundreds of dining and shopping options and great opportunities to explore the arts and culture scene the city is known for. You can find casual dining options at local favourites like The Burnt Tongue or Earth To Table Bread Bar, or dine at upscale eateries like Rapscallion & Co. or Born and Raised. There are also dozens of international cuisines to choose from like Nabil’s Grill or Hui Lau Shan. 

While enjoying the finest dishes Hamilton has to offer, you can immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant art scene which characterizes the city’s downtown core. The Art Gallery of Hamilton showcases 10,000 pieces of local and international art, while multi-purpose galleries like Centre 3, Hamilton Artists Inc., or The Assembly highlight local talent, host workshops, and offer classes. You’ll also find several colourful murals throughout downtown.

Hamilton is also well-known for the diverse shopping options in the city centre, particularly the International Village. Within this downtown shopping district, there are hundreds of small businesses lined along Main Street East, King Street East, and King William Street, from vintage shops to specialty stores and unique boutiques where you’ll be sure to find whatever you’re looking for—or you can simply take in all the sights and sounds that greet you as you walk through this energetic enclave.

Just outside of downtown Hamilton you’ll find the city’s premium waterfront communities along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Pier 8 is the setting of Hamilton’s soon-to-be flagship waterfront community where you’ll find hundreds of different amenities, from restaurants to retailers and greenspaces, as well as more than 1,500 residential units and the state-of-the-art Pier 8 Promenade Park.

For nature enthusiasts, there is plenty of outdoor fun to be had in the Niagara Escarpment which runs through the City of Hamilton. There are numerous waterfalls, countless hiking trails, wonderful conservation areas, and breathtaking wildlife. 

Homes in Hamilton offer much more affordable options than Toronto and cities in the GTA, while still being just 45 minutes from the big city. There are endless housing options in Hamilton that position it as a great alternative for those looking outside of Toronto. Perfect for commuters, city lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike, Hamilton remains a place where all can find a community to thrive in.