Summer in the city is no sweat when there are so many options for keeping cool while you see the sights. As a port city, Hamilton offers ample opportunity to explore Lake Ontario and its surrounding bays, marshes and bodies of water. Why not check out some of these great spots to get the most out of your summer vacation?
Van Wagner’s Beach
Drive to the southwest shores of Lake Ontario and park in one of the free lots that fringe the beach, or cycle from downtown to the beach’s Breezeway Trail. A morning spent swimming deserves lunch at one of the popular waterfront eateries. Try Hutch’s for fish and chips or Baranga’s On the Beach for nachos, salads and entrees. Also, don’t miss the Lakeland Centre for some dining options and a large swimming pool overlooking Lake Ontario.
Christie Lake Conservation Area
Christie Lake in Dundas has something for all seasons. This summer, pack your beach bag for one of the most beautiful lake settings on the Niagara Escarpment. Swimmers and sunbathers will enjoy Christie Lake’s 360-metre sandy beach. Tubes are also available to rent at the Beach House.
You can also explore the trails that wind for 10 kilometers through peaceful meadows and towering pine forests – you’ll be sure to see a wide range of wildlife that make their home in this 336-hectare conservation area.
Bayfront Park
Hamilton’s history was literally built along our waterfront. Visitors to Hamilton recognize that our bayfront makes for a fabulous way to enjoy some of the most spectacular and accessible waterfront scenery in Ontario. A 1.5 kilometers waterfront trail links to hiking and biking trails throughout the region, as well as scenic points such as Bayfront Park and Pier 4 that offer cooling breezes, themed children’s play areas, and cafes and restaurants.
Fifty Point Conservation Area
You have to check out the warmest water in Lake Ontario! At Fifty Point Conservation Area in Stoney Creek, a magnificent 80-hectare park with superb marina is the place for a swim in Lake Ontario, family camping or a picnic for groups of any size.
Fifty Point is proud to have one of the warmest and cleanest beaches on western Lake Ontario. Change rooms are conveniently located at the nearby beach house and visitors can enjoy a fabulous lakefront view by walking the promenade.
Confederation Park
A massive outdoor wave pool, noodling network of tube slides, body slides, a lazy river and a splash pad are the ideal way to spend a day. Cap off the afternoon with a picnic at the shaded facilities in adjacent Confederation Park of Van Wagner’s Beach Road.
Safe Water
An important part to outdoor swimming is the safety of the water. A handy website & app that we’d recommend is The Swim Guide beach finder. Based on your location, The Swim Guide locates the nearest swimming locations and lets you know the quality of the water on that day. Check them out by clicking here.
To close, here’s a cool video of Burlington band “Walk Off The Earth” singing ‘Summer Vibe’ on Hamilton Beach, which is just east of Van Wagners Beach.
