Great Things to Do in Hamilton and Surrounding Areas This Summer

Summer’s in full swing at Comfort Plus ClimateCare and you’ve got a well-earned vacation coming up.

Speaking of your vacation, according to MoneySense, 53% of Canadians stayed home and enjoyed a “staycation” in 2017.

And that number is expected to go up in 2018.

So, if you’re planning on staying local this summer, here are some great things to see and do right here in Hamilton.

Image from Adas Isreal

The McCallion Planetarium at McMaster University

There’s nothing like stargazing on a clear summer night.

But if you want to really get close to the constellations, you need to check out the McCallion Planetarium.

Small, cozy, intimate, and affordable ($7 gets you in the door), the McCallion Planetarium has been bringing the wonders of outer space to Hamilton since 1949.

(That’s 20 years before the moon landing, by the way).

Some of the attractions and exhibits at the McCallion Planetarium include:

PUBLIC SHOWS: All summer long, there are cool and interesting presentations. Just how dangerous is the universe? What happens when a star explodes? Are there new solar systems out there?
ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS: The next time your kids ask you those big questions about the nature of the universe, come to the planetarium. Children are introduced to the planets, star systems, and moons which make up our galaxy.

If you love astronomy – or are just curious about the nature of the universe, the make sure you visit the McCallion Planetarium this summer.

The City of Waterfalls

Webster's Falls

Did you know that, according to the Smithsonian of all things, Hamilton is the “Waterfall Capital of the World?”

That’s because there are over 150 waterfalls within the city limits. Many of which can be accessed through hiking trails and paths.

Some of the more popular and prominent waterfalls are:

WEBSTER’S FALLS: At 72 ft., Webster’s Falls is located west of the city (near Cambridge and Brantford) and is the tallest waterfall in Hamilton.
TIFFANY FALLS: Located in Ancaster, Tiffany Falls was named after the area’s first doctor, Dr. Oliver Tiffany. At night, spotlights illuminate the falls with breathtaking colour.
SCENIC FALLS: Just as its name implies, Scenic Falls offers a spectacular view of the lower city from the top of the escarpment.

Of course, those are just some of the waterfalls you can find in Hamilton.

To view them all, visit the City of Waterfalls website.

African Lion Safari

A regional institution since 1969, African Lion Safari puts you up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating and exotic animals:

Lions.
Monkeys.
Cheetahs.
Rhinos.
Kangaroos.

Visitors have the option of traveling through the park in their own vehicles or in the comfort of an air conditioned tour bus.

In addition, there are other attractions too, such as an interactive discovery centre, children’s playground, and educational presentations.

If you’re looking to experience something different – but still local – plan to spend a day at African Lion Safari.

“Canada’s Most Fightingest Ship”

HMCS Haida

Moored at Pier 9 in the west end of the city is the H.M.C.S. Haida.

While in service for 23 years, the H.M.C.S. Haida was deployed all over the world and saw action in some of history’s greatest battles:

INVASION OF NORMANDY (1944): She made sure the English Channel was clear and safe for the Normandy Invasion by helping to sink 14 enemy ships.
KOREAN WAR (1950): From her post at sea, the H.M.C.S. Haida bombarded the Korean shore and attacked enemy supply trains.

Today, the H.M.C.S. Haida is a floating museum. Visitors can check out the crew’s sleeping quarters, command bridge, and weaponry too.

Here’s a fun fact: Over her service life, the H.M.C.S. Haida logged 688,534.25 nautical miles. In other words, she sailed around the world 27 times.

If you’re looking to take a step back into history, be sure to pay a visit to the H.M.C.S. Haida.

When it’s time to go inside, let us keep you comfortable

These are just some of the great “staycation” attractions you can find in and around Hamilton.

And for those days where you just want to stay home and relax, let Comfort Plus ClimateCare take care of all your home comfort needs:

It’s expected to be a very hot summer. The last thing you want is for your AC to let you down and leave you sweating.