Fall for a Day of Exciting Finds in Hamilton

Let the crisp autumn breeze blow you along the Lakeshore West line! Arts & culture, craft breweries, and exciting sports are all waiting for you in The Hammer. Savour the flavours of Steeltown and experience eclectic vibes that will have you planning more than one trip this season. So who’s excited for Hamilton in fall? We are!

GO Transit is the best way to Hamilton

Your Hamilton autumn adventure starts when you board your GO train to West Harbour GO Station, or Hamilton GO Centre Station but you won’t be bored during the ride. With GO Wi-Fi Plus, you can access all the free music, videos, and eBooks you’ll need for a relaxing ride to Hamilton. 

Your trip is an affordable adventure, too! A GO One-Day Weekend Pass is just $10 for your Saturday or Sunday (or on statutory holidays) round trip to Hamilton, and a GO Weekday Group Pass starts at just $30 if you’re travelling during the week with friends. Kids 12 and under always ride free on GO Transit, so that you can plan for lots of Hamilton family fun!

Welcome to the Hammer!

You’ve arrived! Now it’s time to head to all the fantastic Hamilton tourist attractions. A great first stop is Tourism Hamilton's Fall Guide, packed with local sweater-weather inspiration. There are fun things in Hamilton for everyone — from sports to arts & culture to foodie adventures. Pick the path for your perfect day.

Tip: The Hamilton Street Railway is a great way to get around!

Start from the beginning at Dundurn Castle

Step back in time and experience Hamilton during the 1800s with a guided tour of Dundurn Castle! Dundurn Castle was built on the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British during the War of 1812, and it offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Hamilton area.

Admission to Dundurn Castle is by guided tour only and times do sell out, so we recommend booking your spot to see this historical Hamilton tourist attraction in advance!

Artsy-Hamilton!

Next stop: the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH).  Nestled in the heart of the downtown core, the Art Gallery of Hamilton has been a proud symbol of the city’s artistic heritage for more than 110 years. Since its founding in 1914, the AGH has grown into the largest art museum in the region, home to a dynamic and growing collection of 11,200 works of art. More than 7,200 pieces are Canadian, including hundreds of works by Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit artists. Did you know that the AGH, as it is fondly called, is the oldest and largest museum in southwestern Ontario?

AGH is open Thursday through Sunday, making it the perfect stop for your Hamilton autumn getaway. On the last Sunday of each month, enjoy family-friendly tours and hands-on activities for kids. And with PRESTO Perks , even adults can get in on fun! Show your PRESTO Card and save 10% on Friends of the Arts memberships or buy-one-get-one on general admission.

Want to see it all? Why not check out Art Crawl! On the second Friday of every month, Art Crawl transforms James Street North into a celebration of art, music, and food.

From May to October, a portion of James Street between York Boulevard and Murray Street will be closed to pedestrian traffic only during Art Crawl, allowing you to enjoy more of the art, performers, and vendors right on the street.

Studios, galleries, shops, and restaurants open late to welcome visitors who fill the sidewalks. You’ll be met with the friendly welcome of a block party and the excitement of a street festival where you never know what you might stumble across. The best way to experience Art Crawl is to set off on foot and bring a few friends.

Fall for these Fall events!

Speaking of events: Hamilton's art and music scene is always vibrant, but it goes into full swing during Supercrawl.  On September 12, 13, & 14, Hamilton’s free music + arts festival takes over James St. North with over 30 musical acts, as well as art installations, fashion shows, performance, and media arts.

On Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, due to important track maintenance, GO buses will replace trains between Oakville GO and Clarkson GO, then Clarkson GO direct to Union Station. Trains will run between West Harbour GO and Oakville GO only. There will be no GO Transit service at Port Credit, Long Branch, or Mimico GO stations. See the Lakeshore West construction schedule for details.

From November 13^th to 23^rd, check out the AGH art+music+food Festival. This dynamic festival will immerse visitors in a world of creativity that features multimedia visual art, live performances, storytelling, and a rich variety of music. Interactive workshops will engage artists and visitors of all ages, offering hands-on experiences that connect the community with arts and culture meaningfully. Explore the transformative power of expression and connection as we celebrate creativity in all forms.

For anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of local businesses in Hamilton, Hamilton Day is a fantastic event to attend. Filled with community pride and entertainment, Hamilton Day provides an excellent opportunity for both local and regional visitors to experience, explore, and shop throughout our city.

Are costumes your art style? Check out our Hamilton Comic Con, which will be held from September 20^th to 21^st, 2025, at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Hamilton Comic Con is the ultimate gathering for fans like YOU, where you can immerse yourself in a world of creativity, imagination, and pure fandom! Get ready for an epic weekend celebrating all things pop culture and comics! Save 20% with PRESTO Perks – use PRESTO20 at checkout.

Hamilton Breweries

Don’t let the cool weather fool you – Hamilton is a beer drinker’s paradise, especially outside.

Grab a drink at Collective Arts Hamilton — Brewery + Beergarden. Their cans of craft beer, cider, and cocktails feature original artwork from emerging artists, and the brewery's walls showcase rotating works of art. Collective Arts is open Wednesday through Sunday for tasty drinks and terrific vibes!

Keep the party going at Merit Brewing. Located in the heart of Downtown, you'll enjoy sipping and tasting your way through Merit's unique beer list and delicious food menu. Count on Merit's team to push the boundaries of flavours, whether it's creative brewing ingredients or crafting the perfect sausage.

The Perfect Weather for Sports in Hamilton

Feeling amped from the brewery? Sports are a massive part of Steeltown culture, and Hamilton Stadium is where to see all the action. Football fans — come cheer for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats  and save 20% off home game tickets with your PRESTO card! Offer ends October 24th, 2025.

Are you more of a soccer fan? Hamilton Stadium is the place to watch the beautiful game  during your Hamilton autumn outing. Join the four-time Canadian Premier League champions, Forge FC, for an unforgettable family fun experience. PRESTO card holders can save up to 20% off regular season home match tickets!

Looking for a bite post-game? Check out Tourism Hamilton’s Best Places to Eat Near Hamilton Stadium for the full breakdown. 

Satisfy Your Hunger in Hamilton

In case you aren’t aware — Hamilton is a foodie’s paradise! Make time to stop for tasty eats, not only because you’ll need energy for hitting all the Hamilton tourist attractions, but also because a perfect day includes a perfect meal. Try one of our favourites!

While many new and unique restaurants are popping up daily in Hamilton, the best value is found at The Hamilton Farmers’ Market. The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is one of Hamilton’s oldest and most cherished traditions is one of Hamilton’s oldest and most cherished traditions. Established in 1837, this indoor, centrally located, and historic building features over 50 vendors from around the world – choose local and build your perfect fall meal with flavours from all over the world. Established in 1837, this indoor, centrally located, and historic building features over 50 vendors from around the world – choose local and build your perfect fall meal with flavours from all over the world. Hamilton offers an array of dining options catering to various tastes and preferences. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or a fine dining experience, you can explore the vibrant culinary scene in the city. Don’t forget to check out Tourism Hamilton’s Dining Guide for a comprehensive list of eateries that will tantalize your taste buds.

Head to Hamilton Again Soon!

We understand that leaving might be tough, but don’t fret — you can revisit Hamilton! With a wide variety of activities in the Hamilton area, there are plenty of options for weekend or weekday getaways this fall. Plus, GO Transit makes it convenient and budget-friendly to travel there.