Five Places to Go in Hamilton, Ontario
You'll find a tantalizing culinary experience at Nique, where the dishes range from inventive sushi nachos to mouthwatering slow-cooked beef cheek. Image courtesy of Ian Patterson for The New York Times.
Renewal and renaissance is stirring in Hamilton, a once hard-edged industrial city nestled just 40 miles southwest of Toronto. Boasting a rising artistic and cultural scene, this resilient and revitalized city is now attracting not just artists driven from Toronto by the high cost of living, but visitors worldwide who come to explore its bounty. James Street North factors significantly in Hamilton's resurgence, having transformed from a faded urban stretch into a thriving hub, alive with innovative farm-to-table restaurants, trendsetting startups, and quirky shops. Hamilton has started attracting the film industry as well, with renowned Mexican director and actor Guillermo del Toro recently shooting his film "The Shape of Water," in the city. Del Toro went on to sing praises of Hamilton, describing it as a city echoing with potential and teeming with unexpected delights.
Nique's Culinary Adventure
Since its establishment in October, Nique has made its mark for paying homage to the multiethnic cultures of Canada. With an innovative menu that ranges from the decadence of sushi nachos to tender, braised beef cheek, Nique offers a culinary delight that spans across multiple continents. One can't miss out on their whimsically named beverages, notably the Thai Cat cocktail, a bourbon-infused concoction that is a nod to the local Hamilton Tiger-Cats, an esteemed team of the Canadian Football League.
Contact and visit: 30 Vine Street, Hamilton, Ontario; 905-529-8000;
Exploring Saint James
Immerse yourself in a unique steampunk escapade at Saint James, a sought-after daytime dining spot in Hamilton, Ontario. Decorated with spalted maple tables and rich steam-powered aesthetics, this locale is especially known for attracting the weekend crowd. They come ready to savor distinctive brunch menu which includes a crowd-favorite crunchy falafel salad, artisanal scones baked in-house, and perfectly seasoned avocado toast with a note of pepper.
You can find this iconic eatery at 170 James Street N. Contact them at your convenience via the number 289-389-6565. Visit their website saint-james.ca to learn more about their evolving menu and unique dining experience.
The Unique World of Oswald’s Gallery
Long-standing creative maestro, Alex Taves, bid farewell to Toronto and embarked on a new adventure, unveiling Oswald's Gallery in Hamilton; an energizing and radiant space christened after Uncle Oswald, Roald Dahl’s insatiable character. This spirited hub promotes the creations of local Hamilton visionaries, hosting enthralling live music events and offering a curated selection of locally crafted goods, including Taves' captivating "pop-surrealist" graphic tees.
The Gallery at 328 James Street N; can be reached at 905-528-6326; or visit their website at oswalds.ca for an immersive view of their offerings.
Smalls Coffee
Smalls coffee shop, nestled just a hop, skip, and jump from the bustling James Street North strip, is an immersive miniature paradise for coffee connoisseurs. Its minimalist and alluring all-white interior mirrors the clean, refined, and meticulously crafted coffee it serves. To complement their exceptional java, which is freshly brewed from beans sourced from esteemed Ontario micro-roasters such as De Mello Palheta and Detour, Smalls also offers irresistibly soft pastries. Observing an organic philosophy, these pastries come from De La Terre, a reputed bakery tucked away 29 miles east in Vineland.
You can catch their baristas in action at 8 Cannon Street E. While they have chosen to stay offline from phone connections, their digital footprint can be traced to their website, smalls.coffee. Here's a fun fact: De Mello Palheta, one of the bean suppliers for Smalls, is known for their sustainable sourcing practices, offering fair trade organic coffee beans. Meanwhile, the organic bakery, De La Terre has made a name for themselves with their farm-to-table approach and the use of locally sourced ingredients.
The Assembly
Sixteen prominent Ontario artists, including the painter Daniel Hutchinson and the sculptor Andrea Carvalho, started this bi-level cooperative gallery last November as an incubator for edgier work — and an alternative to Toronto’s competitive art scene.
4 Cannon Street E; 289-799-3794; assemblygallery.ca
Where to stay
When planning a visit to Hamilton, Ontario, selecting the right place to stay is key to enhancing your overall experience in this vibrant city. Hotel options in Canada at tophotels.com provide a wide range of accommodations to choose from. One great option is to consider accommodations in the downtown core. The heart of Hamilton offers a mix of boutique hotels and modern chain options, placing you within walking distance of many attractions.
Enjoy the convenience of exploring the vibrant art scene, including the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the James Street North arts district, which hosts monthly Art Crawls. Moreover, you'll be in close proximity to the city's culinary hotspots, local markets, and cultural events.
Of course, if you are looking to extend your Canadian adventure beyond Hamilton, consider staying at the Bond Place Hotel in Toronto, a stylish location renowned for its great service and convenient location within bustling downtown Toronto. If you're traveling on a budget, don't worry. Hamilton also offers numerous budget-friendly options like hostels which can be a fantastic way to save money. You can check out some of these locations on http://www.ontariocahotel.com/en/type/hostels-11/.
Whether you're here for the thriving arts scene, the burgeoning food culture, or simply to explore the city's rich history, staying in downtown Hamilton provides easy access to all that this exciting destination has to offer.