Vanessa's Hamilton Guide

Hamilton, Ontario is much more than just the home of McMaster University. This city has incredible natural beauty, a growing food scene, and hidden gems that many visitors never discover. After spending years here, I've compiled some of my favorite spots that showcase what makes Hamilton special.

Must-visit natural spots:

• Tiffany Falls: A beautiful waterfall with a short hiking trail. Right between Ancaster and Dundas, this is a must see.
• Bayfront Park: Great for lakeside walks and watching sunsets
• Gage Park: Beautiful greenhouse and gardens free for everyone, 40 minute bus ride from campus. Grab a donut and snack at a nearby cafe afterwards!
• Cootes Paradise: Right behind Les Prince, perfect for a group hike with friends

Food Scene

So many delicious spots outside of campus! Hamilton's food scene is kind of a hidden gem. All the restaurants below are my personal favorites and places I would revisit.

The Mule Hamilton

Great tacos, sides and drinks. Order a couple tacos and split some appetizers with the table. Perfect for casual dining with friends on a night out

Menya Kyu

Cozy spot focused on chicken ramen, with great appetizers and sides. Dishes felt curated with care and attention to detail.

Tondou Ramen

Same as the downtown toronto location. Great tonkotsu ramen (I thought the broth wasn't hot enough), gyoza and appetizers. Quite a small space.

Ramen Isshin

Same as the downtown toronto location. Love their tsukemen so much and roasted garlic ramen. Broths can be on the salty side so drink lots of water!

Mystic Ramen

Ramen spot that has lots of fun options to try, not your traditional ramen shop. Thick cut pork belly slices in their ramen are a must-try.

Nannaa Persian Eatery

In Westdale, this cozy spot has amazing food. Large potions of food and their kabobs are a must-try.

The Burnt Tongue

Many locations around Westdale and Hamilton! Great spot for a quick hearty bowl of soup and sandwich in the colder months.

BAB Korean Food

My favourite meal close to campus hands down. Amazing food, their fried chicken is a must-try. Small shop with limited seating

Fuwa Fuwa

Recent addition to Westdale, this place is perfect to enjoy japanese pancakes and drinks with friends after class or on weekends

Chicken Plus

Korean Fried Chicken spot with great flavours and sides. More of a takeout spot but they have a few seats to eat in.

My Favourite Coffee Spots

As a student and coffee enthusiast, I've spent countless hours exploring Hamilton's coffee scene.

Downtown Hamilton

One For All

My favorite cafe in Hamilton! Not meant for studying, but rather enjoying the ambiance and aesthetics. Never had a bad drink here :)

Mulberry Coffee Shop

Best for studying (has outlets and wifi). Popular spot for Hamilton locals so it gets loud later in the day

Synonym

Really good coffee and food options for lunch, has wifi and outlets at some seats, very artsy coffee shop with jazz nights on weekends

Durand Coffee

Cute neighborhood coffee shop (has wifi), seats are not the most comfortable but good for a quick study session

Westdale

Paisleys

Busy with limited seating (no outlets and no wifi), but good coffee and brunch/lunch sandwiches. Great for hangouts and a sweet treat between classes

Mikels

Good study spot with wifi and outlets. Easy to get spots for 1-2 people, but gets really busy and loud.

Dundas

Detour Cafe

Worth the trip to Dundas for excellent coffee