Category Archives: Game Plan

Need A Game Plan For Sunday At Doors Open Hamilton? Here Is What We’re Doing!

With so many amazing historic and creative sites participating in Doors Open Hamilton this weekend, it can be tough to see everything in such a short amount of time. For those who were unable to get out and explore today, we have a last minute Sunday plan for you that will help you get out and enjoy this great event—whatever your interests may be!

Sticking Downtown

A day filled with both culture and history can be had downtown.

10:00am: 100 King Street West
Start your day with a breathtaking view of Hamilton from 21 storeys. 100 King Street West is home to the Stelco Tower, originally designed as a showpiece for a new steel product of Stelco at the time.

10:45am: Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James Street North
Just around the corner from your first destination, this cathedral is right in the middle of the site for monthly James Street North Art Crawls. This church was the first Anglican church in Hamilton and boasts 19th century Gothic Revival style. Enjoy a self-guided tour and humble yourself.

12:00 pm: Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum, 610 York Boulevard
If you have not already had the pleasure of touring Hamilton’s most famous historic site, Doors Open Hamilton is the perfect opportunity. Dundurn Castle was the home of one of the first premiers Allan MacNab. Expect to learn about the daily lives of the MacNab family and their servants as well as general life in 1855.

2:00pm: Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) 123 King Street West
Venture back to the downtown core to explore Ontario’s largest independent art gallery. Enjoy a docent-guided tour of the “Eye of Napoleon” exhibition (starts at 2:00pm).  Afterwards, learn about the history of the gallery with a presentation at 3:30pm. Browse the AGH shop for unique souvenirs.

4:00pm: Eat and be merry!
End your day with a bite to eat at any number of the great restaurants downtown.

Strictly James Street North— a full walking day

There are many sites open along James Street North that will make for a nice day of walking as opposed to driving around. Park around King and James (there is a green P parking lot directly across from Jackson Square on James) and spend the day exploring Hamilton’s art district.

10:00am: Grab breakfast
Grab a quick bite at Homegrown Hamilton, located on the Art Walk near the corner of King and James. Enjoy quality local and organic products—the omelettes are to die for!

10:30am: The Lister Building 28-44 James Street North
Right beside Homegrown Hamilton, The Lister building was built in 1924 and serves as an interior shopping complex. Partake in an architect-guided tour at 10:30am to learn m

ore about the building itself or explore this six-storey building on your own.

12:00pm: Architects Inc. 118 James Street North
Check out this unique loft space with a slick and modern design. The space is located within a 19th century commercial building and utilizes popular contemporary details. Spend about a half an hour wandering the space.

12:30pm: John Weir Foote Armoury/Regimental Museums 200 James Street North
In a rare occasion for Doors Open Hamilton, this site will be fully open and staffed for guests to explore the compound. Expect to look around the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Museum (located in the basement) and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada Regimental Museum (on the 3rd floor).

2:30pm: Hamilton Port Authority (605 James Street North)
A little bit of a jaunt down James Street North you will find the Hamilton Port Authority with a panoramic view of the harbour from the 6th floor. This historic building will boast art displays, historical artifacts and a special viewing of the restored Hamilton No. 2 boat for your visit.

3:30pm-whenever: Free exploring
Pop into the many media, arts, and culture building  (and especially galleries) that call James Street North home. Note that Christ’s Cathedral Church will be open publicly until 4:00pm if you wish to visit on your way back.

Rich Industrial history in East Hamilton

There are only a few sites open for you East Hamiltonians, but expect a day full of history! PS, you will most likely need a vehicle—getting around by public transit might be a bit tricky/lengthy with this jaunt.

10:00am: 270 Sherman, 270 Sherman Avenue North
Originally a cotton manufacturing company, 270 Sherman is now a creative complex that provides space for artists and firms. The entire third floor hosts gallery space—this weekend, 270 Sherman’s very first Artist in Residence C. Wells will be using the gallery space for his new exhibition Place and Space. Your time here will be a mixture of history and culture: expect a guided tour of the complex while learning about the history of the building and the workers followed by a self-guided experience through Well’s exhibition.

12:30pm: EcoHouse/Glen Manor, 22 Veevers Drive
Experience this reused farmhouse and 2 acre garden of the Veevers Estate. Both guided and self-guided tours are available as well as rain barrels, composters, and worms for sale. This site is both child-friendly and educational.

2:30pm: Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, 900 Woodward Avenue
Smack-dab in the middle of Hamilton’s steel region, the museum was Hamilton’s first waterworks (delivering water from Lake Ontario to Hamilton homes). Learn about the history of the building and marvel and steam technologies that still function.