Ancaster

A century farm built by Ancaster settler William Shaver.  Guided tours, main floor only, of the red brick, Loyalist style farmhouse. Heritage buildings onsite include a smoke house, windmill, icehouse and bake oven building. Archival display in the drive shed.

Picnic Area, Guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms, Refreshments

Ancaster Old Township Hall
310 Wilson Street, Ancaster
Built: 1871
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saved from demolition in 1966 the original township hall remains the historical hub of the community.  In 1975 it became the official symbol of Ancaster.  Vernacular architecture combines neo-classical columns, Georgian windows, Italianate brackets and a Gothic rose window.  Ancaster Historical Society hosts archival displays.

Items for Sale, Free Parking and Washrooms

Bethesda United Church
584 Garner Road West (east of Shaver Road), Ancaster
Built: 1867
Built by: Jacob Cramer
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Organ Recital Saturday 12& 2pm & Sunday 1&3pm

Bethesda Church was built in 1867 by Jacob Cramer on land willed by John Shaver (1799-1861). A choir alcove was added in the early 1900s. The oldest grave is that of John Shaver (1739-1795), who was a United Empire Loyalist. The headstones and footstones are made from worn-out granite mill stones.

Items for Sale, Free Parking, Washrooms

Griffin House
733 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster
905.648.8144
www.conservationhamilton.com
Built: early 1800's
Hours: SUNDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In 1834 this simple clapboard house on a hilltop just west of the Hermitage ruins became the homestead of Enerals Griffin believed to have entered Canada through the Underground Railway.  Member of the Black Heritage Network. Exhibits.

National Historic Site, Tours, Washrooms, No Onsite Parking, follow signs to Hermitage or Woodend

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum / Farmer Home
64 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster
905.648.8144
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Hours: SATURDAY and SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A small Tudor-style home, set amid seven acres of woodland and gardens, serves as a cultural heritage centre for the community.  The Farmer family bequeathed the house to the town of Ancaster in 1983 to provide a venue in which to preserve and promote local history, fine art and natural heritage.

Self Guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Free Parking

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
31 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster
Built: 1875
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY Noon to 4 p.m.

In 1826 the Church of Scotland sent its first missionary minister to Ancaster to establish St. Andrew's Church. The original 1832 frame church was built on land donated by a local villager for a church and a cemetery and was replaced in 1875 by the present stone structure. There have been many improvements and additions to the historic structure over the years but the outward 19th century appearance has been preserved and is complemented by the adjacent well-maintained cemetery.

Free Parking, Washrooms

Woodend / Heslop-Clifford House
838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster
905.525.2181
www.conservationhamilton.com
Built: 1862 Hours: SUNDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
John Heslop, first reeve of Ancaster Township, built this fine rural-gothic stone house, situated in the Dundas Valley.  Heslop was murdered here during an attempted robbery in 1891. In 1971 the house and land was donated to the Hamilton Conservation Authority and serves as its administrative offices. 

Guided Tours, Free Parking

Hermitage Gatehouse Museum
Corner of Sulphur Springs and Mineral Springs Road
Built: Circa 1855
Hours: SUNDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This building was once part of the Leith estate, built circa 1855 and was then known as the Lodge Cottage. It housed the Leith's gardener and family, and five people lived in this building in 1861. The cottage was renovated in 1974 and opened as the Gatehouse Museum in 1975.

Parking Available

Dundas

Carnegie Gallery
10 King Street West, Dundas
905.627.4265
www.carnegiegallery.org
Built: 1910
Architect: Chapman & McGiffin
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & SUNDAY 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Carnegie Library building was built in the Classic Revival style in c1910, on land donated by Dundas business man Col. Grafton. In 1980, The Dundas Art and Craft Association opened the gallery and shop, showcasing artists and craftsmen of the local region. Now owned by the association, it continues to be a cultural hub for the city of Hamilton.

Items for Sale, Fully Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Rock Chapel United Church
451 Rock Chapel Road (RR#2), Dundas
905.689.5946
Built: 1876
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Church Service Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Rock Chapel church was originally erected as a wooden, Methodist church close to the Rock Chapel Sanctuary Conservation area. The current building was moved and rebuilt as a brick structure in 1876. In the 1980s, beautiful stained glass windows were donated. Special activities include a historical artefact and picture display, bake sale and refreshments.

Bake Sale, Art Display, Fully Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Valley City Manufacturing
64 Hatt Street, Dundas
905.628.2253
www.valleycity.com
Built: 1846
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The building at 64 Hatt Street was re built in 1846 to house the Gartshore Foundry, one of the most important industrial buildings in Canada West, and famous for having build the pumps for Hamilton's first public waterworks (current Museum of Steam and Technology). In the early 1890s, the partners in the predecessor to Valley City Manufacturing needed more space for their thriving enterprise and moved from Hamilton to Dundas. As the Valley City Manufacturing company, the business has been a leading provider of fine institutional furniture ever since.

Guided Tours

Flamborough

The e-House
1820 Valens Road, Puslinch
Built: 2007
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This e-house (ecological, economic, efficient), completed in 2007, may be the most energy-efficient house in Canada. Designed by its owner, it combines advanced energy-efficient design and construction techniques with affordability, and generates its own electricity. It is often referred to as the “no furnace, off-the-grid house.”

Parking

Flamborough Archives
Operated by The Waterdown-East Flamborough Heritage Society
163 Dundas Street East, Waterdown (at Flamborough Municipal Service Centre)
905.689.4074
www.wefhs.hamilton.ca
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Flamborough Archives is located in the Flamborough Municipal Service Centre, 163 Dundas Street East in Waterdown. The collection consists of archival material, local history and genealogy relating to the former communities and townships of Waterdown, Beverly and East and West Flamborough.

Items for Sale, Free Parking, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Grace Anglican Church
157 Mill Street, Waterdown
905.689.6715
www.graceanglicanwaterdown.org
Built: 1860
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The present church was built in 1860 on land donated by Frederick and Elizabeth Fielde. Just prior to the First World War a parish hall (now the Guild Room) and vestry were built. In 1938 the rectory was built and in 1957 the parish hall was built to accommodate the growing Sunday school, the Evening Guild, ACW, and choir and youth groups.

Free Parking, Partially Accessible, Washrooms, Guided Tours

School Sisters of Notre Dame
1921 Snake Road, Waterdown
905.689.6646
www.ssndcanadian.org
Architect: Hermann J. Gaul (main building) & Peter Tillman-London (chapel)
Built: 1927 (chapel 1956)
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Chapel & Heritage Room for viewing only)

Located on the Niagara Escarpment, the School Sisters of Notre Dame open the doors to their magnificent chapel with jewel-like stained glass windows by Yvonne Williams and sculptures by Dora de Pedery-Hunt. A rare opportunity to enjoy the quiet beauty and gracious hospitality of the Motherhouse.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Strabane United Church
1565 Brock Road, Strabane
(Brock Road & 8th Concession, north of Waterdown)
Architect: J. Balfour
Built: 1878
Hours:
SATURDAY 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This stone building, cruciform in shape, was built in 1878 as a Presbyterian church. It became a United church in 1925. The beautifully preserved church is a designated heritage property with original wood work, pews, tin ceiling and many stained glass windows. The building committee was chaired by Thomas Bain, M.P.

Light Refreshments, Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Guided Tours

Westfield Heritage Village
1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton (off Hwy #8)
519.621.8851
www.westfieldheritage.ca
Built: 1790 & onward
Hours: SUNDAY ONLY 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience pre-Confederation Ontario in this living history village. Over 30 heritage structures including Hamilton's oldest building, Ontario's oldest remaining log cabin, blacksmith's shop, general store, sawmill, Jerseyville train station and much more. Costumed interpreters. Special behind the scenes tour of the collection with Peter Lloyd. Activities for children and the whole family.

Guided Tours, Light Refreshments, Gift Shop, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Hamilton Downtown

Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King Street West, Hamilton (at Summers Lane between Bay and MacNab Streets)
905.527.6610
www.artgalleryofhamilton.com
Built: 1977
Architect: Trevor Garwood-Jones Renovated: 2005 Renovation Architect: Bruce Kuwabara
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Activities: Art Sale: 12 p.m to 5 p.m. both days
Illustrated Talk: History of the AGH by Bill Manson; Saturday at 1p.m.
The Bruegel-Bosch Bus Rocks Art History by Maureen McKeating; Sunday at 1 p.m.
Docent led tours of banner exhibitions; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is Ontario's third largest public art gallery and owns one of the finest collections in Canada. In 2010, the AGH is celebrating Vital Africa, a year-long celebration of African arts and culture and its influence on the world.
Café, Gift Shop, Self-guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Parking, Washrooms

Capri Ristorante & Blue Grotto
25 John Street North (front entrance)
905.525.7811
www.capriristorante.ca
Built: Building Pre-1850s; Grotto 1960
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The building at 25 John Street North was built over 200 years ago using three-foot thick stone. The Capri Ristorante opened in 1963 with a bustling dining room and added a grotto banquet hall on the second floor shortly after.  The grotto contained a full bar, stage and dance floor and also had a river flowing through the floor.

Fully Accessible, Washrooms

Central Presbyterian Church
165 Charlton Avenue West, Hamilton
(at Caroline Ave. South)
905.522.9098
www.centralchurchhamilton.on.ca
Built: 1908
Architect: John Lyle
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Organ Recital; Saturday and Sunday 2-2:30 p.m.

The only church designed by John Lyle (Gage Park Fountain, High Level Bridge, Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre and Union Station). Built in a graceful neo­classical style the interior oak paneling, decorative plaster and stained glass is largely unchanged. The four manual, 4500 pipe Casavant organ is one of Hamilton's premiere concert and service instruments.

Items for Sale, Guided Tours, Fully Accessible, Washrooms

Christ's Church Cathedral
252 James Street North, Hamilton
905.527.1316
www.cathedralhamilton.ca
Built: 1835
Architect: Langley & Burke Designed by: William Thomas
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Built on the site of the first Anglican Church in Hamilton, the Cathedral remains an imposing presence on Hamilton's heritage main street. Of note: 19th century Gothic Revival style, stone construction, scale and quality of design. Designated in 1985. Interior features elaborate chancel, tracery and both painted and stained glass windows. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.

Self-guided Tours, Fully Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Church of the Ascension
64 Forest Avenue, Hamilton (at John Street South)
905.527.3505
www.ascensionchurch.ca
Architect: Frederick Cumberland Built: 1850
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY Noon to 4 p.m.

This fine example of early English Gothic, constructed of limestone, with a Victorian truss roof, is the second Anglican Church built in incorporated Hamilton (1846). Interior features oak pulpit and Warrior Window that survived the 1887 fire. Unique stained glass windows in both the main church and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (1955).

Self-guided Tours, Washrooms

Hamilton GO Centre / T H & B Railway Museum
36 Hunter Street East (between Hughson and James Streets South)
Built: 1931-33 Architect: Fellheimer & Wagner, New York
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A rare example of an Art Moderne public building with curved forms, polished metals and machined detailing throughout. TH & B retirees operate a railway museum on the mezzanine level and offer first hand experience about Hamilton train history.  Interpretative panels highlight the architecture and re-construction of this landmark downtown building.

Guided Tours, Fully Accessible, Parking, Washrooms

Lincoln Alexander Centre (former Odeon Theatre)
150 King Street East, Hamilton (at Catharine Street)
905.528.3451
www.lincolnalexanderlive.com
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Art Show & Sale
Thirty years ago the Odeon I and II cinemas on this site closed down, victims of the shift of business and entertainment from the core of the city. This year it reopened as Hamilton's finest upscale entertainment hall. Life has come full circle for the downtown block.
Items for Sale Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Ormond Green
56 Ferrie Street West, Hamilton East of Bay Street
905.526.6458
Built: Circa 1885 Renovated: 2004 Renovation
Architect: Douglas Denton
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This humble semi-detached worker's cottage has been transformed from a crowded layout of tiny rooms into an open concept living space. Original structural boards and scavenged wood have been re-worked into trim and wainscot. House exemplifies green design. External insulation allows for exposed brick

GREEN site, Street Parking, Self-guided Tours

MacNab Street Presbyterian Church
116 MacNab Street South, Hamilton (North of Bold Street)
Built: 1856
Architect: Albert E. Hills Designed: William Thomas
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This imposing landmark, constructed of whirlpool limestone from the escarpment replaced an earlier wood building from 1854. Isaac Buchanan (Auchmar) laid the foundation stone. The McQuesten Family (Whitehern) figure prominently in the Church's history.  Interior was completely re-constructed in the 1930's and features nine stained glass windows designed by James Ballantine of Edinburgh. The 3­manual Casavant organ was installed in 1934.

Guided Tours, Fully Accessible, Washrooms

St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church
475 Mary Street, Hamilton (at Picton Street)
905.529.3921
Architect: Robert Clohency
Built: 1890
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When constructed, this Romanesque style church became the third English-speaking Catholic Church in Hamilton. With remarkable acoustics, beautiful stained glass, a century-old Casavant pipe organ, mural paintings on canvas and a 25 foot high, main altar carved and sculpted in the renowned Italian Carrera marble quarries, St. Lawrence is a gem nestled in the North-end.

Guided Tours, Free Parking

St. Mary's Pro Cathedral
146 Park Street North, Hamilton (1 block west of James N. at Sheaffe St.)
Built: 1859-60
Architect: Frederick Kortum Interior: Zepherin Perrault
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Built in 1859-60, St. Mary's retains its original pre-Confederation Gothic Revival character.  The magnificent interior features an elaborately carved high altar, Bavarian stained glass and memorials to Hamilton's first bishops. The imposing red brick exterior is distinguished by a massive bell tower and stone trim. St. Mary's is Hamilton's original Roman Catholic cathedral, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2010.

Fully Accessible, Washrooms

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church
440 King Street East, Hamilton (at Victoria Street)
905.522.9828
www.stpatrickshamilton.org
Architect: Joseph C. Connolly
Built: 1877
Hours: SUNDAY ONLY 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Performance by Mayor Bob Morrow on Casavant Organ; Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Designed by the prominent Irish born architect Joseph Connolly, St. Patrick's is one of the finest examples of 13th century Gothic revival architecture in Southern Ontario. Features include: Hammer dressed stonework, hammerbeam and fresco ceiling, limestone columns, carved pulpit with canopy, baldachin over the High Altar and carved Stations of the Cross.

Accessible, Refreshments, Self-guided Tours, Free Parking, Washrooms

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
70 James Street South, Hamilton (at Jackson Street)
905.522.2792
www.stpaulshamilton.ca
Architect: William Thomas
Built 1854-57
Hours: SUNDAY ONLY 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Created by the famed architect, William Thomas in 1854, St. Paul's is still used for the purpose it was created. The beautiful stained glass windows date from the early 1900s. Its stone spire is unique in Ontario

The Studios at Hotel Hamilton
195 James Street North, Hamilton (at Mulberry Street)
www.thestudiosathotelhamilton.com
Architect: McCallum Sather Architects
Built: 1887
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Art Show by Studio tenants

Originally built in 1887 as a commercial building and expanded in 1905 to a hotel for soldiers. The building has been revitalized to include 19 studios, a ground floor café, gallery and more. Historical elements that still remain from its colourful past include the hand-laid terrazzo floor and custom plaster ceiling in the ground floor café, exposed brick walls, original fire doors, and high ceilings.

Self-guided Tours

Stinson School Lofts
200 Stinson Street, Hamilton
289.389.1377
www.stinsonschool.com
Architect: A.W. Peene
Built: 1894
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once upon a time schools were important-looking buildings, with baronial architecture, imposing stone walls, arched entrances and grand wooden interiors. Constructed in 1894, Hamilton's Stinson School is amongst the last of its kind. By good fortune the building has been designated historic and is now in the process of conversion into unique residential apartments

Refreshments, Free Parking, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Theatre Aquarius
190 King William Street, Hamilton
905.522.7815
www.theatreaquarius.org
Architect: Lettsmith
Built: 1990
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Founded in 1973, Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton's professional theatre company, moved to its permanent home on King William Street, the Dofasco Centre for the Arts in 1991. The state of the art 750 seat theatre was designed using prominent materials of Hamilton's industries: brick and steel.

Partial Accessibility, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Whitehern Historic House & Garden
41 Jackson Street, Hamilton (at MacNab Street South)
905.546.2018
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Built: 1848
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prominently situated in a walled terraced garden, Whitehern is an outstanding example of a mid-19th century urban estate. The house has a multi-layered character that reflects the alterations made by three generations of the McQuesten family.  Today Whitehern represents the year 1939. View the recently renovated 1850's stable.

National Historic Site, Guided Tours, Washrooms

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre
51 Stuart Street, Hamilton (near Bay and Barton)
905.522.3003
www.wahc-museum.ca
Architect: F. P. Rubridge
Built: 1858
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre is Canada's only national labour history museum and art gallery.  Housed in Hamilton's Customs House, a national heritage building (1860), WAHC offers an entertaining and educational experience. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the building and 15th anniversary of the centre with new special guided tours.

National Historic Site, Refreshments, Gift Shop, Fully Accessible, Street Parking, Washrooms

Hamilton East

1859 Hamilton Waterworks Museum of Steam & Technology
900 Woodward Avenue, Hamilton
905.546.4797
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Built: 1859
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Originally built as Hamilton's first waterworks, the museum is a magnificent example of Italianate architecture and features massive stonework, detailed quoin blocks, Romanesque windows and a 150 foot chimney disguised as a campanile bell tower This National Historic Site is the only complete, intact, waterworks from the 19th century in North America.

National Historic Site, Partially Accessible, Washrooms, Parking

EcoHouse
22 Veevers Drive, Hamilton (King & Quigley Road)
905.540.8787
www.greenventure.ca
Architect: James Dean
Built: circa 1851
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EcoHouse is the former Glen Manor farmhouse and heart of the old Glendale Dairy farm. The pre-Confederation stone building has been retrofitted into an environmental demonstration centre featuring green-living options about power saving, water saving, renewable energy generation, wise waste practices, and green gardening techniques. The house is surrounded by two acres of grounds, featuring heritage gardens, rain gardens, and native species planting.

Items for Sale, Guided Tours, Washrooms

Gage Park & Tropical House
Gage Park, Lawrence Road, East of Gage Avenue
905.546.2424 x.7598
Architect: H.B. Dunnington-Grubb
Built: 1922
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gage Park is a 30ha park serving the downtown community and hosting city wide special events. Originally designed by H.B. Dunnington-Grubb Landscape Architects in the 1920s, the park contains perennial and rose gardens, tropical and production greenhouses, fountain, band shell, lawn bowling and tennis clubs, baseball fields, children's playground and the Hamilton Children's Museum.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Self-guided Tours

Hamilton Children's Museum / Gage Homestead
1072 Main Street East, Hamilton (at Gage Park)
905.546.4848
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Built: 1875
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Robert and Hannah Gage had this house constructed on their farm and orchard. Before his death, Gage signed an agreement to sell the City 64 acres for use as a park. Their only child, Eugenie, conveyed the remainder of the property and the house to the City in 1952. Interactive displays for the whole family. 

Self-guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms, Gift Shop

St. Nicholas' Serbian Orthodox Church
1415 Barton Street East, Hamilton (at Division Street)
905.547.0101
www.saintnicholas-hamilton.org
Architect: Radovan Radovic
Built: 1974
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities: Sunday Service 10-11 a.m.

In the shadow of factories, amid the bustle of traffic, there is a place steeped in history, spirituality and beauty.  Home of eastern Canada's oldest Serbian Orthodox Parish, the church's architecture celebrates the Serbo-Byzantine style. The interior features masterpieces of fresco iconography and traditional woodcarving in the Orthodox tradition.

Guided and Self-guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Woodward Avenue Environmental Laboratory, City of Hamilton, Public Works
700 Woodward Avenue (at Brampton St.)
Built: 2006
Architect: McCallum Sather Architects
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver certification, the goal for the laboratory was to provide a creative and exciting design that accommodates a fully sustainable, adaptable, multi-purpose building. The building will use at minimum 25% less energy due to innovative technologies utilized in the design.

Guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Hamilton West

Church of St. John the Evangelist
320 Charlton Avenue, Hamilton (West of Locke St. S)
905.522.0602
Architect: Strickland & Symons of Toronto
Built: 1891
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The church opened for worship on February 21, 1892. The Spectator described the new church as a “neat, unpretentious building” and praised the original stained glass windows and the “handsome font” that is still present today. In 1990 a fire destroyed the parish hall and amid much soul searching parishioners focused outwards on the needs of the community and four years later dedicated Artaban Non-Profit Homes on the site of the old parish hall.

Items for Sale, Street Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Dundurn National Historic Site
610 York Boulevard, Hamilton (at Dundurn Street)
905.546.2872
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Architect: Robert Wetherell
Built: 1835
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The former home of Sir Allan MacNab, lawyer, soldier, businessman and politician embodies the picturesque movement in Canada. Visit the re-created mid-Victorian kitchen garden and landscape. Tour the newly restored Dining Room with 1830's paint scheme. Also on site the 1835 Cockpit, the only known North American structure of this type.

Gift Shop, Partially Accessible, Parking, Washrooms

Gardener's Cottage at Dundurn National Historic Site
25 Tecumseh Street
905.546.2872
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Built: 1850s
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One hundred and fifty years ago this cottage was home to William Reid, gardener to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, owner of Dundurn Castle and Premier of the United Canadas from 1854-56. View the main floor of this worker's cottage in its pre-restoration state, and imagine the simple life and the history of the cottage, now reunited with the estate.

Free Parking at Dundurn Castle, Guided Tours

Hamilton Military Museum
610 York Boulevard, Hamilton (at Dundurn Park)
905.546.2872
www.hamilton.ca/museums
Architect: Robert Wetherell
Built: 1832-38
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum is located in Battery Lodge, the former residence for Sir Allan MacNab's gatekeeper.  Newly re­developed exhibits focus on the military presence on what is now Dundurn National Historic Site. See the park as the British Army saw it 190 years ago. 

Partially Accessible, Parking, Washrooms

Melrose United Church
86 Homewood Avenue, Hamilton (at Locke Street)
905.522.1323
www.melroseunited.ca
Architect: J. Gibb Morton
Built: 1928
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities: Sunday Worship; Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Deriving its name and appearance from Melrose Abbey in Scotland, this imposing 1928 church is constructed of Credit Valley limestone.  The beautiful stained glass windows by Pringle and London of Toronto, installed between 1936 and 1956, are notable for their unity of design. Tours of the stained glass windows.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms

McMaster University

W.J. McCallion Planetarium
1280 Main Street West (at Sterling & Forsyth)
905.525.9140 x.27777
www.physics.mcmaster.ca/planetarium
Built: 1954
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Planetarium, tucked in the basement of Burke Science Building, is one of only a few remaining in Ontario. Constructed in the 1950s, it was refurbished and re­opened in 2009 with breathtaking technology that enhances the night-sky experience. Mini shows will be offered during Doors Open. Please sign up in advance at http://www.physics.mcmaster.ca/planetarium/

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Convocation Hall
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth)
905.525.9140 x.27988
www.mcmaster.ca
Architect: W.L. Somerville
Built: 1929
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Convocation Hall is the most hallowed place on campus. Vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows lend an august mood to the site of convocations from 1930 to the late 1960s. The ceremonies have since moved to Hamilton Place, but “Con Hall” continues to be used for concerts and receptions. Bookcases display McMaster memorabilia.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Self-guided Tours

McMaster Museum of Art
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth
 905.525.9140 x.23241
www.mcmaster.ca/museum
Architect: W.L. Somerville
Built: 1950
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibits: Oil Cloth Lunch and Other Reasons to be Cheerful, Further than Confederation

Opened in 1950, the Museum of Art is a hidden gem among Canadian galleries. A bequest in 1990 by Herman Levy added many key pieces to the collection, including Monet's Waterloo Bridge and Van Gogh's Still Life with Ginger Jar and Onions. It also boasts the world's largest collection of German Expressionist Art.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Self-guided Tours

McMaster Nuclear Reactor
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth)
905.525.9140 x.26223
mnr.mcmaster.ca
Architect: AMF Atomics Canada Ltd.
Built By: Pigott Construction Built: 1959
Hours: SATURDAY ONLY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) opened in 1959 as the first university-based research reactor in the British Commonwealth. Today, it is used for research by students, academics, small and international businesses, and in the production of medical isotopes used to treat prostate cancer. Note Special Requirements: Visitors must show photo ID, and must be wearing closed-toe, flat-soled shoes, no sandals, no high heels.

Free Parking, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Map Room at Mills Memorial Library
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth)
905.525.9140 x.21573
library.mcmaster.ca
Designed By: W.L. Somerville
Opened: 1951
Hours: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Designed by W.L. Somerville, who also designed Hamilton Hall and Convocation Hall, Mills Memorial Library opened on May 1, 1951. Among its fascinating research areas is the Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, a repository for 130,000 paper maps, 17,000 air photos and 3,000 atlases.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Guided Tours

Hamilton Hall
1280 Main Street West (at Sterling & Forsyth)
905.525.9140 x.27988
Architect: W.L. Somerville
Built: 1929
Hours: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Built in the Canadian Collegiate Gothic style, this is an example of how heritage buildings can be successfully transformed. Hamilton Hall's stunning renovation earned a Governor-General's Award (2004) and two American Institute of Architects awards (2005). The building houses the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, and Indigenous Studies.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms

Engineering Technology Building
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth)
905.525.9140 x.27988
eng.mcmaster.ca/newbuilding
Architect: Vermeulen Hind
Built: 2009
Hours: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opened in 2009, the award-winning Engineering Technology Building is a gold-certified LEED facility, incorporating sustainable features such as rain water harvesting, sensor-controlled lighting, and recycled building materials. Visitors will want to see the elliptical computer lab. Art on display includes the Chronos clock, Bearings hologram series, and a work hailing Canada's engineering achievements.

Free Parking, Fully Accessible, Washrooms, Guided & Self-guided Tours

Hamilton Mountain

Auchmar Manor and Estate
88 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton (at West 5th Street)
Year Built: 1855
Hours: SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The last surviving country estate on Hamilton Mountain was built for the Honourable Isaac Buchanan Scotsman, entrepreneur, civic leader, politician and legendary public figure in Canada. Enjoy this rare opportunity to view the main floor of the Gothic Revival manor house and the walled and landscaped grounds that surround it. Auchmar is a significant cultural landscape under threat.

Street Parking

Stoney Creek

Battlefield House Museum & Battlefield Monument
77 King Street West, Stoney Creek
905.662.8458
www.hamilton.ca/museums
House Built: 1796
Monument Built: 1910-1913
Architect: F.J Rastrick (Monument)
Hours: SATURDAY and SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The original Gage family pioneer homestead is a two-storey frame structure atypical of the Georgian style with symmetrically balanced windows and door openings. Battlefield Monument, constructed of Queenston limestone, was unveiled June 6, 1913 to commemorate 100 years of peace between Canada and the United States.

Costumed interpreters, National Historic Site, Gift Shop, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms

Erland Lee Museum
552 Ridge Road, Stoney Creek (at Dewitt Road)
905.662.2691
www.erlandlee.com
Built: 1873
Builder: Abram Lee
Hours: SATURDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & SUNDAY Noon to 4 p.m.

Home of a prominent 19th century rural family, this was the birthplace of the Women's Institutes, the first rural women's organization. Janet Lee drafted the constitution for this pioneering women's group, brainchild of Adelaide Hoodless, in the dining room of this home.

National Historic Site, items for Sale, Guided Tours, Partially Accessible, Free Parking, Washrooms