Hamilton flights and travel guide

The historic city of Hamilton stands at the west end of Lake Ontario. Thanks to the Niagara Escarpment (a United Nations World Biosphere) that divides it in two, this manufacturing and port city has outstanding trails, waterfalls and views. 

There's no shortage of cultural attractions for visitors arriving on cheap flights to Hamilton. Dundurn Castle is the stately mansion once owned by Sir Allan Napier MacNab and now offers a fascinating insight into what life was like in 1855. The Museum of Steam and Technology, another National Historic Site, preserves the technology that powered Hamilton 140 years ago, while, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has restored aircraft from more recent times. 

Along with McMaster University, which gives the city a young, buzzy vibe, it has a proud sporting tradition. It's home to the Tiger Cats and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum, has live horse racing year round at Flamboro Downs and has hosted the Canadian Open four times. 

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Hamilton climate

Hamilton's climate is continental with warm summers and cold winters.

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When to fly to Hamilton

Hamilton has a full calendar of arts and sporting events and is a year-round destination.

Peak Season:
Most visitors arrive during the summer months when the weather is at its best.

Off Season:
Hamilton is a four-season destination with plenty to see and do year-round and there is no off season per se. In general the weeks just after Christmas and New Years are quiet and a good time to search for cheap flights to Hamilton and accommodations.

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Getting downtown Hamilton

Shuttles, limos and taxis connect the airport with downtown Hamilton. The local public transit company, Hamilton
Street Railway Company, operates the Glanbrook Trans-Cab service from the airport.

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Getting around Hamilton

Car rental agencies are located around the city as well as at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Public
buses are operated by the Hamilton Street Railway Company.

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Hamilton insider information

• Visitors to Dundurn Castle can see exactly how such an establishment operated. The Regency-style house has been restored to the way it was in 1855, with costumed guides, extensive 19th-century gardens and the chance to experience life, both upstairs with the McNabs and downstairs with the servants. 
• Another estate, beside the City Hall, is Whitehern. It is the former home of the McQuesten family who lived there from 1852 to 1968. It offers a glimpse into Victorian life. The family helped to establish the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, McMaster University and the Queen Elizabeth Way. 
• Westfield Heritage Village, a restored 19th-century village with more than 30 buildings, including a schoolhouse and blacksmith shop, is a 30-minute drive away. 
• Ontario's third-largest gallery is based in Hamilton. The Art Gallery of Hamilton is home to the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum collection of 19th-century European art. Entrance is free on the first Friday of every month (5-9pm).
• The Parks Canada Discovery Centre is home to the HMS Haida, Canada’s most famous warship. 
• The  African Lion Safari, north of Hamilton, is Canada's original safari adventure park. Families take cheap flights to Hamilton for the game reserve, wet play areas. jungle playground, pets' corner, birds of prey and a cruise aboard the African Queen.

   

   

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Hamilton airports

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (web site: www.flyhi.ca) is located 11km southwest of the city.

Other airports nearby include Pearson International Airport, Toronto, a 45-minute drive, and Buffalo/Niagara International Airport, 50 minutes away.

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