Hamilton, ON
For our first day trip in Ontario, Rita and I decided to visit Hamilton, a city an hour’s drive from Kitchener-Waterloo. There really is something for every type of doggy! We parked in a Municipal Pay-and-Display parking lot (paid via ticket machine or an app). There are multiple of these throughout the city, so choose the one which works best for you. There is a free parking lot at Bayfront Park too.
Exploring Hamilton
Walking We began our day at Burlington Bay on Lake Ontario, taking a walk along the Waterfront Trail. It runs alongside the Great Western Railway track so was a bit noisy at times, but this was counteracted by the glorious views over the bay. The mix of dense vegetation and skyscrapers of Hamilton was impressive and inviting. We also spotted a lot of birdlife, such as geese, swans and ducks. There are different lengths/sections you can do, but we started from the carpark at Bayfront Park and walked 2km to the lookout point (just before it turns left under the bridge), and back again. We then continued on and completed the loop around Bayfront Park, and walked past the marina before taking a rest in the grassy area. There’s a non-dog-friendly trolley tour which looks fun, and if we were around that evening, we could have enjoyed some live music in the park.
Lunch We stopped for lunch at vegan eatery and smoothie bar Green Bar on James Street North, and sat at their outdoor patio. I had to tie Rita outside, whilst keeping an eye on her as I went in and ordered, and the waitress brought my food out for me. I tried an Island OG bowl: a mix of jackfruit, black beans, pineapple salsa and kimchi with a base of brown rice. It was a good-sized portion and the flavours complimented each other nicely. Rita was glad to find some shade under my chair! If I go back, I will definitely try one of their smoothies, topped with coconut “whipped cream”!
Shopping There are two main streets for shopping and eating in Hamilton. On James Street North, we visited Pretty Grit and Rita was welcomed inside. This shop sells lots of pretty trinket dishes and crockery. There is a focus on environmentally-friendly wares, and I bought some reusable dishcloths and handmade soap. Rita enjoyed browsing the doggy section. Nest on Locke Street calls itself “the gift shop for animal lovers” and true to character, it allows dogs inside and Rita even received a treat. There were many pet-themed products, from apparel to homewares, stationery to jewellery. And of course plenty of accessories and treats for the pets; Rita picked up a Canadian-themed bandana for her collection, along with some natural-ingredients-only treats.
Coffee My Dog’s Café and Bar was a must-do for us. Their outdoor seating area is double gated and so it is safe to let the dogs off-lead and to socialise. They have menus for both dogs and humans, and also provide doggy birthday cakes and raw dog food. I opted for an iced coffee and Rita got a blueberry pumpkin waffle and carob pupcake. Unfortunately, the owners are being evicted by their landlord and so they are closing in October 2021, with nowhere yet decided for possible relocation. Alternative spots to get your caffeine fix and a snack with dog in tow are Munchies Coffee House and Barkery and Bring Your Dog Café and Pub.
The iced coffee was mine
Sights Dundurn Castle (more like a large house in my book!) was completed in 1835 and belonged to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, 1st Baronet, who was one of Canada's first premiers (the head of government of a province or territory). It is a rare surviving example of the Picturesque values of Canadian architecture and so was bought by the City of Hamilton in 1899, who in 1984 designated it as a National Historic Site of Canada. Tours with a costumed guide, hands-on workshops and a gift shop are available inside, but they have a no-dog policy and so we stuck to the grounds and admired the exterior. There are lawns with interesting outbuildings and arches, as well as formal gardens.
“Why can’t we live here instead of in a condo?”
The closest we could find to a bed of roses
