Happening in Hamilton
From “the Mountain” to the waterfront and all points in between, Hamilton, Ont., has the world-class event spaces, accommodations and venues for successful gatherings, and getting here is easy, with hourly GO service from Union Station and increased Swoop service to Hamilton International Airport. A flourishing foodie town with an exciting downtown revitalization project in the works and loads of engaging teambuilding activities—discover what this dynamic city can offer groups.
THE MOUNTAIN
THE VIBE:
An eclectic dining scene, premiere shopping and unique venues that deliver next-level meetings atop the Niagara Escarpment.
WHERE TO STAY:
• C Hotel by Carmen’s boasts 52 luxurious rooms and suites, an elegant 2,700-sq.-ft. ballroom, a rooftop event space with an outdoor patio and on-site Italian resto, Baci, that seats up to 55.
• Three unique venues offer a total 4,343 sq. ft. of indoor event space at the 136-room Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton, and a 4,000-sq.-ft. courtyard is a tranquil setting for outdoor gatherings.
FOODIE FAVOURITES:
• Head to The Dirty South for elevated southern fare. Full buyouts are available for 40 guests indoors and 40 on the rooftop patio, or have their food truck come to your event.
• Sasso Pizza Market and Bar serves up modern Italian favourites and artisan pizzas. Event menus are customizable, and they have capacity for 102 inside and 20 on the patio.
WHERE TO MEET:
• The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has four unique event spaces, including the Hangar that can host up to 1,400 among its spectacular vintage aircraft. On-site catering is available.
• With three ballrooms and an elegant two-storey foyer, Carmen’s Banquet Centre is ideal for meetings, conferences and galas for up to 1,100 attendees, and menus are fully customizable.
WEST HARBOUR
THE VIBE:
A lively mixed-use waterfront community with scenic trails, historic sites and year-round attractions.
WHERE TO MEET:
• The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club offers several event spaces, including the Champions Room that hosts cocktails for 80 and a patio with harbour views.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS:
• Board the HMCS Haida and tour the decks of a WWII tribal class destroyer— this National Historic Site is a flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy.
GET OUTSIDE:
• Walk, bike, hike or hop on the Harbour West Trolley to explore the scenic 12-km waterfront trail.
• Whether roller skates or ice skates, the outdoor rink offers year-round, pre- or post-meeting fun.
• Stroll through Copps Pier Park and discover art installations, a beach and board game areas. In the summer, Popups at Pier 8 events feature food trucks, concerts, markets and movie nights.
WEST HAMILTON
THE VIBE:
Quaint neighbourhoods, unique venues for off-site meetings and lots of green space for outdoor exploration.
WHERE TO STAY:
• From May to August, McMaster University offers budget-friendly accommodations, including 1,000 beds in various room styles. A limited number of hotel quality suites and executive-style homes are available throughout the year, along with several event venues on the picturesque campus.
OFF-SITE VENUES:
• Featuring 2,400 acres of nature sanctuaries, events flourish at the Royal Botanical Gardens, with more than 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and on-site catering.
• Tour the iconic Dundurn Castle, a National Historic Site built in the 1830s on the site of a War of 1812 British military encampment, then gather for a reception in the charming Coach House.
• A hub for research and development, McMaster Innovation Park is adding conference space for 500, a 300-seat lecture hall and an outdoor event venue to its existing 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
GET OUTSIDE:
• Explore Cootes Paradise, a diverse 600-hectare nature and wildlife sanctuary that features 18 km of trails, 10 lookouts and five boardwalks.
• Stroll through Westdale Village and enjoy boutique shopping and an eclectic array of coffeehouses, restaurants and pubs.
DOWNTOWN
THE VIBE:
The heart of the city, with state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, fabulous attractions and a dynamic culinary scene.
WHERE TO STAY:
• The 301-room Sheraton Hamilton Hotel boasts 20,000 sq. ft. of event space, 18 meeting rooms, the LOFT Lounge and direct access to the Hamilton Convention Centre and FirstOntario Centre.
• Staybridge Suites Hamilton-Downtown’s offers 129 fully-equipped suites, and 5,000 sq. ft. of event space and a large outdoor patio gives groups lots of room to gather.
• Small-scale events are handled with ease at Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton, with 182 suites, 10,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art conference facilities and 14 meeting rooms.
• A new 154-room Hampton Inn by Hilton with 1,900 sq.-ft of meeting space is opening later this year.
WHERE TO MEET:
• Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s accommodates events for up to 2,000 attendees within 80,000 sq. ft. of flexible space that includes 22 meeting rooms and a terrace with sweeping city views.
• The 17,500-seat FirstOntario Centre is a premiere venue for live-stage events and trade shows alike, with 90,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space. It will soon be renovated, with interior and exterior upgrades, modernized spaces and technological enhancements.
• FirstOntario Concert Hall boasts 2,181 seats and state-of-the-art audio and lighting production— ideal for keynotes, seminars and product launches.
• Up to 400 guests can gather in the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s stunning event spaces, including a glass-enclosed pavilion and sculpture garden.
NEW RESTOS AND OLD FAVOURITES:
• Capri Ristorante has been serving up classic Italian cuisine since 1962, and can host up to 80 in their unique Blue Grotto private event space.
• Expect traditional steakhouse fare with a modern flair at Conversate Steak & Seafood—full buyouts for up to 130 are available.
We can help to make your next event a huge success!
Connect with us to learn about our services, including bid assistance, discount codes and financial incentives.
Sherry Lucia
Tourism Product Development
Specialist – Convention Sales
905-546-2424 ext. 5465
Sherry.Lucia@hamilton.ca