Long known as the little brother to Toronto, over the past decade Hamilton, Ontario has grown into its own. Sure, it’s a more affordable option than living in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, the list goes on – but it’s not just cheap rent that is bringing people to this once-thriving industrial city. e
Situated on the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton and the surrounding area provides countless conservation areas, waterfalls, and trails for the outdoor-minded; on top of its vibrant dining, nightlife, arts, and culture scene.
If you’re planning a trip to the City of Hamilton or the Golden Horseshoe this summer, enjoy these recommendations on just a few of the amazing opportunities that the city provides including a trip to BATL Axe Throwing.
1) TRY YOUR HAND AT URBAN AXE THROWING WITH A VISIT TO BATL AXE THROWING
While a trip to an indoor axe throwing range might not seem like your classic summer activity, there are bound to be some days that the weather doesn’t cooperate and a trip indoors is your only option. A visit to BATL Axe Throwing is sure to keep you and your friends entertained and leave a lasting impression. Located conveniently in the Jackson Square area of downtown, BATL Hamilton is easily accessible from Burlington, Stoney Creek, St. Catherines, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and the entire Golden Horseshoe.
BATL Axe Throwing pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing back in 2006, so it’s no surprise that we’re the best at what we do. Our weekly league play is what made us famous, but each of our 18 locations across North America offer other ways to get involved with axe throwing. Our private event group bookings are offered for groups of 2 and up and are perfectly suited for any occasion – adult birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building, or just a summer outing with friends. Private event bookings include one on one coaching from our expert staff, followed by a round-robin tournament and playoff. If you’re looking to get involved in our sport with less commitment, BATL Axe Throwing also offers weekly public walk-in sessions with no advance booking required; just show up and hone your skill! BATL Hamilton offers a fully licensed bar and food menu, meaning all you have to worry about is throwing axes! Make sure to stop at BATL Axe Throwing for some axe throwing next time you’re in Hamilton!
2) VISIT ONE OF HAMILTONS MANY WATERFALLS
They don’t call it The Waterfall Capital of the World for nothing. With over one hundred waterfalls just minutes from the downtown core of Hamilton, there’s something for everyone when it comes to outdoor adventure in the area. Most of the waterfalls in Hamilton are situated on the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO world biosphere site) in and along the Bruce Trail and can require anywhere from minimal walking to a long-distance hike to access. During the summer months, many of the waterfalls also double as the perfect way to cool down during the heat.
3) EXPLORE THE HAMILTON FOOD AND DRINK SCENE
If you think the only restaurant scene in southern Ontario is down the QEW in Toronto, then you obviously haven’t visited Hamilton for a meal. Hamilton (also known as The Hammer) has exploded in the past few years with a number of amazing restaurants and events that celebrate Ontario’s rich bounty while remaining earnestly community-oriented. With places like Jack and Lois, Earth to Table: Bread Bar, and Rapscallion Rogue Eatery there have never been more dining options in Hamilton. Before you venture out for dinner, consider paying a visit to one of the many breweries in the Hamilton area, such as Collective Arts, Merit Brewing Company, or Grain and Grit Brewing Co. If beer isn’t your thing, downtown Hamilton also offers great cocktail bars such as Bar Sazerac, Two Black Sheep, or L’etranger on James.
4) VISIT ONE OF THE CITIES MANY MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
Hamilton has a wealth of attractions, making this small city seem just as big as any other. There’s the famous Dundurn Castle, a neoclassical mansion on the hill, which was completed in 1835 and is one of the oldest castles in Hamilton. If you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, the Art Gallery of Hamilton might be what you’re after. For the history buffs, Hamilton is also home to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the HMCS Haida National Historic Site – a Tribal-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1943 to 1963, participating in World War II and the Korean War. If travelling with kids, a trip to African Lion Safari is guaranteed to be a hit.
No matter what you’re into, “The Hammer” has a little something for everyone. Next time you’re travelling the Southern Ontario area, be sure to make time for a stop in Hamilton for axe throwing at BATL Axe Throwing!