Hamilton has been home to Miller Shoes for 100 years. Established in 1926, four generations of Miller’s have served the community delivering expert service, quality brand names and hard to find sizes. As much as we think Miller Shoes is Hamilton’s number one attration, this may not be the case. Hers is just a short list of some spectacular things to do after finding your perfect pair of shoes. Included are some fun Hamilton facts as well.
According to the Smithsonian and Conde Nest Traveler, Hamilton is the waterfall capital of the world. Due to its unique location on the Niagara Escarpment, greater Hamilton is home to some 130 waterfalls. Each waterfall is stunning and worth the hike, walk or bike ride to visit. Some top waterfalls that are easy to visit include Devils Punch Bowl, Tiffany, Albion and Tews Falls.
Another Hamilton landmark is the Royal Botanical Gardens. The RBG spans over 2400 acres across Hamilton and Burlington. It is Canada’s largest botanical garden and a national historic site. Dedicated to the science of botany, it is a managed public space featuring documented collections of living plants grown for science, education, and conservation. Unlike regular parks, every plant is labelled.
Dundurn Castle is another historic site. This 40-room neo-classical mansion was built by Sir Allan McNab in 1835 at an absurd cost of $175,000. The home featured all the major conveniences of the time including running water and gas lighting. The location originally served as a fortified British military encampment during the war of 1812.
Fun facts about Hamilton include, home to the very first Tim Hortons in Canada. Opened in 1964 on Upper Ottawa Street North and remains open today and features a mini museum. The original menu was quite eclectic featuring coffee and donuts, primarily the apple fritter.
Downtown Hamilton is also home to the very first telephone exchange in the British Empire. The exchange was established in in 1878 on Main Street East. At the time it was only the second commercial exchange in North America. Hugh Cossart Baker Jr. set up the exchange system after visiting the Philadelphia International Exposition and seeing Alexander Graham Bell’s invention. It was also the site of the first ever long-distance call in the British Empire, connecting Hamilton to nearby Dundas.
We are only scratching the surface of what Hamilton has to offer. Next time we will explore Hamiltons exciting museums and the art gallery. We will also brag about our very vibrant downtown restaurant scene. Only a short distance west of Toronto come for the shoes and stay for everything else.
