Is the luck o’ the Irish with you? There’s only one way to find out! With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your celebration! Luckily, Hamilton has plenty of festive events and activities to keep you entertained. Whether you’re Irish – or Irish for the day – you’ll have lots to do! These are our top picks for those of you who are ready to have a little St. Paddy’s fun in The Hammer:

A Pint for Paddy

Hamilton is home to numerous pubs, bars, and restaurants that offer a festive atmosphere during St. Patrick’s Day. Perhaps March 17th is the perfect day for a pub crawl with friends and family? You can never go wrong with a delicious pint at spots like Firths Celtic Pub, Lionshead Pub, Ye Olde Squire or the Fool & Flagon. Of course, plenty of bars and pubs around the city have lots of fun in store for you:

• Head over to Corktown Pub to take in the longest-running St. Paddy’s celebration in Hamilton! The fun starts at 11 am with live music throughout the day from Ferguson young, Fried Bologna, and The Saints Are Coming. 
• Fionn MacCool’s will be full of the Irish spirit – and spirits – with live music, special food & drink features and giveaways… If you’re feeling lucky!
• It’s never too early to get the celebrations started at The Powerhouse. The party lasts all day long with live music, a feature menu and more!
• Head over to one of Hamilton’s newest hot spots to celebrate! Plank Restobar will be serving up green sips and Irish “bits” – don’t forget to wear your finest green wares!

Feel the Spirit of the Irish

In the mood for some great entertainment while you celebrate? You’re in for a treat! Enjoy live Irish-themed performances from local bands and performers at one of Hamilton’s many music venues. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to fit a few in!

• St Patrick’s Day at The Westdale is a celebration that you won’t want to miss! Start with some laughs as you take in a set from Irish Comic Fiona O’Brien before busting your best Irish jig out to music from Celtic trio Scantily Plaid. Feeling thirsty? Don’t worry – there will be plenty of dark beer, Irish Whiskey & Irish Coffee on hand!
• There’s nothing quite like traditional Celtic music on St. Paddy’s! Enjoy a performance from Steel City Rovers at the Stoney Creek Legion while taking part in festivities in the clubhouse.
• Delicious Irish eats, cold beer, and live music – what more do you need? The Bean Bar has a special night planned with live music by Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost Seating is limited – save your spot early so you don’t miss out!

A little something for everyone!

While green beer might be top of mind when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, there’s still lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy!

The Irish Canadian Club of Hamilton is a great place to visit on this special day! Join them for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations at The Clubhouse, where you’ll be able to learn more about Irish history, enjoy live music by Loralee and Friends & The Forde Brothers throughout the day, fun activities, treats, and more! Make sure you wear green for your chance to win great prizes!

If you – or the kids – are Tiger-Cat fans we have the perfect place for you to spend your day: Tim Horton’s Field! Stop by for the Tiger-Cat Alumni Association St. Patrick’s Day Party to enjoy live Irish music by Crosstown Traffic, $5 beer specials, and try your luck with the 50/50 raffle & silent auction in support of the HTCAA Dire Needs Fund and local youth football. Don’t forget to say hi to some Tiger-Cat greats!

Lace Up Your Running Shoes!

Keep the St. Paddy’s fun going with the 26th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5KM Run/Walk on March 18th in support of Juravinski Hospital – a great way to get some exercise and support a worthy cause while celebrating! The race itself is followed by an exciting post-race party at Stonewalls, where participants can enjoy live music from Bill Craig, a member of the famous Irish Rovers band. Whether you’re a serious runner or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, the St. Patrick’s Day 5KM Run/Walk is a great way to celebrate! 

Whether you prefer to hit up the local pubs, attend a concert, or learn about Irish culture and history, Hamilton has something for everyone. So put on your green attire and get ready to celebrate! We’ll cheers to that!

Are you looking for an exciting and welcoming place to explore in Ontario? If so, we’ve got the perfect suggestion for you: Downtown Hamilton! This vibrant area – the heart of the city – is full of activities that everyone can enjoy. From unique dining and shopping experiences to cultural events, live entertainment, and more – there’s something for everyone to experience. Come with us on a journey as we walk you through some of the amazing attractions that make downtown Hamilton an ideal destination for visitors young and old alike. Whether it’s your first time here or you’re returning after many years away, exploring downtown Hamilton will offer a never-ending adventure!

This vibrant area is one to watch and has been rapidly growing over the past few years; with accessible options to enter the housing and business market, there’s never been a better time to look into Downtown Hamilton as part of your future! If you’re ready to explore the area, we recommend doing so by foot – this is going to give you a chance to get up close and personal with everything the area has to offer.

Something for Everyone’s Taste Buds

Downtown Hamilton is a paradise for foodies. With an array of mouth-watering restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops to choose from, you’ll always find something to satisfy your cravings. From traditional eateries to international delights to trendy spots and everything in between, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or just want some quick takeout food during your lunch break, Downtown Hamilton has it all! Areas like Hess Village, King William Street, James Street (North + South) – and everything in between – are buzzing with great options to try out.

Coffee lovers, you’re in store for a treat. This area has become a haven for trendy coffee shops that are ready to whip you up a delicious cappuccino when you need a caffeine boost. Get your buzz at some of our favourite spots like Smalls, Steeltown Garage, Relay Coffee, Redchurch Café and Gallery and Andiamo. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, you’ll find plenty of amazing spots to grab a casual bite to eat that will have you covered from breakfast to dinner… And then some! We love trying something new at local favourites like The Burnt Tongue, Hambrgr, The Mule, Earth to Table Bread Bar and Black Forest Inn (a long-time Hamilton staple). Don’t forget about Flora Pizzeria, Undefined, the new Electric Diner, Union Chicken, and Mystic Ramen… We could go on, but we’ll leave it up to you to unlock all of Downtown Hamilton’s secrets. Ask around when you visit a new spot and you’ll be sure to be directed to even more delicious must-try eats.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale, Downtown Hamilton is once again going to provide you with lots of delicious options for a date night or celebration. You can’t go wrong with a visit to eateries like Rapscallion & Co., The French, Plank Resto Bar (one of Hamilton’s newest launches), Conversate Steak and Seafood, Radius, Secco, or Caro on James.

When you’re ready for a drink with friends or a wild night out, there’s even more to discover. Grab a cocktail or a craft beer at Merit Brewing, Bar Sazerac or Odds Bar (co-owned by Arkells frontman Max Kerman) and get ready to let loose at Bad and Boujee or Mansion.

One last recommendation that we can’t leave out – a visit to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is something that you have to add to your list! Pick up all of the fresh ingredients you need from local vendors and grab a snack to enjoy while you shop; you’ll find some delicious options throughout the market like The Flyn G’Nosh, Pierogi Me!, and Café Baffico.

We’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unique – and flavourful – dining options for you and your family to enjoy. Start here and work your way through everything the downtown core has to offer!

Shop It Out

In addition to delectable dining options, Downtown Hamilton also has plenty of shopping opportunities. From unique boutiques offering one-of-a-kind items to larger stores with the latest trends and styles, this area is a haven for shoppers. Looking for something special or just want to browse around? Take a stroll and you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to handmade jewelry and local art – all within walking distance! A few notable stops include LEN: Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & Beautiful Things (where you’ll also find plenty of Hamilton gear to show your local pride), Dr. Disc, Pretty Grit, Reloved Boutique, Vintagesoulgeek, and Girl on the Wing. Of course, the area is also home to Jackson Square, an indoor shopping center with plenty of shops to choose from – and it’s connected to the Farmers’ Market!

A Little Art Goes A Long Way

From graffiti murals to street art and acclaimed pieces, there’s no shortage of amazing artwork on display in this vibrant part of town. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece to add to your home or just want to explore the city’s diverse culture through its artwork, Downtown Hamilton has plenty to see. Take a stroll through the area and admire the colourful murals painted by local artists – there are so many beautiful hidden pieces to discover (click here for a self-guided public art tour) – or visit one of the many galleries showcasing contemporary works. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, which features stunning collections and rotating exhibits – the gallery is home to over 10,000 works of art! Other notable galleries in the area include Redchurch Café and Gallery, Hamilton Artists Inc., Centre[3], and The Assembly. 

If you’re into live music or theatre performances, there are plenty of venues around town where you can take in a show or two. Prepare to be entertained by shows at Levity Comedy Club, Theatre Aquarius, and First Ontario Centre, where world-class acts regularly perform. Don’t forget to catch some live music at local venues like Casbah, Bridgeworks, and Doors Pub, where you’ll regularly be able to listen to some great tunes throughout the week.      

What’s Going On?

Downtown Hamilton is home to a myriad of exciting events throughout the year. With something for everyone, you’re sure to find an event that suits your interests. If you’re into outdoor festivals and live performances or more low-key markets and celebrations, this area is always buzzing with activity. The Downtown Hamilton BIA is a great place to stay up-to-date with everything coming up in the area – bookmark this page and check in regularly to find out about special events to enjoy in the community!

Downtown Hamilton, Ontario is the perfect place to call home. With its delicious restaurants and unique shops, vibrant art scene and exciting events throughout the year, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for an amazing dining experience or some retail therapy with a local twist, downtown Hamilton has it all! Plus, living in this area gives you easy access to transportation links so you can explore everything else that Ontario has to offer. If you’re searching for your next destination in life then look no further than Downtown Hamilton – it’s sure to become a new favourite in no time!

We’re almost ready to put a wrap on 2022 but we can’t do that without first making it through the holiday season! Our Coldwell Banker team is feeling festive and ready to celebrate everything that this time of year has to offer. Of course, Hamilton plays host to so many different events and activities that will get you into the holiday spirit in no time and we’ve pulled together a list that Santa would be proud of. Get your friends and family together and set out to explore as you celebrate your way through the city!

Take in a Show

Looking for something a little more lowkey this season? Sit back, relax, and let the entertainers put on a show for you! Hamilton is abuzz with shows and concerts that you and your family will enjoy. Theatre Aquarius’ annual holiday show is always a hit – this year, “A Hamilton Holiday” brings the festive spirit to the stage with a “Hamilton-proud” cast sharing music and stories until December 24th. Another favourite, The Nutcracker returns to First Ontario Concert Hall on December 3rd. The holiday classic is the perfect way to kick things off! Other great performances include Elvis Jingle & Rock at Carmen’s Banquet Centre, Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays at First Ontario Concert Hall and Holiday Dreams: A Spectacular Holiday Cirque at First Ontario Concert Hall, among many others!

Shop Small

There’s never been a better time to support local! Get all of your holiday shopping done and find unique gifts for everyone on your list at some of Hamilton’s best holiday markets – you’ll have plenty to check out at various venues from now until Christmas! Find the stocking stuffers they’ll love at Stuffed!, discover homemade goods from local makers and artisans at Craftadian, and check everyone off your list at the Holiday Night Market, featuring 20 local BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors. The 5th annual Christmas Market at Shawn & Ed Brewery is always a great time – enjoy a fresh pint while you browse goods from 35+ local vendors. No matter which market you visit – and there’s no shortage of them! – you’ll be sure to find one-of-a-kind gifts that they’ll be sure to love.

Making Spirits Bright

Of course, a little fun for the adults in December is always a must! This year, Hamilton has two festive bars for you and your friends to check out if you’re in the mood for some festive cocktails. First, Bad and Boujee has transformed into The Naughty List, a fun pop-up featuring drinks that you have to see to believe like the Winter Wonderland and Poinsettia Mojito. MaiPai Tiki Bar is also feeling the spirit – and the spirits – with their Sippin’ Santa popup. As you enjoy your holiday cocktails, you’ll also be happy to know that a dollar from every cocktail sold this season will be donated to the Hamilton Tiny Shelters pilot housing project, providing cabins for those experiencing homelessness in the community.

Celebrate Local

Want to check out different neighbourhoods while you get in the festive mood? There are lots of different events taking place that will give you the perfect opportunity to get out to explore, starting with A Dickens of a Christmas in Dundas. This event takes place on weekends leading up to Christmas, with activities like horse and trolley rides, carolers, hot apple cider, and breakfasts with Santa at local establishments for you to enjoy. Gore Park is one of the best spots to feel festive with the Christmas Tree of Hope taking centre stage for the season, turning downtown into a magical winter wonderland. While you stop by to check out the tree don’t forget to take a spin on the special umbrella ride that will be in place until December 11th.

Another local tradition that you’ll want to get in on? A Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle. Take a trip back in time during this magical experience as you see what Christmas was like in the 19th century. The castle will be transformed and decorated in Victorian splendour for you to enjoy.

The Reason for the Season

Of course, while we enjoy all of our celebrations this time of year, it’s also important to share this spirit with others. There are many ways to get involved and give back this year and we wanted to highlight a few ways that you can do so in our community:

• Help a child smile by donating a new, unwrapped gift (or making a monetary donation) to the CHCH Christmas Toy Drive and Operation Santa Clause Toy Truck. 
• Donate non-perishable food items to those in need at Hot Hands for Hope on December 10th at 1:00 pm at Gore Park. If you’re unable to make it, you can also donate non-perishable food items to organizations like Hamilton Food Share, Food4Kids, Neighbour 2 Neighbour, and Good Shepherd Centres. 
• The Children’s Fund is currently accepting donations via the Christmas Tree of Hope. These donations will be distributed to local organizations in Hamilton and Burlington.

No matter what you’re celebrating or who you’ll be celebrating with, we hope that you enjoy a fun and safe festive season. From our Coldwell Banker family to yours, we’re wishing you the happiest of holidays and all the best for the new year.

See you in 2023!

Hello, friends!

2022 is here and we’re looking forward to fresh starts and a brand new year to call our own. As we begin to think about the new things that we would like to try this year, many of us turn to the task of finding a new home and the perfect community to put down roots in. Of course, this is a big change and does require a lot of thought before jumping into your search. 

What’s most important to you in a new community? What amenities and activities would you like to have access to? What about work and school? Moving to an entirely new community is a big decision and there are many factors and considerations that will help you decide on one that you and your family can fit seamlessly into. We want to make things a little easier if you’re planning to start your search and have put together a list of 5 of the most important things that you should consider when it comes to finding a new community to call your own.

At the top of this list is work and school; you’ll want to think about your commute, new job opportunities, school options and locations that are near your ideal neighbourhood. Of course, you’ll also have other things to consider, like your lifestyle and the vibe of this new area – what will make you and your family the happiest? We know this may seem daunting, but discovering new communities as you prepare for a big move can also be fun. We’ve done plenty of research into some that we love to help lighten your search – take a look through our past blog posts to discover what makes these areas special!

At the end of the day, this new community is the place you’ll be calling home for the foreseeable future – make sure that you choose one that speaks to the needs of you and your family. Read about 5 of the most important factors to consider before you start searching for your new home. When you’re ready to jump in, we’re here to help; get in touch with our team and let us help you find the perfect home for you and your family.

We’ll be back next month with another great community for you to discover and more tips to make the search for your next home even easier. Until then, stay warm and safe!

As we get ready to put a wrap on 2021, we want to thank you for another great year. We’re so thankful for the amazing people that we’ve had the chance to get to know over the year and the new homes and memories that have been made in them. We’re looking forward to a bright 2022 with you around us! Take a look back at some of the amazing communities that we’ve had a chance to discover this past year and get ready for even more to come!

Now that December is here and the holidays are upon us we want to take a look at some of the amazing local festivities that you and your family can take part in. Get out and explore during this bright and cheerful season; there’s so much to discover in the amazing communities around us. We’ve put together a list of 10 of our favourite local events for you to enjoy while you celebrate – and maybe you’ll find a beautiful new community to call home while you’re at it!

The Burlington Holiday Market (Burlington, December 9-12) is taking a cue from the popular European markets this year with a brand new celebration! Join in on the fun with the rest of the Downtown Burlington community during this immersive market, with a wide selection of vendors, concerts and choirs, interactive community art features, advent displays and more! Afterwards, take a stroll down to Spencer Smith Park to enjoy the beautiful lights displays by the lake.

Discover some amazing local businesses and get into the spirit of the season during Downtown Dundas’ Dickens of a Christmas event (unitl December 19th). On Saturdays and Sundays this month, you’ll be able to shop and enjoy a series of fun activities, like carolers, hot cider + gingerbread cookies, candy cane lane and carousel rides.

Take a stroll through an enchanted winter wonderland during the Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail (until January 9th). You’ll start off by enjoying some beautiful displays before making your way to The Heritage Village of Glen Elgin to take in the illuminated lower falls before making your way across Twenty Mile Creek on the illuminated bridge, and finally to the enchanted village. On weekends, you can also enjoy photo stations, holiday music, campfires, skating and more!

Get a taste of the holiday season’s past during the Oakville Museum Christmas Tour (December 12th). Attendees will have a chance to join in on a guided tour of the festively decorated Erchless Estate while learning about historical commemorations and celebrations, nostalgic toys and beautiful antique ornaments.

Take in the fun of the holidays in the Downtown Hamilton community with a ride on the Gore Park Ferris Wheel (until December 20th). Get your seasonal shopping in at some of the area’s amazing local businesses, stop by a downtown cafe to warm up with some hot chocolate and make your way over to Gore Park for a free ride on the ferris wheel – it has an incredible view of the Christmas Tree of Hope!

Take a trip to Niagara Falls for the Niagara Falls Christmas Market (until December 19th). This market runs on the weekends and features beautiful light structures and interactive displays, live music, glow swings, and more! Don’t forget to drive or walk through the city to enjoy the Festival of Lights as well.

St. Catherines will be lit up for the season as part of Let it Glow (until January 9th), a celebration of light featuring interactive visual installations, entertainment, winter workshops and cultural programing. The event kicks off with a launch party on December 11th, where you can enjoy live music and see the city become illuminated for the holiday season.

Get into the some seasonal fun during Winter Wonders at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Hendrie Park will be aglow (until January 9th), giving visitors a chance to head outside to take in the beauty of the season. Take a stroll through the garden while enjoying festive music, magical lights and special displays.

Go back in time during Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle. This is a great opportunity to see what the holidays were like in the mid-19th century as the Garden Club of Hamilton decorates the castle to highlight what family celebrations looked like during the Victorian era. Book your hour-long tour ahead of time here so you don’t miss out!

Enjoy an amazing show featuring local talent at Theatre Aquarius’ Home for the Holidays (until December 18th). The all-star, Hamilton-proud lineup puts on a rousing “kitchen party” show that’s all about the joy of reuniting with old friends, with stories and songs that capture the true spirit of the season.

From our Coldwell Banker family to yours – no matter what you’re celebrating this year, we send warm wishes for a beautiful December and a Happy New Year!