If you can't go to Kenya this year, come to Hamilton. Travellers are different. Some want to spice up their journey with sporting activities and lug around golf, fishing or skiing equipment, or haul their bikes; others will go scavenging through museums, devouring every piece of art and relic history. And then there are others who wouldn't dare pass up the chance of gazing longingly at exotic animal species that one hardly sees in the neighbourhood back home. Take Canada's original safari centre located right in Hamilton. It houses more than 1,000 species of birds and animals that are let loose in game reserves. The children will be delighted. Apart from the roaming creatures, there are animal shows, nature tours, elephant swims and playing at Misumu Bay. The safari is open from May to October every year, and is managed by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. Visit admin@mionsafari.com for details. If this safari doesn't quench your thirst enough, there's another exotic corner of Hamilton that will show off its collection of tropical and sub-tropical rare birds in Friends of the Aviary (telephone 1-905-546-4842). Regular public viewings outdoors are held from May through October and indoors during Sunday afternoons or by appointment. Hamilton means Natural The four seasons find clear expression in Hamilton. The escarpment is the place to be when witnessing the change in seasons. It carries natural and man-made settings, allowing travellers to see Hamilton in different perspectives. One writer says that Hamilton is a distinct blend of the natural and the artificial, and the residents have taken advantage of this to make Hamilton attractive not only to first time visitors but to people who have chosen to make Hamilton their home. Hamilton's summer bay is a witness to man's wholesome pursuit of pleasure. Sailing boats, jet skis, and windsurfers negotiate the relaxing waves as Bayfront Park and Pier 4 welcome aimless walkers, determined runners, and fun-seeking roller bladders. Speaking of the natural, Hamilton maintains 1,500 kilometres of trails for hikers and bikers, and the not-so-sporty. More than 24 golf courses dot the area, and for antique shoppers, go through the maze of six communities for a whole slew of bric-a-brac. If you missed summer in Hamilton, Fall is another great time to visit. Blinding but beautiful burnt oranges, reds and yellows add to the gorgeous backdrop, and everyone's invited to carve out a pumpkin. And if spring is more your thing, then Hamilton has got something for you: it has the world's largest lilac collection, in addition to the annual Tulip and Iris Show. To gain a deeper appreciation of Hamilton, park the car and join the city's walking tours for a taste of architecture. And again of the exotic: Hamilton's art gallery located downtown contains over 7,000 works by British, European and American artistic talents. For the kids: the Canada Marine Discovery Centre will satisfy their "mariner" curiosity - harbours, ocean depths, interactive exhibits, and songs and tales of the sea. A simulated Great Lakes freighter ride along with sounds of the Atlantic should add fuel to their imagination. Hamilton isn't short on accommodation. Visit http://www.tourismhamilton.com/accomodations_default.cfm and check out the extensive listing. Need to worship? Cathedral of Christ the King should be an eye-opener and will offer a quiet moment after a hectic day of touring. Built in 1933, the cathedral has the finest Italian marble and 82 impressive stained windows! Still wondering why Hamilton swings? Copyright 2006 Jason Seib |
