Visit the Area
Coming to FrancoFEST is already a great excuse to visit the region! While you're at it, why not make a trip out of it to kick off the summer and bridge the gap to Canada Day?
Great suggestion for the return trip:
Here's a great tip for parents! After several hours of French immersion with your kids, you can plan to leave FrancoFEST to take advantage of the reduced "sundown" rate starting at 4pm at Wild Water Works. We save $6 per person. It's 20 minutes from Gage Park, on the way back to Toronto.
The lazy river at Wild Waterworks.
Wild Water Works kicks off its season on June 19, 21, 24 and 25 with family evenings from 5pm to 8pm at "sundown" rates. It begins its regular season on June 22 and is closed on Mondays (except July 1 and August 5).
It's located in Confédération Park, which offers many other attractions and includes the generations-old favorite Hutch's on the Beach, with all the classic summer memories: burgers, fries, ice cream and waterfront.
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On reste quelques jours
Hamilton is surrounded by friendly little villages: Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Stoney Creek... So we can spread our net beyond Hamilton to find the right accommodation.
Sherman Falls at Ancaster.
Where to sleep ?
A good starting point is to familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods by consulting Tourism Hamilton's neighborhood guide. You can then research accommodation options according to your personal preferences.
Around James North Street.
Collectors of points looking for hotels will want to check out the Accommodations section of the Hamilton Halton Brant site, with its evocative slogan: The Heart of Ontario. It also includes a Campgrounds section. Then, of course, there's the Airbnb solution.
Here, in no particular order, are several suggestions for things to do or see. It's up to you to decide whether they're suitable for solo visitors, romantic couples or families.
Between Hamilton and Niagara Falls
Starlite Drive-In Theatre near Stoney Creek (15-minute drive from Gage Park). Not many left in Ontario!
The Victorian beauty of Grimsby Beach sis truly stunning! A feast for the eyes. And the little enclave includes a lovely pebble beach and a central playground.
Grimsby Beach.
It's two kilometers from the village of Grimsby, which boasts an excellent café-restaurant built in a former fire station: Station 1 Coffeehouse.
Station 1 Coffeehouse at Grimsby.
The vast Watering Can & Flower Market Market in Vineland is spectacular. Lined with nooks and crannies to explore, it also includes a bakery and a charming bistro (reservations required).
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The Watering Can at Vineland.
Wine lovers will be delighted to learn that on June 22 and 23, 19 Lincoln-area wineries are offering a weekend of festivities as part of Boots 'N Benchlands. For the occasion, they're offering an à la carte menu, wine and music.
Meanwhile, a sure bet is the Megalomaniac winery. Not only has it created the most entertaining branding for its labels, its food is excellent (Wednesday to Sunday) and its large terrace at the top of the escarpment offers a beautiful panoramic view.
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At the Megalomaniac vineyard in Vineland
Canada Day
The region's Canada Day festivities are another good excuse to stay after FrancoFEST.
Niagara is abuzz with activity on July 1. For families, a daytime party is in full swing at Firemen’s Park (10 minutes from the falls). The city offers visitors a free shuttle service to several locations around Niagara Falls (see details on their website)
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Niagara Falls
The Canada Day light show on Niagara Falls takes place at 10pm. But of course, the Falls are illuminated all year round. From May 15 to July 31, the lights work their magic from 8.30pm to 2am. Each routine begins on the hour and lasts 15 minutes. Times vary according to sunset (see schedule on their website).
Every evening at 10 p.m., from May 17 to October 14, fireworks explode for 5 minutes over Niagara Falls! A more ambitious show (9 minutes) is offered for Canada Day and July 4 (our American neighbors' holiday).