Hamilton

The city of Hamilton is situated at the southwest end of Lake Ontario. First visited in 1669, real settlement began with the arrival of Loyalists in 1778. The city became a port and rail hub with the opening of the Burlington Canal in 1830, which linked Hamilton to Lake Ontario. Home to Canada's principal steel-producing companies, Hamilton's landlocked harbor handles the third largest tonnage in water traffic in the country. Hamilton offers concerts, performing arts, an orchestra, and an opera. Naturalists, bird watchers, and hikers can enjoy the Bruce Trail, an ecologically sensitive trail system in a pristine setting, which cuts through Hamilton. Outdoor recreation includes boating, fishing, swimming, and harness racing.