Webster’s Falls

Royal Botanical Gardens

Gage Park Tropical Green House

Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek

View from the Griffin House

Where to Propose in Hamilton is for anyone out there who is looking for a special place to propose to that special someone here in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Hamilton goes by several nicknames, two being “The Hammer” and “Steeltown.” Not very romantic sounding names, are they? And, I must admit, the drive past Hamilton Habour over the Burlington Skyway is not the prettiest.

So you might just be wondering why I would ever suggest that you propose to your sweetheart in Hamilton.

Hamilton is a gem that perhaps even locals themselves have overlooked. The city has many beautiful places and locations to propose. In this guide we will journey to some of these special locations from the top of the escarpment to the city’s north end, from Ancaster in the west to Stoney Creek in the east.

I'll give you a reminder at the end of this article, but I do want to mention it now. Do a test run to any location that catches your interest. Make sure it's accessible for you and just the right spot for the proposal! Don't take any chances!

I hope you will let me know where you proposed and why you proposed there. Hamilton can be a magical place once you are open to discover!

Jordin Jaunzarins

The Wedding World Blogger

Where to Propose in Hamilton is a creation of The Wedding World Blogger and Hamilton Wedding World © 2012 All photographs remain the property of Associated Ministerial Services. All rights reserved. Concept: Jordin Jaunzarins; Photography: Michael Heinhold, Jordin Jaunzarins, Loretta Jaunzarins; Layout and Design: David Cole, Loretta Jaunzarins; Editorial Team: Jordin Jaunzarins, Juliah Thrift, Loretta Jaunzarins, Deborah Vaughan.

What You Will Discover Inside . . . Parks Southham Sam Lawrence Gage Bayfront Waterfalls and Trails Sherman Tiffany Webster’s Devil’s Punch Bowl Bruce Trail Waterfront Trail Escarpment Rail Trail Historic Locations Whitehern Historic House and Garden Battlefield House Museum and Park Cathedral of Christ the King Liuna Station and Immigrant Square Christ’s Church Cathedral The Old Mill Rousseau House The Hermitage Griffin House Fieldcote Memorial Park Hamilton Cemetery Other Locations Chapel in the Woods The Royal Botanical Gardens Flamborough Township McMaster University Westdale Village Christie Conservation Area

McMaster Divinity College

Our first stop was Southam Park, one of Hamilton’s oldest sites located on the top of the escarpment near the Claremont Access off Upper James St. With arbors right on the edge of the escarpment, you’ve probably driven past the park on your way up or down the Claremont Access and may have wondered what it was.

On this site in1850,stood a four-storey stone structure called the Mountain View Hotel. It was a stopping point for those travelling the Caledonia Road (Upper James Street). Farmers would rest their horses there on their way to and from the Hamilton Farmer’s Market and take in the view of the city and Lake Ontario! It was spectacular!

Around the turn of the 20th century this was the place to go especially when a pavilion for dancing and roller skating was added. When the Hamilton and Barton Incline Railway was built around that time, the hotel and pavilion became easily accessible for Hamiltonians.

While all of this is now a memory, the park with its beautiful arbors stands on the site and can be accessed from Inverness Ave. W., off Upper James St. The stone fountain (left), is the only reminder of what was once the happening place in Hamilton. Southam Park still boasts a beautiful view of the city and the lake beyond.

Just west of Southam Park along Concession Street is Sam Lawrence Park named after a former Mayor of Hamilton.

Sam Lawrence Park sits on the brow of the escarpment at the top of the Jolley Cut. Locals are frequent visitors to the extensive gardens, walkways, and spectacular view of the city below, Hamilton harbour and Lake Ontario.

We found the park intriguing, magical and romantic with surprises along the walkways and staircases. Propose on one of the secluded benches or pop the question as you take in the breathtaking vista.

Beautiful during the day and magical as the sun sets, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot to propose at Sam Lawrence Park.

Sam Lawrence Park

Left: Stairs to a walkway through the park. Top: A secluded bench overlooking the city. Below: One of the lovely stone

staircases throughout Sam Lawrence Park.

Heading east down the escarpment you'll find another city gem - the irresistible Gage Park. It is located at the

intersection of Main Street East and Gage Avenue South, just east of Hamilton's downtown. There is a large parking

lot at the park’s south boundary, off Lawrence Avenue.

A spectacular view from one of the many escarpment staircases

throughout the city.

Gage Park sits on lands once owned by Robert Russel Gage, a descendent of families that owned farms on the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek in the War of 1812. The 30 hectares of land was gifted to the City of Hamilton in 1917 by the Gage family and was designed in the early 1920's during the City Beautiful Movement.

Throughout the summer enjoy the spectacular rose garden. Sit at one of the many benches set close to the garden or under the great canopied trees. If the love of your life loves flowers, consider proposing during the spring Tulip Show or during Hamilton's Fall Garden and Mum Show. Take in the beauty of the flowers as you take a lovely stroll along the wide pathways through the park.

Gage Park has been undergoing extensive renovations, many of which are complete. However, the historic fountain is still undergoing renovations and the city expects those to be complete sometime in 2012/2013. It will be wonderful to have the fountain and waterway back as this would also be a wonderful spot to "pop the question".

Gage Park has a beautiful tropical green house complete with waterfall, specialty fish, tropical plants, meandering walkway, red-slider turtles and birds. Year round, it's a wonderful place for an intimate moment together.

If you love the water then Bayfront Park is the place in Hamilton to propose. Enjoy sailboats at the marina and yacht clubs, wildlife along the trails and spectacular sunsets. Park at the top of Bay Street North in Hamilton's north end and don't

forget to walk over to Pier 4 Park

If you are a Bruce Trail hiker you know already where to access the trail in Hamilton. Any of the staircases that ascend the escarpment are good access points. Some have parking but others do not. If you’re not familiar with the Bruce best to check out the Bruce Trail website for maps and more information. The trail through Hamilton including Waterdown, Flamborough, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek and Grimsby is maintained by the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club.

Most Hamiltonians know that the city is renowned as the waterfall capital of the world, and all are accessible from the Bruce Trail. The grandeur and spectacular beauty of Webster’s Falls makes it one of the most popular waterfalls in Hamilton. However, we went to our favourite spots: Sherman Falls and Tiffany Falls. If you want something quieter with fewer people consider Sherman or Tiffany Falls.

Sherman Falls is tucked into the escarpment with access off Old Dundas Road/Lions Club Road. If you've never been there, park on the side of the road and be prepared for stunning beauty as you walk a short trail through the woods to the falls. What a romantic spot!

While Tiffany Falls requires a bit more of a walk, it is another gorgeous trail through the woods across newly built wooden bridges built and maintained by the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club. I think the name suits the falls well as it reminds me of Tiffany diamonds. For over a hundred and fifty years Tiffany & Co. bejewelled the most beautiful women in the world. With this water and the diamond ring you will have, you will be sure to create the most memorable moment, as spectacular as any Tiffany creation!

On the Stoney Creek Mountain you’ll find Devil’s Punchbowl (next page) where many folks go to have a grand panoramic view of the city and lake. Lovely at all times of the year you’ll see many couples enjoying the view. Devil’s Punchbowl is located just east of Hwy 20 on Ridge Road. Like the Hermitage, Devil’s Punchbowl is part of Hamilton’s paranormal tours!

Tiffany Falls

Devil’s Punchbowl

Webster’s Falls

As well as the Bruce Trail there is the Escarpment Rail Trail that runs along the escarpment and down into the lower city. Once you are down by the waterfront there are numerous trails from one end of the city to the other.

Where once the Mountain View Hotel was the gathering place in Hamilton, it is now at Bayfront Park in the city’s north end. We loved the casual atmosphere at the waterfront and enjoyed the roller skating at the outdoor rink right behind William’s Fresh Cafe. Bayfront Park: in the summer enjoy a nice cool evening and in the winter bring your ice skates and enjoy a hot chocolate at William’s. What a fun place to propose, summer or winter!

Whitehern Historic House and Garden is a national historic site and the former home of the McQuesten family (1852-1968). Although you won't be able to sit on the lovely Victorian furniture, there are quaint spots to pop the question at Whitehern. Their website gives you a great virtual tour and the terraces and gardens are lovely places to stop . . . and ask!

If you are a War of 1812 fanatic I'm sure you know all about the Battlefield House Museum and Park in Stoney Creek. There is a breathtaking viewing area from the top of the stairs at the base of the monument. Be mindful of the Battle of Stoney Creek re-enactment in early June!

Cathedral of Christ the King, resembles 13th century Gothic English

architecture. Nestled atop a hill in the corner of King Street West and Dundurn Avenue, it has a

massive fine stone staircase off the parking lot that is draped with mature trees and a lovely lawn.

Cathedral of Christ the King

Liuna Station

The 1930’s Neo-classical style of Liuna Station is breathtaking. This building was built and used by the CPR until 1993 when government cutbacks forced its closure and abandonment. It was renovated and reopened for banquets and weddings after being purchased by the Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) in 2003. The station is fronted by the beautiful Immigrant Square parkette with well tended gardens, fountain, statuary and benches. Located off James Street North.

Christ’s Church Cathedral (right) on James Street North has a welcoming small garden right in front of this 150 year old church. Have dinner at one of the lovely restaurants along James and then stop for a sit on one of the benches in the garden and pop the question.

Rousseau House (top) on Wilson Street in Ancaster was built in 1838 by George Brock Rousseau for the love of his life, Jane Morris, whom he married in 1839. (How romantic is that!) Today it is a fine dining restaurant and bar with a lovely patio in the summer.

The Ancaster Mill on Old Dundas Road is built over a waterfall that gushes from the Niagara Escarpment. Renowned for its beauty and fine dining, the Ancaster Mill has beautiful gardens built into the escarpment for you to explore.

Both the Rousseau House (pictured on previous page) and the Ancaster Old Mill offer atmosphere and cuisine perfect for a proposal.

The Hermitage in Ancaster dates back to the early 19th century when the land was bought, a house built and 150 acres cleared for farming. But that’s not what is interesting about this site. This is the site of the Legend of Lover’s Lane which still intrigues people today, especially those interested in the Paranormal!

An 18 room mansion was built on part of the property which became a hotel and summer spa toward the end of the 19th century. But then tragedy struck and the mansion survived a couple of fires before it finally burned to the ground in 1934. Today the propped up mansion ruins are there to explore along with the many trails throughout the Dundas Valley. You will find the Hermitage off Sulphur Springs Road in Ancaster.

Not far from The Hermitage is Griffin House which sits atop a hill overlooking the Dundas Valley. As the City of Hamilton information site states, “Griffin House stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of black men and women who journeyed to freedom in Southern Ontario by the Underground Railroad. Griffin House offers tours and black-history-related programs as part of the Black Heritage Network.”

We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon for a visit and found the house and the grounds most inviting. This location has a romantic story as well. It’s the story of Erenals Griffin born into slavery in Virginia making his way north to freedom with his wife Priscilla who were able to settle peacefully in the Ancaster area.

In the same area as The Hermitage and Griffin House is Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum. Located on Sulphur Springs Road, Fieldcote boasts spectacular grounds and beautiful gardens. Although the building has limited hours, the grounds are open year round and during the summer months enjoy an outdoor movie or live music on Friday and Sunday evenings. Dinner at Rousseau House or the Mill in Ancaster followed by a movie or concert sounds romantic to me!

You may think that a cemetery is a strange place for a proposal. But as historical tour guide Robin McKee explains, Hamilton Cemetery is no ordinary final resting spot.

Hamilton Cemetery, on York Blvd, drips with history and stories of romance and intrigue.

Torn apart by the War of 1812, Colonel Robert Land was separated from his wife Phoebe and their children for nine years. By some act of fate, Phoebe found herself back in the Niagara Region and after searching for her husband Robert walks 70 km to be reunited with him after hearing that he was still alive and settled again in Hamilton. How’s that for romance!

Come to Open Doors Hamilton to get a rare glimpse into the Land family vault.

Heart shaped garden at entrance to Whitehern

Immigrant Square, Liuna Station

Deep in the woods, not far from Sherman Falls is the Chapel in the Woods. Unless you hike the Monarch Trail through the Dundas Valley you might not even know that this beautiful spot even exists! We accessed the chapel by the road leading to Maplewood (formerly the Resource Management Centre) off Lower Lions Club Road. The gate to the centre was closed so it was a bit of a hike along a gravel road to get to the centre and the chapel. But once you arrive and see the beauty of this secluded location, you’ll be glad you made the effort to find it!

If you enjoy a drive in the country the roads through Flamborough provide beautiful sunsets.

The Royal Botanical Gardens

If you're a Hamiltonian or from the area and haven't been to the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), or it's been a while, do go for a visit, even if it isn't to propose! Located off Plains Road between the Hamilton and Burlington, the RBG is open year round hosting many great events. The RBG could be the ideal outdoor or indoor venue for a proposal, wedding ceremony and reception!

In the gardens you'll see roses blooming throughout the summer and along the trails many native plants, water lilies, birds, dragonflies, fish and turtles.

While the RBG does not rent canoes, there are canoe launches at both Princess Point and Valley Inn. There isn't a spot at the RBG that isn't breathtaking. If you haven't been before browse their website.

The RBG hosts Garden Music Nights on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings during July and August. Listen to classical music on Tuesday evenings or Jazz/Blues on Wednesday evenings. In the style of Le Diner en Blanc, bring a small table (chairs are available on site), a gourmet meal in a picnic basket, a candle, tablecloth, napkins and some flowers. The RBG has a licensed bar and catered food available for purchase. Many frequent patrons take advantage of the lovely garden setting and the beautiful music and go all out with their own table decorations. You won’t be alone if you do!

McMaster University

Westdale Village

Christie Conservation Area

Thank you for reading Where to Propose in Hamilton and we hope you enjoyed the photographs, captions and locations.

Remember to check out a location before you propose to make sure it’s exactly what you want. Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming marriage! We wish you all the best!