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These are the best spots for a picnic in Hamilton

The plants have peaked, the green grass has grown, and the weather is getting nicer in Hamilton by the day. It’s official: picnic season is here.

The timing is ideal, too. With Ontario now allowing outdoor gatherings of 5 people or less with strict physical distancing, many Hamiltonians are already taking the chance to grab their blankets, order some great local food, and sit six feet apart from their friends in one of the city’s stunning parks and outdoor spaces.

If you’re wondering where to find the best local spots for lounging outdoors with some besties for distanced bites and beveraginos, we’ve gathered a list of places all over the city that are ideal settings for a perfect afternoon picnic.

Here are some of our absolute favourites picnic spots in Hamilton.

Bayfront Park

Why it’s great: Bayfront Park’s peaceful harbour front setting features plenty of open space, making it the ideal spot for a distanced picnic under the gorgeous afternoon sun. Start with a serene stroll along Bayfront’s broad walking paths, then settle down in the grass for a picnic lunch. Perfection.

Picnic picks: We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the famous Hutch’s Harbour Front, sitting at the top of Bayfront Park and serving up classic diner staples for takeaway like fish & chips, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream. Bayfront Park is also within walking distance of numerous James North food spots like Synonym, Born & Raised, Mulberry Coffeehouse, Charred, Martello, Rise Above Pizza & Wings, and many others.

Dundurn Castle

Why it’s great: Not only is Dundurn Castle one of Hamilton’s most striking heritage landmarks, the grounds surrounding the castle also sport large amounts of open green space with plenty of shade, offering a unique, picturesque setting for a picnic in the grass or at one of the site’s numerous picnic tables. You can practically feel the history here.

Picnic picks: Vegan pub bites nearby at The Staircase on Dundurn are always a delicious option, as are the lovingly prepared sandwiches, salads, and snacks at Dundurn Market. Plus, the bustling Locke Street is only a short drive away, with local spots like Democracy, Brux House, The Burnt Tongue, Delirious Burger Co, Sushi Azuki, Donut Monster, and more.

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Confederation Park

Why it’s great: Confederation Park and Van Wagners Beach are the some of the hottest summer settings in all of Hamilton. Locals can lounge in the sun and sand for hours by the crashing waves, and stroll the extensive beachside trails with plenty of stunning waterside scenery.

Picnic picks: The famed Hutch’s on the Beach and their nostalgic diner comforts are a must for a beach strip picnic, as are the Greek-inspired eats at longstanding summery staple Baranga’s on the Beach.

Dundas Driving Park

Why it’s great: This classic park in the heart of Dundas features a relatively short roadway loop perfect for a casual stroll; but surrounding that loop is ample green space with plenty of shady spots that are practically built for picnicking. Dundas Driving Park is as laidback and quaint as it gets.

Picnic picks: Visitors to the Driving Park also have the excellent restaurants of Downtown Dundas at their fingertips, with spots like Detour Café, The Collins Brewhouse, India Village, Red Door Cucina, Namu, Betula, Taylor’s Tea Room, Sensational Samosa, and beyond offering a diverse array of options. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try grabbing an expertly curated selection of cheeses from Mickey McGuire’s for a charcuterie-style picnic lunch.

Battlefield House Museum & Park

Why it’s great: When this Stoney Creek historical monument isn’t hosting widely attended war re-enactments, the park’s wide open spaces make for an excellent picnic spot. Whether you park yourself on the grass surrounding the iconic Battlefield Monument or find a shady spot under the trees, this park is pretty much perfect for a day of lounging outside.

Picnic picks: Stoney Creek has some strong options for picnic food, including the charcoal chicken deliciousness at Rony’s Restaurant, the beloved Japanese bites at Chef Martin’s Sushi House, the sturdy diner dishes at The Village Restaurant, and the rangy offerings at Scout Café & Restaurant just across the street.

Sam Lawrence Park

Why it’s great: Of any picnic spot on this list, Sam Lawrence Park easily has the best scenery. This popular mountain brow park sports stunningly expansive views of Hamilton’s lower city and beyond, while also offering plenty of space for a picnic, whether by laying on a blanket in the grass or perching on the walls and barriers lining the escarpment’s edge.

Picnic picks: Concession Street has lots of great nearby food options, from mainstays like Speedy Subs and Papa Leo’s to newer additions like Fishing Sushi, The Dirty South, Jonny Blonde Burger, Stage Diner, and HEAL Wellness Café. Also close by is the coveted Cowabunga Pizzeria, which has quickly earned a reputation as one of Hamilton’s best pizza places.

Gage Park

Why it’s great: You knew this one was coming. Basically Hamilton’s answer to Central Park in New York City or Trinity Bellwoods in Toronto, Gage Park is Hamilton’s biggest and best park for all sorts of outdoor activities. The picnic potential here is ridiculously strong, whether you set up your basket and blanket by the park’s iconic bandshell, the gorgeous tropical greenhouse, the centrepiece Gage Park Fountain, or just somewhere soft in the middle of the vast green space and its sea of massive trees.

Picnic picks: The Gage Park Diner is right across the street for some homestyle greasy spoon dishes, and Willard’s Small Batch Ice Cream is right nearby too if you’re craving something sweeter. Gage Park also isn’t too far from spots like Café Baffico and Caro with their modern Italian eats, or numerous restaurants in the Crown Point neighbourhood like Shorty’s Pizza, Osten Beerhall, Poke Co, Merk Snack Bar, HAMBRGR, Cannon Coffee, and plenty of others.

What are your favourite picnic spots in Hamilton? Let us know in the comments!

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