There are many points of interest in the large rural area that is still within Hamilton's city limits:
African Lion Safari
A small zoo with a good selection of animals and a drive-through safari great for families. Guard your cars well against roving bands of outlaw babboons.
Waterdown—a charming historic town near Burlington.
Some interesting places a short drive away are:
Kitchener/Waterloo - About an hour's drive north-west. This is an old German community with a ton of nice old buildings. A variety of unique shopping and dining experiences make this a promising day-trip out of Hamilton.
Niagara Falls - for the Falls, of course
Niagara on the Lake - quaint, historic town with great little shops, restaurants, and in the summer the Shaw theatre festival
Royal Botanical Gardens
Vast horticulturtural collection spread over five specialist gardens and four nature sanctuaries. Most notable of the latter is Cootes Paradise, a 840 ha 2,076 ac wildlife sanctuary containing a 250 ha 618 ac coastal wetland located at the west end of Hamilton Harbour.