Historical Walking Tours

Winterfest – A Winter Cemetery Stroll

The Winter Cemetery Stroll at Historic Hamilton Cemetery offers a unique and atmospheric experience, inviting participants to explore the rich history and stories that lie within the hallowed grounds. This guided tour takes visitors on a leisurely walk through the cemetery's snow-covered pathways, surrounded by the quiet beauty of winter. Against the backdrop of historical gravestones and mausoleums, knowledgeable guides share tales of prominent individuals buried in the cemetery, shedding light on their lives, accomplishments, and the significant role they played in shaping the community. Enjoy hot chocolate while on your winter stroll.

Hamilton – The Ambitious City Tour, March Break – Family Friendly Tours

The March Break Family Friendly Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a fun and educational experience for families and children. Designed to be interactive and engaging, this tour offers a unique and entertaining way to explore the cemetery and learn about its history and cultural significance. The tour takes participants on a journey through the cemetery, visiting the graves of some of Hamilton's most prominent and interesting historical figures that helped build and define our city.

Doors Open – Cemetery Gatehouse Tour 

The Cemetery Gatehouse Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a unique and educational experience that allows visitors to explore the inside of the Cemetery Gatehouse. During the tour, participants will learn about the unique history and architecture, and important role the Gatehouse played in the cemetery's operations. Built between 1855 -1862, a designated Historical Site, the Gatehouse holds the records of the first burial in 1850. The Doors Open Gatehouse Tour includes an exclusive look into the Cemetery Vault, historical records and maps.

The historical interpreters will provide in-depth information about the design and construction of the Gatehouse, including their architectural styles, materials used, and the craftsmen who created them. Visitors will also learn about the various functions of the Gatehouses, such as providing security, directing visitors to specific sections of the cemetery and being the home of the Cemetery Caretaker.

Jane’s Walk – Hamilton City Builders Tour

The Hamilton’s Builders Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a unique and immersive experience that explores the history and cultural heritage of Hamilton and the builders who helped shape the city. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the cemetery, visiting the graves of some of the city's most influential and innovative residents.

An in-depth look at the individuals who helped shape Hamilton into the ambitious city it is today. Visitors will learn about the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the city's founders, and hear stories about the individuals who made significant contributions to the fields of business, politics, science, and culture. A special Jane’s Walk tour is planned.

McQuesten Family Tour

The McQuesten Family Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is done in collaboration  with Whitehern Museum and offers a captivating exploration of the prominent McQuesten family's history, intricately woven with their connection to the Whitehern Historic House. The McQuesten Family Tour serves as a window into Hamilton's past, offering participants a deeper appreciation for the individuals who shaped the city. The serene setting of the cemetery and the engaging storytelling make this tour both educational and reflective, providing insight into the intertwined history of the McQuesten family and Hamilton.

War of 1812 Tour

The War of 1812 Tour at Hamilton Cemetery done in collaboration with Battlefield House Museum and Hamilton Military Museum is a unique and educational experience that explores the history of the War of 1812 and its impact on the city of Hamilton, Ontario. During the tour, participants will visit significant sites within the cemetery grounds that played an important role in the War of 1812.

 An in-depth look at the causes, events, and consequences of the War of 1812, as well as its significance to the history of Canada and the United States. Visitors will hear about the battles and skirmishes that took place in the Hamilton area, and learn about the sacrifices and contributions of local soldiers and civilians.

Naval Disasters Tour

The Naval Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a tour done in collaboration with Hamilton Military Museum unique opportunity to learn about the history of some major naval disasters throughout history.  During the tour, participants will visit the gravesites of people who were causalities in these disasters.  These disasters were either a result of war time sinking or human error and learn of the background behind them.

Cholera Epidemic Tour

The Cholera Epidemic Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a collaboration tour done with The Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology and takes visitors on a poignant journey through a dark chapter in the city's history. The tour sheds light on the devastating Cholera epidemic that swept through the region, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

As participants walk through the cemetery's pathways, they encounter the mass graves known as the Cholera Beds. Memorials that bear witness to the toll exacted by the epidemic. The guides share stories of the individuals who succumbed to Cholera, providing insights into the widespread impact on families and the community at large. The narrative explores the medical challenges of the time, the socio-economic factors contributing to the spread of the disease, and the collective efforts of Hamiltonians to combat the epidemic. This tour also highlights the advancements in water and technology talking about connections with some of the fascinating people buried at Hamilton Cemetery.

Battle of Stoney Creek – Stoney Creek Cemetery Tour

The Battle of Stoney Creek Tour at the Stoney Creek Cemetery is in collaboration with Battlefield House Museum and is being done during Battle Weekend.  This tour explores Stoney Creek Cemetery talking about some of the fascinating people buried there and the history of the cemetery along with the connection Battlefield House owners James and Mary Gage had with the cemetery….and offers a riveting exploration of one of the pivotal moments in Canadian history. As participants traverse the hallowed grounds of the cemetery, they step back in time to the War of 1812, immersing themselves in the events surrounding the Battle of Stoney Creek.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour unfolds amidst the gravesites and monuments that bear witness to the soldiers who fought in this historic conflict. Visitors gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by both British and American forces, as well as the critical role played by indigenous allies.

George Hamilton Day Tour

The George Hamilton Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a unique opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of one of Hamilton's most notable historical figures. During the tour, participants will visit the gravesite of George Hamilton, the founder of the city of Hamilton, and learn about his contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The tour provides an in-depth look at George Hamilton's life and accomplishments, including his role in the War of 1812, his business ventures, and his impact on the city of Hamilton. Participants will also hear about the challenges and obstacles that Hamilton faced during his lifetime, and learn about his legacy and the lasting impact he has had on the city. The tour will also include prominent Hamiltonians buried at Hamilton Cemetery.

Historical Battles Tour

The Historical Battles Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is done in collaboration with Hamilton Military Museum and is a captivating journey through time that delves into the military history encapsulated within the cemetery's grounds. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants embark on a thought-provoking exploration of key historical battles and the brave individuals who played pivotal roles in them. The tour highlights notable gravesites and monuments commemorating soldiers from various conflicts, offering insights into their stories of sacrifice and heroism including the war of 1912.

Garden Tour 

The Garden Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a unique and peaceful experience that allows visitors to explore the cemetery's beautifully maintained grounds and gardens and explore the gardens. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the various flora and fauna within the cemetery, as well as the history and significance of the gardens themselves.

Led by our Cemetery Gardner, the tour will provide an in-depth look at the different styles and types of gardens within the cemetery, including formal and informal gardens, as well as specialty gardens such as memorial and commemorative gardens.

Cemeteries are sacred places where the dead are laid to rest with dignity; therefore, visitors are expected to behave respectfully. Use the following as a guide when visiting any of our cemeteries.

• Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries are open to visitors between 8:00am and sundown.  Our cemeteries are closed after dark. Please Observe all posted rules.
• Keep noise to a minimum.  Most people that you will encounter on cemetery grounds are mourning the death of a loved one. If you see a funeral or other service in progress, please be respectful and give them their space
• Whenever possible, stay on the roadway. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for vehicles. To the best of your ability, avoid walking on the graves.
• Pets must be leashed and accompanied by the owner. Keep your pet under control and clean up after it. Do not allow your pet to roam over graves; rather, keep on the roadway.
• Do not litter. This includes cigarette butts. Take away any trash that you bring with you or deposit in the garbage receptacles placed on the grounds.
• Do not interfere with the plants or wildlife that inhabits the cemetery. Do not pick or damage flowers on cemetery grounds or adorning a grave.  It is greatly upsetting for families to visit the grave and find flowers picked up or damaged.
• Do not touch or climb on monuments, as many of them are very old. Do not take rubbings of any monument without getting permission from the Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries to do so. Many stones are fragile and should not be touched.

Cemeteries are wonderful park like settings. Enjoy a casual walk, enjoy the natural beauty of the plants, trees and landscape and explore the history.