Historical Walking Tours

Doors Open – Cemetery Gatehouse Tour

• May 3 & 4, 10 am to 2 pm

Step back in time and explore the Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse, an architectural and historical treasure, as part of Doors Open Hamilton. Nestled at the entrance to Hamilton Cemetery, Ontario’s oldest public burial ground, this charming structure offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Built in the mid-19th century, the Gatehouse is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stonework and period details that reflect the era’s craftsmanship. Once serving as the caretaker’s residence, this heritage building now stands as a gateway to the rich history preserved within the cemetery grounds.

During Doors Open Hamilton, visitors can enjoy guided tours that highlight the Gatehouse’s unique features and its role in Hamilton’s history. Learn about the notable individuals laid to rest nearby, uncover fascinating stories of the city’s development, and admire the Gatehouse’s timeless beauty.

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

• May 3 & 4, 2 pm

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 tenacious spirit of the city's community builders and hear stories about the individuals who made significant contributions to the fields of business, politics, science, and culture. 

Women of Hamilton Tour

• May 11, 10 am
• August 10, 10 am

Celebrate the remarkable stories of the Women of Hamilton on this engaging and historically rich tour at Hamilton Cemetery. Guided by expert storytellers, this tour shines a spotlight on the influential women who helped shape the city’s history, from trailblazing leaders and social reformers to artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroines whose contributions have left a lasting legacy.

Stroll through the serene and historic cemetery grounds as you uncover the lives of these extraordinary women, set against the backdrop of Hamilton's social and cultural evolution. Learn about their struggles, achievements, and the impact they made on the community and beyond.

McQuesten Family Tour

Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site – Hamilton Civic Museums

• May 25, 10 am
• August 15, 10 am

The McQuesten Family Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is done in collaboration with Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site and offers a captivating exploration of the prominent McQuesten family's history, intricately woven with their connection to the Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site. 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 

Battlefield House Museum & Park– Hamilton Civic Museum
The Hamilton Military Museum - Hamilton Civic Museum

• June 1, 10 am
• July 27, 10 am
• November 23, 10 am

The War of 1812 Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is 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.

 The tour provides 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 Hamilton Military Museum - Hamilton Civic Museum

• June 15, 10 am
• November 9, 10 am

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

Cholera Epidemic & Technology Tour

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology - Hamilton Civic Museum

• September 14, 10 am

The Cholera Epidemic and Technology Tour at Hamilton Cemetery is a collaboration with The Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology. It takes visitors on a poignant journey through a dark chapter in the city's history. Shedding 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 will encounter the mass grave 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 and innovative people buried at Hamilton Cemetery.

Stoney Creek (Battle Weekend) – Stoney Creek Cemetery Tour

Battlefield House Museum & Park– Hamilton Civic Museum

• June 7, 11 am
• June 8, 11 am

The tour at the Stoney Creek Cemetery is in collaboration with Battlefield House Museum and is taking place during Battle Weekend. This tour explores the Stoney Creek Cemetery talking about some of the fascinating people buried there, the history of the cemetery and the connection to the owners of the Gage Farmstead, James and Mary Gage It 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

• August 4, 10 am

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 Hamilton Military Museum - Hamilton Civic Museum

• July 13, 10am
• October 26, 10 am

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. 

Garden Tour – Historic Hamilton Cemetery Gardens

The Kitchen Garden at Dundurn – Hamilton Civic Museum

• September 14, 10 am

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. 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 Historic Kitchen Gardener at Dundurn Castle, 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 and the historical connections. 

Hamilton Day Tour

• November 2, 10 am

Discover the rich history of our city with the Hamilton Day Tour at Hamilton Cemetery. It is a fascinating journey through time in one of Ontario's oldest public cemeteries. This special tour, offered as part of the Hamilton Day celebrations, showcases the stories of the people who helped shape Hamilton into the vibrant community it is today.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour delves into the lives of notable figures, unsung heroes, and everyday citizens who contributed to Hamilton’s growth and identity. Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds and learn about the city's industrial, cultural, and social evolution through the lens of its past residents.

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.