Hamilton, Ontario, nestled on the western edge of Lake Ontario, embodies a vibrant blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. Known as the "Steel City," Hamilton boasts a rich history shaped by its manufacturing roots, evident in its impressive steel mills and factories. Beyond its industrial facade, the city unfolds into a diverse cultural hub, offering a thriving arts scene, dynamic culinary experiences, and a wealth of outdoo-r activities. With its picturesque waterfront, sprawling conservation areas like the Royal Botanical Gardens, and proximity to the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton seamlessly combines urban living with abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether exploring its historic neighborhoods, attending festivals celebrating its cultural diversity, or enjoying panoramic views from its escarpment trails, Hamilton promises visitors and residents alike an enriching experience at the heart of Ontario's industrial legacy and natural splendor.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Hamilton, Ontario area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New York
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but you’ll pay peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Delta from YYZ - See flight deals
United from YYZ - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from YYZ - See flight deals
JetBlue from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Miami
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather. Avoid the spring break crowd in late Feb/early March the best you can.
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 3 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Orlando
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from YYZ - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from YYZ - See flight deals
Frontier from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
WestJet from YHM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 1 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YYZ - See flight deals
JetBlue from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
United from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - 1 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
More restaurants per capita than any other North American city.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Montreal
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Delta from YYZ - See flight deals
United Airlines from YYZ - See flight deals
Air Canada from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Atlanta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Allegiant from YYZ - See flight deals
United from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nashville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
Frontier from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 3 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Denver
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
Frontier from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Philadelphia
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 3 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Austin
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Cancun & Tulum, Mexico (CUN) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Your money goes a long way in Cancun: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.
Your money doesn’t go very far in Tulum: boutique hotels (some are grossly overpriced), many hotels have no air conditioning, taxis and bike rentals will try to rip you off.
If you’re looking for clubs and nightlife, go to Tulum Beach.
If you’re looking for culture and less expensive eats, go to Tulum Centro.
Tulum is actually a great experience if you have the right mindset going into your vacation.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Cancun
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Tulum
When to go?
December to April for the best weather.
Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be at peace.
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airways from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 3 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and water sports.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charleston
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Quebec City, Quebec (YQB) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Quebec City enchants visitors with its charming old-world atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and the historic beauty of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in rich history and French culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Quebec City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $120+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Diverse Cultural Attractions, Thriving Food Scene, Outdoor Activities, Sports Hub, Historical Significance, Shopping, Festivals and Events.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charlotte
When to go?
The best times to visit Charlotte are March–May and September–November.
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from YYZ - See flight deals
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $220+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Outdoors activities, restaurants, college sports, booming tech sector.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Raleigh
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YYZ - See flight deals
AA from YYZ - See flight deals
Southwest from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Ottawa, Ontario (YOW) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Ottawa, Canada's capital, offers a rich tapestry of cultural institutions like museums and galleries, along with picturesque parks and the Rideau Canal, celebrated for both its summer boating and winter skating.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Ottawa
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YYZ - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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