Hamilton’s first drive-in theatre

Drive-in theatres began operating in the United States in the early 1930s, but it wasn't until after the Second World War that they would expand to Canada.

The Skyway Drive-In on Highway 8 opened for business on July 10, 1946, and was touted to be the first in Canada. It featured a 100-by-50-foot screen and loudspeakers for the sound. Later, individual speakers for automobiles replaced the loudspeakers. The drive-in could accommodate 705 vehicles.

The Skyway and other local drive-in theatres provided an easy way for families to enjoy a movie in the comfort of their own car. Children would often come in their pyjamas and fell asleep during the presentation. The drive-ins in the Hamilton area remained popular for decades to come.

Drive-in history

July 10, 1946: Skyway Drive-In opens.

June 21, 1951: The Clappison Drive-In opens just north of Clappisons Corners. It closes in 1986.

May 5, 1955: The Hamilton Drive-In opens on Stone Church Road West. It closes in 1986.

1955: The Scenic Drive-in opens on Highway 20, Stoney Creek. The name later changes to the Starlite Drive-In.

1950s: The Mohawk Drive-in operated on Mohawk Road East. It closes in 1959.

October 1975: The Skyway closes. The final program consisted of A Clockwork Orange," Judge Roy Bean," The Terminal Man" and Deliverance."