Star gazing and four other things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend
Hamilton's first weekend in Stage 3 doesn't look much different.
Air conditioners are blaring, it's still steamy outdoors, and there is a comet to see in the night sky. Ah summer. Expect sunny hot days over 30 C, feeling hotter with the humidex. Remember to wear sunscreen to protect from high UV rays. Here are five things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend.
NEOWISE
Summer skies give us pause to look up and hope for a shooting star or enjoy a summer meteor shower. This summer, we are lucky enough to be able to view, with the naked eye, the comet Neowise. According to experts, the comet is rare because it is highly visible. Friday and Saturday nights are best for viewing this weekend because the skies will be clearest, you should be able to see the comet once the sun sets. Neowise can be seen in the constellation of Ursa Major, look for the big dipper. For the best viewing, try to get out of the city to lessen the light pollution.
RAFT BIG CREEK
Grand River Rafting is opening a new rafting tour of the river out near Long Point. You park in the area along Lakeshore Road (Road 42), three minutes west of the town of Port Rowan and the Causeway to Long Point Beach. A shuttle will then take you to the start of the river tour where you will need four to five hours to tube the route back to your car. Five launch times are offered and participants are required to pre-register online. This tour is for the beginner to experienced rafter. One person in each raft. Cost is about $35 per person. Visit grandriverrafting.ca
WALKING TOURS
Join Bill King on Sunday for a free walking tour. This week's theme is Lonesome Churchyards. Search out the few remaining graveyards and tombstones in downtown Hamilton. Meet at Sir John A. Macdonald's statue in Gore Park at 10 a.m. The tour is 60-90 minutes. Please wear a mask.
SAFE TO SWIM
They say the lakes are getting warmer. Are you planning a trip to the beach? Public Health Services continue its beach water quality monitoring and released the following.
Bayfront Park, Christie Conservation Area, Beach Boulevard, Van Wagner's, Confederation Park, Valens Conservation Area Beach and Binbrook Conservation Area beaches are all open after recent testing. Pier 4 beach closed.
Halton's Beachway Park, Brant Street Beach, Bronte Beach Park, Coronation Park East, and Kelso Conservation Area are open after recent testing. Coronation Park West and Prospect Park Old Beach are closed.
For more information, call 905-546-2189 for Hamilton and 1-866-442-5866 for Halton. Visit hamilton.ca/beaches or halton.ca/beaches for daily updates.
HAMILTON MUSEUMS
Dundurn National Historic Site (including Dundurn Castle, The Hamilton Military Museum, and The Historic Kitchen Garden) and the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology are open to the public offering modified programming on a Wednesday to Sunday schedule, and are accepting bookings for events. Admission tickets must be obtained online. Visitors reserving tickets through the Library Pass program will be required to present their ticket and library card upon arrival.
- Check out The Power of Design: The Architecture of Hydroelectric Buildings in Hamilton at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, on until the end of the year, open 12 to 4 p.m.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com