Six things you can do in the Hamilton area this weekend
It's the weekend before Canada Day, and the weekend before Ontario moves to Step 2 of reopening, but best of all, it's the weekend before summer holidays!
The last day of school for all elementary students in Hamilton is June 29.
The weather this weekend is expected to be rainy on Saturday but summertime hot and steamy on Sunday. Environment Canada says Saturday's showers and high of 26 C should transition into mostly sunny skies and a daytime high of 30 for Sunday.
Happy times are afoot and we know you just can't wait, but remember it takes about two weeks for the protection of a second shot to fully kick in. Social distancing and masks are still required. You'll have to hold on just a little longer before you can kick up your heels and more things open on June 30.
Here's what's going on this weekend in the Hamilton area.
WALKING TOUR
Join Bill King in person on Sunday for a free walking tour of downtown Hamilton. This week's theme is Mountain Climbing." Explore the ruins of old Mountain roads including John Street, Strongman's Road and Beckett Drive. (Some uphill walking required.) Meet at King and John streets at 10 a.m. The tour is 60 to 90 minutes. Don't forget a mask and follow social distancing regulations.
ROSES BLOOMING
The blooms are big with an explosion of fragrance and colour in Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, at the Royal Botanical Gardens' Rose Garden. The garden has about 3,300 roses displaying 300 cultivated varieties. Hendrie also features 11 other themed garden areas and the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection. RBG interpreters are running a discovery station at Hendrie Park with activities and opportunities to learn about and engage with the history, significance, and care of roses. All of RBG's outdoor garden areas are open and are included in general admission.
- RBG's new Blooms Stage is making its debut July 8. This event space, located at Mitchell Field in Hendrie Park, will be hosting a fantastic lineup of diverse programming in celebration of RBG's 80th anniversary. With shows two to four times daily, it will be open Thursdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays, July 8 to Sept. 6.
BRAIN TUMOUR WALK
Sunday is the virtual Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's 28th annual Brain Tumour Walk. The national walk is the largest fundraiser for the foundation. Opening ceremonies are on Facebook Live at noon Sunday. It's the second year the walk is virtual due to the pandemic, and the brain tumour community has almost reached its national goal of $1.45 million. For more information, visit braintumourwalk.ca.
HAMILTON SENIORS
Monday is the deadline for Hamilton's Senior of the Year Awards to honour senior citizens in the community. Residents are encouraged to nominate an outstanding senior for the Senior of the Year Awards. Visit hamilton.ca/city-awards for more information.
GO NIAGARA
GO Transit is back with weekend packages to the Niagara Falls GO station starting Saturday. Riders can even bring a bike along and stow it on one of the designated bike cars if you want to cycle along Niagara-on-the-Lake. Or, go for a stroll along the Niagara Gorge. gotransit.com.
LAKE ONTARIO BEACHES
Hamilton's Confederation Beach Park (680 Van Wagners Beach Rd.), Van Wagner's Beach (180 Van Wagner's Beach Rd.), and Beach Boulevard (on Beach Boulevard) on the shores of Lake Ontario are all open.
Burlington's Beachway is open for use. Residents are reminded that the water is unsupervised (no lifeguards) and are asked to continue to follow all provincial restrictions and public health guidance. Washrooms and change rooms are now open for use. Burlington Beach Rentals is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends for the rental of paddle boards, umbrellas, chairs and more.
WATER QUALITY TESTING
The City of Hamilton health department tests the beach at Confederation Beach Park weekly during the summer months. Testing results can be found on the City of Hamilton website. And in Burlington, for up-to-date water quality testing information, check the Halton Region Public Health webpage (halton.ca/beaches) or dial 311.
Hamilton's outdoor pools are expected to reopen June 28. Note that pool rules have changed and include reduced pool capacities to facilitate physical distancing. Be sure you check your pool before you head out. hamilton.ca/recreation/outdoor-pools.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com