Things To Do
Waterfront at Pier 8
Event Bookings
The Hamilton Waterfront at Pier 8 venues provide the perfect backdrop for gatherings of all kinds. Whether you're planning a community event, private celebration, corporate function, or special occasion, the waterfront offers flexible spaces that can be tailored to your needs.
Contact Us
121 Haida Avenue, Hamilton, ON L8L 8B4
Call: 905-546-3747
Email: [email protected]
Explore the Waterfront at Pier 8
(Former Hamilton Waterfront Trust)
Set along Hamilton’s scenic harbour, Pier 8 is a vibrant waterfront destination where visitors come to explore and connect.
- Scoops Ice Cream Parlour – opens Friday, May 15, 2026
- Waterfront Activities – open Saturday, May 16, 2026
The City of Hamilton is now operating programs and services at the Waterfront at Pier 8.
Back in 2022, City Council launched a full review to look at how the Hamilton Waterfront Trust (HWT) operates and how it could stay financially sustainable long-term. The review found that bringing everything under the City would improve oversight, strengthen accountability, and help ensure public spaces are managed more effectively.
Our main focus is making sure programs and services along the waterfront continue smoothly, with as little disruption as possible for residents and visitors. That said, with a transition of this size, there may be some short-term adjustments as everything gets integrated into City operations. If anything changes that affects the public, updates will be shared quickly through official City channels.
The waterfront is one of Hamilton’s most loved spaces, and the City is committed to keeping it accessible, well-managed, and enjoyable for everyone.
For more information, visit hamilton.ca/Hamilton-Waterfront-Trust-Transition or call 905-564-CITY (2489)
Things to do - Waterfront at Pier 8
With its mix of family-friendly amenities, and year-round programming, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors and experience what the waterfront at Pier 8 has to offer.
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at Pier 8:
Harbour-West Trolley Tour
See the Hamilton waterfront aboard the Harbour West Trolley Tour. This fully narrated 80-minute ride along the scenic 12 km route from Pier 8 to Princess Point and back.
Discover local highlights like the HMCS Haida, marinas, historic bridges, and stunning shoreline views—all from a unique, trackless trolley experience.
Departures: Daily from Williams Fresh Cafe
Duration: 80 minutes
2026 Tour Schedule:
Weekends only from May 16 - June 27, 2026
Every Day from June 28 - September 7, 2026
- Waterfront Trolley Tour (Diesel Trolley)
Departures at 10:30 am, 12 noon, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm & 7:30 pm - Waterfront Trolley Tour (Electric Trolley)
Departures at 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm & 5:30 pm
Prices:
- $10 - Adults
- $8.50 - Seniors (65 years +)
- $7 - Ages 4 - 17 years)
- Free - Ages 3 and under
Prices are subject to HST
Boarding passes are available for purchase at the ticket office located next to the outdoor rink.
Only debit and credit are accepted as forms of payment. No cash sales.
Hamiltonian Harbour Tour
Experience Hamilton Harbour from the water aboard the Hamiltonian, a 12-passenger tour boat. This 50-minute narrated cruise offers a unique look at the city’s natural beauty, recreation, and industry—brought to life with stories from your captain.
Departures: Daily from Pier 7 docks (near Williams Fresh Cafe)
Duration: 50 minutes
2026 Tour Schedule:
Weekends only from May 16 - June 27, 2026
Every Day from June 28 - September 7, 2026
Departures at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm & 6 pm
Prices:
- $21 - Adults
- $19 - Seniors (65 years +)
- $13 - Ages 4 - 17 years)
- Free - Ages 3 and under
Prices are subject to HST
Boarding passes are available for purchase at the ticket office located next to the outdoor rink.
Only debit and credit are accepted as forms of payment. No cash sales.
*Hamiltonian may not operate during inclement weather.
Year-Round Skating at the Waterfront at Pier 8
Experience outdoor fun by the Lake every season at the Hamilton Waterfront Pier 8 skating rink. Whether you're skating across the ice in winter or rolling under the sun in summer, it’s the perfect way to stay active and enjoy the view.
Rentals
No skates? No problem. We offer convenient skate and roller skate rentals on-site.
Skate Rental Policy:
- Only government-issued ID is accepted for skate rentals.
- All skate rentals must be brought back at least 15 minutes before the booth closes.
- Skate rentals are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hours of Operation
Hours vary by season and are weather permitting:
- Winter (Ice Skating): Open daily, late morning through evening
- Summer (Roller Skating): Open afternoons and evenings, with extended weekend hours
Please check onsite signage or webpage for the most current information.
- We will only accept Government Issued ID to rent skates.
- All pieces of ID will be held until the skates are returned.
- All rentals must be returned 15 minutes prior to this booth closing.
- Quantities are limited and will be rented on a first come first serve basis.
To make everyone’s recreational skate safe and enjoyable, please show respect for others, act responsibly and follow these rules of behaviour:
- Facility is not supervised and participants use it at their own risk
- All participants must wear skates while on the ice/roller skate surface
- The use of a C.S.A approved helmet is strongly recommended
- Skate in the direction of all skaters
- Hockey is not permitted on the ice/roller skate surface
- No food or drink on the ice/roller skate surface
- No horseplay/games, no figure skating maneuvers, no skating backwards, no erratic/excessive speed skating
- No balls, pucks, chairs, pylons, hockey sticks, strollers, chairs or any other item which might interfere with the safety of any other skater permitted on the ice/roller skate surface
- No headsets, cellphones or handheld electronic devices are to be used while skating
- No carrying of children while skating
- No persons are permitted on the ice/roller skate surface during resurfacing operations
Date modified
Upcoming