HOLIDAY GIVING: Experience this!
Show your love to friends and family with gifts that can’t be wrapped up in a bow.
The holidays are all about being together and making memories, right? So why not give a gift that extends the memory-making into the new year and beyond? There’s no worrying about the right size or colour, and there’s the added benefit that you can book for yourself and join in the fun!
Trail blazers
Embark on a year of adventure, discovery, and closeness by creating intentional hiking experiences for you and a plus-one. Paired with the popular Hamilton-based Loops & Lattes guidebook or a Hamilton Conservation Area membership and a commitment to explore two new trails a month with your giftee, this gift will unlock 145-plus kilometres of local wonders. Discover breathtaking trails, hidden waterfalls, ancient forests, and panoramic vistas, from the lush Dundas Valley to the stunning Niagara Escarpment. Perfect for solo wanderers or dynamic duos, it’s an opportunity for exploration, wellness, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
loopsandlattes.ca
conservationhamilton.ca/hiking-trails
Sip, sip hooray!
From award-winning wineries to craft breweries and charming cideries, gift an unforgettable and flavourful experience with Ride the Bine’s unique beverage tours. Whether sipping lakeside or meandering down Norfolk County country roads, these guided adventures explore the region’s hidden gems by offering a perfect blend of local sips and scenic beauty. With a variety of excursion options, there’s a tour to tickle every palate. This season, your budding bartender or sprouting sommelier can raise a glass to Ontario’s craft beverage scene. Note: Tours are also available in other areas of southwestern Ontario.
ridethebine.com
Cut a rug
Step into a world of rhythm and groove with a dance workshop at Burlington’s Simply Ballroom or Outlaw Country Western Dance Co. From sizzling couple-style salsa moves to line dancing to viral hits, your dancer will have a blast in this fun, energetic, and supportive environment. Perfect for beginners or seasoned shakers, these classes – and dance parties every other Saturday – offer more than just steps; they’re a ticket to confidence, fitness, and new friendships in a life-changing experience that has the potential to keep on giving.
simplyballroom.ca
Sky’s the Limit
Elevate gift-giving to new heights with a tandem skydive experience. This heart-pounding adventure offers 55 seconds of pure adrenaline during a freefall from the clouds, followed by a serene five- to eight-minute parachute descent. Attached to a “badass” instructor, even novices can safely experience the ultimate thrill. With state-of-the-art equipment and a promised perfect safety record, you can relax knowing you’re giving an unforgettable, perspective-shifting journey. The season runs from April to November and bookings and gift cards can be paid for over the phone. It’s a non-traditional gift that’ll make your loved one’s spirits soar!
skydiveontario.com
Sweet surrender
Indulge your sweetie in sweet sophistication with Chocolate Tales’ decadent tasting experience. This Hamilton gem offers a delectable journey through the world of artisanal chocolates. Gift a sensory adventure where chocolate lovers can savour exquisite flavours, learn the art of tasting, and uncover the secrets of cocoa craftsmanship. From velvety truffles to exotic single-origin bars, each bite is a delicious learning experience that’ll leave them craving more.
chocolatetales.ca
The Perfect Pour
Brew up some holiday cheer with a tour at Shawn & Ed’s Brewing Co! Housed in Dundas’s historic former curling rink, this craft brewery offers a spirited journey through Hamilton’s sudsy past and present. Gift a guided experience where family or friends can explore the art of beer-making, sample handcrafted brews, and soak in the authentic ambiance. From hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers, there’s a pint for every palate. Toast to fun and flavour at this local gem!
lagershed.com
Foam sweet foam
What could be more suitable to the gearhead in your life than a year-round sparkle on their pride and joy? Klassic Car Wash’s unlimited Wash Club membership is a practical present that transforms tedious car care into a breeze. For a low monthly fee, recipients can keep their ride shining with unlimited washes – perfect for battling Hamilton’s dirty, salty winters and year-round, ever-changing weather. The membership allows them to drive in anytime for a quick refresh. But it’s not just a clean car; it’s the gift of time, convenience, and pride in their vehicle. Your automotive enthusiast will appreciate every spotless drive, and especially the person who gave it to them!
klassiccarwash.com
Recipe remix
Elevate your loved one’s culinary toolkit with a gift that will turn meal prep from a task into a delightful experience. The Kitchen Efficiency workshop, led by chef Clay Smith, is a practical, hands-on, two-on-one class designed to enhance cooking and meal-planning skills through knife techniques and prep methods. The result? Culinary confidence and endless opportunities for delicious memories!
chefclaysmith.com
An axe-ceptional adventure
For those looking to release some pent-up energy, an excursion to BATL AXE is the antidote. This thrilling Hamilton hotspot offers an unforgettably sharp experience. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and first-timers alike, BATL’s expert coaches can guide newbies through the art of axe-throwing in a safe, exhilarating environment. This urban playground promises laughter, games, friendly competition, and a place to blow off steam, leaving your recipient buzzing long after the last throw!
batlgrounds.com
Retro retailer
Explore Hamilton’s acclaimed antique scene and give a journey through time. Arm your loved one with a custom budget (gifter’s choice) and set out on an antiquing adventure starting in the noteworthy Ottawa Street shops. Explore the Hamilton Antique Mall, uncover oddities at Cabinet of Curiosities, and peruse timeless pieces at Roberts Antiques. Then take that “thrill of the hunt” city-wide and head to gems like The Rustic Rose on Beach Boulevard or Antiques on Locke in the trendy west end. From vintage furnishings to quirky collectibles, every corner holds a potential gem.
hamiltonantique.com
cabinetofcuriosities.ca
instagram.com/rlockeantiquesandestates
therusticrose.ca
Show stoppers
Step into cinematic time machines at Playhouse Cinema and The Westdale, Hamilton’s historic movie havens. A gifted membership at either venue unlocks a year of silver screen magic! For just $14 at Playhouse and $22 at The Westdale, movie buffs can enjoy discounted tickets, special screenings, and exclusive perks, like member-only screenings and events. Your gift supports local indie cinema while indulging in cult classics, international gems, and thought-provoking films. Lights down, popcorn up – let the movie marathon begin! playhousecinema.ca
thewestdale.ca
Cliff hangers
Forget thinking out of the box – this holiday season, think up the wall! In Gravity Climbing Gym’s vertical playground, a gift promises unforgettable memories, improved fitness, and a new perspective on what’s possible. Beginners can “learn the ropes” or opt for a climb-only experience for instant action. With diverse climbing zones, including bouldering areas and rope climbs, Gravity caters to every skill level. Suitable for ages 5 and up, it’s also the perfect family outing or solo challenge. More than a gift, it’s an invitation to conquer fears, defy gravity, and discover hidden strengths.
gravityclimbinggym.com
Fairway to heaven
Tee off in state-of-the-art golf simulators and encourage your loved one to master their golf swing on 69 world-class courses. Cute clothing recommended! Then, transition from the virtual fairways to a glamorous speakeasy setting and sip innovative, handcrafted cocktails (or mocktails) in style. Whether for a golf pro, cocktail connoisseur, or someone who just loves trying new things, this experience promises a hole-in-one reaction. An unforgettable blend of sport and sophistication is par for an extraordinary course with this holiday gift!
theargyle.ca
Petal pushers
Bloom into the new year with an enchanting three-month flower subscription from Fora Floral Shop. This Ancaster gem delivers nature’s artistry right to your doorstep. Each month, talented florists craft a stunning, hand-tied bouquet tailored to your preferences, from vibrant hues to subtle palettes. More than just flowers, it’s a welcome recurring dose of beauty and joy in those dreary, post-holiday months. An evolving seasonal story told through petals and stems will surely see their smiles blossom!
forafloralshop.com
Dreamy steam
An afternoon at Cedar Lodge Sauna & Spa in Dundas will transport your lucky giftee to a serene, world-inspired oasis. A day pass offers four hours of pure relaxation and rejuvenation, rotating between the authentic Finnish sauna, hammam, hot tub, jetted swimming pool, and the optional cold water bucket experiences. This experience alone promises an other-worldly state of relaxation, but for something extra, add on a nourishing, post-spa massage! The thoughtfully curated selection of treatments, coupled with the lodge’s rustic-chic ambiance, create a genuinely restorative escape from the everyday.
sauna-dundas.club
