Raise the Hammer

I've long wondered why Hamilton doesn't market the wonderful Eco-tourism opportunities that abound here. From our waterfalls to hiking trails, rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, vineyards, local restaurants at many of the vineyards etc, we literally have something for everyone from urban and artistic to rural and natural. Vancouver has banded itself with a heavy emphasis on the ocean and mountains. You can't find a Portland promo anywhere that doesn't go on and on about Multnomah Falls. It's over an hour from the city and is 1 waterfall. A beautiful one, but we have several beautiful ones right in the city. Cape Town has done the same with its natural abundance along the ocean but also they constantly promote the wine region. Much like ours, it's right there when you leave the city and head east. The recent story of a Niagara winery planning a brewery in Dundas is further proof of the natural connection that already exists. If anyone needs further confirmation of how valuable and attractive our natural surrounding areas are, take your famiky for a hike at Websters or Rock Chapel etc on Easter Monday or Victoria Day. Last year we were turned away from a couple of hiking areas due to mass congestion and no more room. We want to a couple of local farms and farm markets and they were jammed. With downtown now becoming a destination with great food, culture and districts to enjoy along Locke, James N&S, Hess, the Waterfront etc. along with established urban areas like Westdle and Dundas, we have every reason to promote Hamilton and environs as a great getaway. Chat with people you meet hiking or taking pics of the waterfalls and ask them where they are from. Many are from the GTA. I would also add that we should treat the escarpment in the same way when it comes to marketing. From Mt Nemo to Springridge Farm to the Bruce Trail to Albion Falls, lets claim the escarpment as our own backyard much like the cities I mentioned above do with their natural wonders.

I agree Ade, there is a whole new focus on our marketing that should be taken. Toronto or Montreal would die to have all that we have within 10-45 minutes of our downtown core.

One minor correction though- Niagara is east of here.