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Hamilton is a port city in the province of Ontario, Canada, with a population of 569,353 inhabitants. Located at the western end of Lake Ontario, it lies at the base of the Niagara Escarpment and forms part of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the area developed as a settlement in the late 18th century and was officially incorporated as a city in 1846.
During the late 19th and 20th centuries, Hamilton became one of Canada’s major industrial centers, earning the nickname “the Steel City” due to its extensive steel manufacturing industry. In recent decades, the city has undergone economic diversification, with growth in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Hamilton is home to McMaster University, one of Canada’s leading research institutions.
Notable landmarks include Dundurn Castle, a 19th-century neoclassical mansion, and natural attractions such as Webster’s Falls, reflecting the city’s proximity to extensive parklands and waterfalls. Hamilton is also the birthplace of several well-known figures, including comedian and actor Martin Short and actress Stana Katic.
Hamilton in Canada
79.9° W
Hamilton Population Evolution
The following figure shows the evolution of the population of Hamilton between 1871 and 2021. The 50% increase in 2001 is due to the amalgamation of Hamilton and five neighbouring municipalities (Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek).
Between 2001 and 2021, the population has increased by 16%, corresponding to a yearly average increase of 0.75%.
The population of Hamilton in 2026 is estimated to 601,790 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1871 | 26,716 | |
| 1931 | 155,547 | +482.2% |
| 1966 | 298,121 | +91.7% |
| 1996 | 322,352 | +8.1% |
| 2021 | 569,353 | +76.6% |
Interactive Map of Hamilton
What to see in Hamilton
HMCS Haida
TD Coliseum
Royal Botanical Gardens
Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
Dundurn Castle
Erland Lee Museum
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
MuseumWebster’s Falls
Natural landmarkFamous People Born in Hamilton
Julia Arthur
actorCanadian actress
Eugene Levy
screenwriterCanadian actor and comedian
Martin Short
screenwriterKathleen Robertson
actorCanadian actress
Stana Katic
actorSister Cities of Hamilton
Sister cities, also known as twin cities, are formal partnerships between cities in different countries to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
| City | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Ma'anshan | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 2,159,930 |
| Monterrey | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 1,142,952 |
| Mangaluru | 🇮🇳 India | 623,841 |
| Fukuyama | 🇯🇵 Japan | 459,576 |
| Flint | 🇺🇸 United States | 81,252 |
| Kaga | 🇯🇵 Japan | 62,997 |
| Sarasota | 🇺🇸 United States | 54,842 |
| Shawinigan | 🇨🇦 Canada | 49,620 |
| Racalmuto | 🇮🇹 Italy | 7,650 |
| Valle Peligna | 🇮🇹 Italy | — |
Books about Hamilton
52 Things to Do in Hamilton: The Insider's Guide to Fun in the Hammer
A lively guide highlighting year-round activities, local festivals, scenic spots, and unique experiences across Hamilton for visitors and residents alike.
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The People and the Bay: A Social and Environmental History of Hamilton Harbour
A social and environmental history of Hamilton Harbour that connects human and natural histories, illustrating how the bay shaped the city and its communities.
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Hamilton Street Names: An Illustrated History
An engaging alphabetical exploration of over 120 street names in Hamilton, each revealing unique stories and insights into the city’s social and political past.
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