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Despite its well-documented financial challenges, Norwegian continues to add new destinations to its network and recently commenced flights from Europe to Canada for the first time. The new service flies 4 times per week between Dublin and Hamilton John C. Munro International Airport (about 50 miles from Toronto).

Norwegian’s new route is the airline’s first-ever transatlantic service to Canada and the only direct flight between Ireland and Hamilton in Ontario. Hamilton Airport is located in the Greater Toronto area with good road links to major tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls, offering holidaymakers a range of attractive places to see and experience.

If you were wondering if there’s anything worth seeing in Hamilton itself, Norwegian has put together a list of reasons you might want to visit:

1. Fantastic for Foodies
The culinary culture in Hamilton is at an all-time high. Local eateries are attracting national attention for delicious reasons. With many talented chefs, brewers and baristas setting up shop in Hamilton, it’s hard to decide what to try first. Find out how to eat like a local with help from Tourism Hamilton’s insider guest bloggers.

2. Family Star Attractions
Among the city’s must-experience attractions is the African Lion Safari, a perfect family destination where visitors can get closer than ever to some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Art Gallery of Hamilton is the region’s largest and oldest public gallery, home to historic and modern works by Canadian and international artists.

3. Blockbuster Arts and Cultural Events
If you’re planning a visit in September, be sure to catch Supercrawl (13-15 September 2019) – the mother of all block parties and Hamilton’s most popular festival. The free arts festival shuts down James Street North for three days of live music, art installations, food and fun. Visitors should expect the unexpected as they receive the perfect introduction to Hamilton’s vibrant arts scene. Explore Tourism Hamilton’s guide to Supercrawl.

4. For Nature lovers
A little known fact about Hamilton is the city’s incredible access to nature, most of it minutes from the city’s bustling downtown area. Highlights include: the Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical gardens in Canada home to 2,700 acres of flower gardens, trails and nature sanctuaries; more than 100 waterfalls, hiking along the many trails off the Niagara Escarpment that cuts through the city, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

5. Heritage for history and flight enthusiasts

Much of what makes Hamilton distinct can be traced to its roots. In addition to beautiful architecture throughout the city, heritage highlights include: Dundurn Castle, a majestic, historic lakeside estate and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the country’s largest flying museum and home to the historic Avro Lancaster bomber, located nearby Hamilton Airport.

Sharon Murphy, Acting Manager at Tourism Hamilton said: “We can’t wait to introduce new travellers to Hamilton’s many tourist attractions and events. While the city is an affordable and ideally located alternative entry and departure point for international travellers in the busy south western Ontario travel hub – our fascinating, comeback city is also well worth a few days of exploration. Genuine and always welcoming, we’ve got breathtaking natural beauty including endless trails and waterfalls as well as a bustling and historic downtown core.”

Bottom line

With return flights starting at ~£315 (and one ways back to Dublin from as little as ~£120), this could be an interesting new option to consider if you were thinking of visiting Canada.

Whether Norwegian is just testing the water here, or this is the beginning of a new focus on Canada, remains to be seen. Direct flights to Quebec would certainly get our attention!

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