This museum may look small and out-of-the-way, but it is such a treasure trove! For a small admission fee (and free if you have a Hamilton library card), you can get an amazing guided tour, which is offered a few times a day. And it was not your ordinary guided tour! It actually starts with a fascinating demonstration of steam power and engines, using small but well functioning models. Then, we were taken into the heart of the building, and I was so amazed by not just the intricate machinery but also the amount of thought the designers put into the architectural and artistic elements (e.g., the painted columns). You could see the machine being run, while my favourite part was going further upstairs and donning an oilers’ cap (albeit a clean version in a much better environment than what the workers had to endure back then). I would like to give my compliments to our guide, Julia (my apologies if I didn’t remember the name correctly). She exuded passion, like she had a love for the historic site from the bottom of her heart. She was also super friendly and fun, and was able to answer all of our questions without hesitation! Thank you, Julia! Also, be sure to walk around the grounds to experience the building from different angles and to find the best one for a photo! There was also a train show going on at the time of our visit, with a separate $8 admission fee. We didn’t attend that because of a lack of time, but we still spent a good 1.5 hour on the site. I could easily add an hour or two to that if I had visited the show or any other special events, and explored the grounds further.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

My friend and I brought our kids here during the March break. Among us, we had 4 kids aged 2, 3, 6, and 7. This is definitely not a place recommended for the 2 and 3 years old. We hadn't done much research, and THERE ARE NO TRAINS! Lol. It's basically a pump house that was used a long time ago to pump water from the lake to a reservoir for the residents of Hamilton. It's still a very breathtaking historic location. The guide was very passionate about her presentation and very interactive with our group. I found it very interesting as an adult taking a step into a piece of history and the technological advances of that time. There are some toys at the gift shop at the entrance. There was also a craft kit available to build an amusement park ride like a roller coaster or merry go round with recyclable materials in the shed. Along with some dioramas and games, which all the kids thoroughly enjoyed, but I'm guessing that was a March break thing.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Husband, step mom and I brought my almost 4 year old son for the train ride and museum.. it was so fun! Everyone there was super nice and helpful outside and at the train station.. however the man inside sharing the history and giving demonstrations of the steam trains wasn’t so nice/friendly, when asked a question he would ignore and when asked again he gave an irritated short answer that really left more questions than anything.. try being a bit more chipper/positive…. informative booklets for the history! 8/10 would recommend still as it was a fun little ride and the conductors were extremely nice and even offered to take a picture of us on the train! Very kind man!

As an example of 19th century technology and architecture this installation is remarkable. They have preserved the machinery well and the building is well maintained. As an experience it is totally underwhelming. Renee had obviously given this tour before and told us so. She seemed not to differentiate her audience between the engineering aficionados and 5-year-olds accompanying their parents. As a result we were both bored. Having worked in tourism I can appreciate how difficult it can be to make a tour exciting even after the 30,000th iteration. That is the challenge. Rise to the occasion. Revamping the show would help too. A little sound and light would help.

This is a small but historic museum best viewed on a tour. We had an awesome private tour just by virtue of timing and our guide was fantastic, informative and obviously passionate. The museum is small but the building is historic - it’s the original waterworks for the city of Hamilton. The facility is beautifully maintained and still functional (for demonstration only). If you have a library card for the city of Hamilton entrance to this museum and several more civic museums are completely free. Accessible by car (parking available) or bus. Definitely worth a visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Hamilton museum of steam is located at the water treatment facility of Hamilton. The museum tells the story of how water from lake Ontario enters the water treatment plant be how in the late 1800's water was pumped up the mountain with the massive steam engines. A fantastic heritage and historical site showing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the late 1800's. There is a model railway where kids and adults can ride. A must visit for lovers of steam engine enthusiasts. Entrance was free. Guided tours were available. Donations are always welcome.

Highly informative and interactive 30-minute group tour providing good overview of steam and water pump technology. The highlight was seeing the huge pistons turning and imaging how they pumped water at full speed for Hamilton in the past. Alex our guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and answered all questions. In the summer, on select dates the museum offers train rides that would especially delight kids and families. Admission is reasonable and if you're a resident of Hamilton, it's free with your library card to all Hamilton civic museums.

We went to a workshop inside the shed of the Steam museum where we could take-apart electronic old devices. My family chose an old mouse and a laptop. We spent a wonderful hour, taking them apart and recognizing a few components like encoders, motors, worm gears, etc. Our teens loved it. There were also some basic toys to teach about mechanics to smaller kids. https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/festivals-events/events-calendar/take-apart-workshop
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This museum is one of the reasons I was visiting Ontario. I am a fan of the show Murdoch Mysteries and this is one of their filming locations. We got here on the Go Train from Union Station in downtown Toronto. We had to get a Lyft for the last leg, so we made it almost at closing time, but the guide was super accommodating and did an abridged tour for us. Fascinating building with many architectural and design details even on the inside.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Visited in September 2021 as a small school trip. Guide was pleasant and gave us a thorough tour and presentation. Another guide discussed the water cycle with the children and had them participate in some fun experiments. There is also a small gift shop for souvenirs. We had lunch outside at the tables afterwards and could have participated in an outdoor scavenger hunt but ran out of time. Overall, it was a nice learning experience for everyone - I would visit again!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Great place to look around with families and kids. After a quick tour of the museum, and some colouring pictures, the kids were able to participate playing with a remote control boats on a mini outdoor pool. We were able to go on a mini train ride around which was really fun. Plenty of parking, its free and on donation, we only had an hour, seems like not enough to really enjoy the museam.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Absolutely love the Tesla Electric festival this year. Our children were greeted at the entrance where they all received school supplies. The event tents kept everyone interested (adults included) and wanting to participate. Food was available and smelt delicious but unfortunately we had eaten prior and did not get to taste it. We ended the day with the train ride. The line up was a little long but the wait was not too bad because it moved fast.

The take-apart workshop was engaging and enjoyable for all of us. The hands-on activity allowed kids to explore while dismantling stuff, fostering curiosity and learning about how things work. We had a delightful family bonding experience that combined education with fun! Huge shoutout to Rene who was extremely kind and went above and beyond to share more about all that the museum has to offer. We’ll definitely go back to explore it all!

It's a huge historical building. Best place to take your kids here for so much knowledge about how these machines used to work and they actually give you demo as well during the guides session. Good parking space. P.s. you can ride toy train here in summer. Very important tip: admission is free if you can show your Hamilton public library card :)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is an absolutely outstanding small museum. In fact, it’s more than a museum; it’s an original relic of the industrial revolution, in essentially perfect condition. An opportunity to watch state-of-the-art steam-driven processes used in 1859. On top of that, the machinery is quite beautiful. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The guide lady is perfect for the job. She has an air of a person from that time period. A dress in the style of the 19th century would have been even better, as some museums do to enhance the experience. Also, she should speak a bit slower; I missed a couple of words, but overall, I enjoyed the visit very much. It was a highlight of my Saturday. For those who like history of technology, it’s an interesting museum.

It was very nice. We had free train ride and good for kids to enjoy the ride free for multiple times. Also kids has some inside play area where they can color few shapes and also can build their own train tracks. Fun time for kids with no cost If anyone wants to visit musuem can get free if they have Hamilton library cards.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

We’ve enjoyed our guided tour very much. It was very educational. According to our lovely guide, this museum is unique because the steam engines are believed to be the oldest surviving of their kind both in Canada and USA. Make sure to book a tour online before coming, because quite often, it is sold out. They also have a small gift shop, outdoor family scavenger hunt and lots of free information leaflets.

My child went to this museum with her school on an organized field trip today and I was blown away by the employees there and the activities they did with the kids! They were so patient to answer all the kids questions and made activities so much fun! I’m super impressed with this museum!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Renee gave us a tour and she was my absolute favorite person. She kept it fun and interesting and at a nice pace. Very clear and knowledgeable and just an absolute delight. We learned a lot, like this pumphouse is the only one left in all of north America that is anywhere near as complete as it was in it's hayday. 97% this one is!! I highly recommend a visit to this museum!

Really informative and enjoyable tour of the historic building. Great models and examples with a short 30-40 minute presentation and tour of the facility. The best part is the operation of the engine and different levels. Gift shop, great price and plenty of parking. Engine isn't wheelchair accessible due to its size and age. Really easy to spend 2 hours in this place.

We got a tour of the facility that houses the old city water pumps. Very much enjoyed our guided tour and amazing tour guide. She was very knowledgable and made it interesting. It is a quick museum to see but it has good history to learn and the buildings have been kept up well.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The building is the original 1860 Hamilton waterworks - there are only trains on special occasions. Beautiful original wood and metal. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The 8 and 5 kids with us had a great time doing the included scavenger hunt - which allowed them to run around the building counting 4 or 5 times. More

Come here as a tour with City of Hamilton special event today. Good place to visit in Hamilton. This event as part of commemorations for Hamilton 175, tour through Hamilton heritage sites Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology on October 21 and Dundurn Castle on October 22 with special guest guide Mayor Eisenberger.

Very interesting place to look back in history and experience all the hard work and life of the people who worked there and their routine of life. Great to see how the steam engine works. Worth to visit Highly recommended
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It was very interesting to learn about the city's water supply and how the first pump house came to be. The tour guide was great and answered most of our questions. (She was new to the job) and best part it was free with our hamilton library cards.
Wait time
No wait

Not what I was expecting but was amazed at what is hiding in the historical building. Definitely worth stopping in and learning the history of the Hamilton water pump station.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We had an excellent visit at the museum today, the guided tour was very interesting Thank you to our guide that was very informative and polite. Great experience
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Absolutely Beautiful. We were there for a wedding with our bar Stocious. Can't wait to come back to do the tour. All the staff I met so far were extremely kind and knowledgeable.
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Not sure

There’s always something to do here, especially for young kids. We’ve been to tons of events, mostly free, and the kids always enjoy their time. Thank you.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Some interesting history preserved in this site of Hamilton's first pumping station. If you like learning about local history, this is a good place to go.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely tour and tour guide. They keep everything in working order and can turn the original pumps with an electric engine. Very neat to see.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great little museum with a beautiful well-preserved steam pump, and a model railroad. It is definitely worth visiting when the weather is good.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Awesome tour for a really good price, staff 100% know what their talking about and are extremley friendly. 10/10 would recommend this to all age groups and an awesome place to stop in and learn about Victorian steam water pumps.

The museum is small and not too much to see there. I was expecting more items in the exhibition... The entry was free, but parking was $10.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place to learn about the past history of how water was pumped for Hamilton. The train rides were super cute for the kids - not sure if they have this all year round or if it was just for the event we went too.

I had my wedding here this past weekend, it was absolutely amazing! The venue turned out beautifully, and the staff were all so helpful when we needed assistance/questions. Very cool spot to take the family too!

I was thorn between 3/4stars but after much deliberation and elimination :) I came to a conclusion that they deserve 4stars...Overall, my son loooved the experience. The trains, history, the art, lovely!

We went for a guided tour today. My 12 to and I loved it. Our tour guide did an amazing job answering my son's many questions and his vast knowledge and love of the site made for a wonderful afternoon.

Informative tour. Vey interesting facility to see. Tours are on a schedule so plan to arrive for a tour time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Informative museum; volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable and the museum is choc full of artifacts. Would make a great school trip for kids to learn about local history and technology. More

One of the best place in Ontario. Highly recommend for those who likes steam engines and trains.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Museum was fun! Rene really made it an amazing experience. She was very passionate about Hamilton and the museum. The stories she had and the interactive exhibits were great.

Exceptional Victorian building housing the water works pump a Gartshore steam p0wereed pump that served Hamilton Ontario Canada during the the 1800s
Visited on
Weekend

Great experience for kids with lots of neat local info and a small gift shop. Gorgeous Victorian architecture.
Visited on
Weekday
Reservation recommended
Yes

When we where young it was an old abandoned building on Woodward Avenue that we would played in. Never saw any historical significance in those days. Back in the 1950's.

Never been to the steam museum before and Its for kids mainly. The staff is really nice and helpful. Take a day off/weekend to visit it. The park around it, Is OKAY too.

Great Victorian era water pumping station. Tour guide was very informative.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

We had my bridal shower at the woodshed and it was great!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The kids were delighted with the mini railroad)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

History & science with a fun interactive challenge for the youth of the 1st Hamilton West Mountain Scouting group. It was amazing!

Excellent resource for understanding the history and technology of early Hamilton. The tour guide was informed and thoughtful.

Had fun there with my kid. It was a good experience and a day well spent. Educational, friendly, and interesting.

"Coal" place to learn about the history of the water works of Hamilton. Good to blow off steam ^_^

A great place to bring your school aged kids. My daughter enjoyed the tour and learned a lot!

Steam Punk! Really awesome for kids, and there's a donation train ride. Really fun.

We used their woodshed venue and it was so perfect. Loved it. I'd def recommend

Went for the battlwbots event. Great place. Cool place. Would recomend

A great way to spend a couple of hours. Tour guide was excellent.

Excellent and beautiful place of History!