Travelling to Hamilton | The Ismaili Canada
Travelling to Hamilton
We have curated all the essential details to help you reach Hamilton, whether you plan to reach illume 2023 by train, bus, car, or plane.
 
Athletes and artists should plan to arrive in Hamilton on Friday, August 4 (the opening ceremonies begin at 8:00pm) and depart on Monday, August 7 (select sports will run into Monday only, send off to conclude by 3:00pm). Give yourself plenty of time on either end to account for traffic, shuttle transport/parking, room check-in, freshening up, and walking to the venues.
 
Please note there are select sporting events that will commence on Thursday, August 3 and Friday morning. If your sport is among them, you will receive direct communication from your organizing team with these details.
By Plane

The main airport in Hamilton is the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, located 15 minutes from downtown Hamilton.

Other Airports Nearby:

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport: About a 40 minute drive to Hamilton. 
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: About an hour and 15 minute drive to Hamilton (can be more if there's traffic).
By Train

VIA Rail:

  • If you are traveling to Hamilton from destinations across Eastern Canada, VIA Rail is a good option
  • The closest train station to Hamilton is Aldershot Station, a 10 km or 13-minute drive from Hamilton. It is located at 1199 Waterdown Road, Burlington, Ontario
  • To book your travel on VIA Rail, visit the VIA Rail Booking page

GO Train: 

  • If you are traveling to Hamilton from the Greater Toronto Area or other locations in Southern Ontario, consider the GO Train
  • The closest GO Station is the Hamilton GO Station, located at 36 Hunter Street East, Hamilton. It is a ~5-minute drive to Mohawk College and a 9-minute drive to McMaster University
  • Illume shuttles will be available from Friday to Monday to take you from the Hamilton GO Station to Mohawk College and McMaster University
  • To book your travel on the GO Train, visit the GO Transit
By Bus

GO Bus

  • If you are traveling from destinations around Southern Ontario, you may also choose to take the GO Bus to Hamilton
  • You can take the GO Bus to the Downtown Terminal at 36 Hunter Street East, Hamilton, or to the McMaster University Hub at 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton
  • To plan your trip, visit GoTransit.
By Car

Hamilton is accessible by car and conveniently located on major highway routes including Highways 403, 407, 5, 6, 8, and QEW.

Driving distances:

  • Toronto to Hamilton: Approximately 1 hour via 401 and 403.
  • Niagara Falls to Hamilton: Approximately 1 hour via QEW and 403.
  • London to Hamilton: Approximately 1.5 hours via 401 and 403.
Discounts & Deals

VIA Rail and Go Transit

 

Flights

WestJet
Book travel on WestJet.com - search for your travel dates and enter the code: 9B2G0PQ.
 
Discount Structure:
  • 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada
  • 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border
 
Air Canada
Book travel on aircanada.ca - search for your travel dates and enter the code: FFMPKZM1.
 
Discount Structure:
  • 0% on Basic Fare Tickets
  • 10%  on Standard Fare Tickets
  • 15% on Flex-Comfort-Latitude Fare Tickets
  • 10% on PY Low Fare Tickets
  • 15% on PY Flex Fare Tickets
  • 10% on Business Low Fare Tickets
  • 5% on Business Flex Fare Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
I am flying in to the Hamilton airport. How do I get to McMaster University?

At the time of registration, be sure to enter your arrival and departure details to secure a spot on the shuttle. We will greet you upon arrival to Hamilton and support your transport needs until you depart!

Will transportation be provided for participants and family members arriving in Hamilton?

Our hospitality team is delighted to transport athletes, artists, coaches and family members from the Hamilton airport.

Transportation to McMaster University will be provided from the following locations:

  • Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
  • VIA Aldershot Station in Burlington
  • Hamilton GO Centre (36 Hunter St E, Hamilton)
  • West Harbour GO (353 James St. N, Hamilton)

Visit iicanada.org/illume/transportation to find shuttle schedules.

Who do I contact if there is a change in my travel details?

Details of your travel plans will be collected during the National Registration process. If there is a change to your travel plans, please contact illume@iicanada.net as soon as possible to avoid any delays in communication. 

The Ismaili

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His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada

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Tel: +1-416-646-6965

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