How do you show your love on Valentine’s Day? The answer is easy: mouth-watering treats.
But it’s not like you need the excuse of February 14 to indulge; these sweet shops in Hamilton, Ontario are a destination-worthy escape (only one hour from Toronto) all year round.
Cake and Loaf
With a flagship storefront and a second location in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, Cake and Loaf’s dreamy desserts make for the perfect Instagram photo. Co-owners and bakers Josie Rudderham and Nicole Miller can do it all – from cookies, cakes, and cupcakes to pies, butter tarts, and cinnamon buns.
Address: 321 Dundurn Street South, Hamilton
Instagram: @cakeandloafbakery
Chocolat on James
From chocolate covered strawberries to a bouquet of chocolate roses, the best way to a person’s heart is Chocolat. All sorts of barks, truffles, and fudge are available as well as ice cream creations in this sweet lover’s paradise.
Address: 123 James Street North, Hamilton
Instagram:@chocolatonjames
Forrat’s Chocolates
Located on Locke Street, Forrat’s Chocolates is truly decadent. Their truffles, bars, caramels and clusters are made with the finest ingredients – plus they offer what they call “dipped yummies,” strawberries, pretzels, licorice, Oreos, and even bacon.
Address: 184 Locke Street South, Hamilton
Instagram: @forratschocolatesonlocke
Sam’s Queenston Bakery
Best known for their legendary Sicilian cannoli, this Stoney Creek shop was founded in 1978 and offers traditional Italian pastries like rum balls, pesche con crema (peaches with creme), tiramisu, and zeppole.
Address: 341 Queenston Road, Hamilton
Instagram: @samsqueenstonbakery
Panini & Ice Cream
True ice-cream lovers satisfy their cravings throughout the cold months too! Panini and Ice Cream is a hidden gem with not-so-discreet offerings for those who scream for ice cream. Their creative, colourful and colossal ice cream treats are perfect for sharing (or not…we won’t judge).
Address: 1505 Main Street East, Hamilton
Instagram: @paninisicecream
Candi Werx
If there’s a confection you’re looking for, it’s likely to be found at Candi Werx. Nostalgic candies and novelty products fill the shelves of this Concession Street store, but you’ll also find chocolate truffles, ice cream, and some of the best British treats in town.
Address: 560 Concession Street, Hamilton
Instagram: @candi_werx
Sprinkles on Top
Sprinkles on Top ice cream parlour and candy shoppe is for the young and young-at-heart. Order an ice cream with all the fun toppings and sauces or opt for a waffle, giant lollipop, or one of the many chocolates and sweets in this Stoney Creek shop.
Address: 39 King Street East, Stoney Creek
Instagram: @sprinklesontop.hamont
Beanermunky Chocolates
Find locally made, small batch artisan chocolates in downtown Dundas. Try unique flavours like Sweet Chili Heat, Bollywood Night, and Caramel Apple Pie or pick up a chocolate bow tie for him or a stiletto for her.
Address: 50 King Street West, Dundas
Instagram: @beanermunkychoc
Made for you by Madeleine
Made for you by Madeleine emphasizes the texture and nutrition of whole grains and stone-mills their flour on site. If you’re on a search for more wholesome baked goods, make a stop at this bakery for their namesake madeleine pastry and other small batch products.
Address: 51 King William Street, Hamilton
Hotti Biscotti
Hotti Biscotti is known for their softer-style biscotti… but a bouquet of their delicious cake pops sounds like just the thing to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They also make cookie pies, snowballs, chocolate covered pretzels and popcorn, ice cream sandwiches and other goodies.
Address: 142 James Street North, Hamilton
Instagram: @hottibiscotti
Bella Biscotti
Set on a mission of “making biscotti beautiful”, Bella Biscotti has all kinds of biscotti (in gluten-free and nut-free varieties too!) like peanut butter chocolate, pina colada, pralines with caramel, toasted coconut, turtles, and many more. They also offer cookies and dessert squares. Order full size biscotti or bambinos (miniature two-bite biscotti).
Address: 53 King Street East, Stoney Creek
Caniche French Bakery
Located in Ancaster, Caniche French Bakery specializes in beautiful French pastries. Their menu includes madeleines, éclairs, macarons, pain au chocolat, and various tartes.
Address: 346 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
Instagram: @canichebakery
Sweet Paradise
This name says it all. With 30 years of experience, this heavenly bakery has mastered their Italian-style pastries to perfection. While they make cannolis, tiramisu, napoleon pastries and custom cakes, the doughnuts are a must! You can’t beat an apple fritter, chocolate dipped, boston cream, or cinnamon sugar donut made fresh!
Address: 630 Stone Church Road West, Hamilton
Instagram: @sweetparadisebakery
Donut Monster
Donut Monster produces small batch from-scratch doughnuts sold at retailers across Hamilton. Their unique flavours and donut mastery have attracted a huge fan base. Try the baklava, lemon curd filled, caramel cayenne, clementine, matcha powder, chocolate crunch, and more.
Instagram: @donutmonsterhamilton
See also
- Meet 6 chefs from The Six who are currently making the 905 sizzle
- This Ontario town an hour from Toronto is your next winter road trip destination
- Hamilton is now the hottest real estate market in Canada
- 10 things you didn’t know about Hamilton
Written for Daily Hive by Amanda Stancati of People of Hamilton in partnership with Hamilton Economic Development.