Tours & Excursions

McMaster Nuclear Reactor 

Date: Mon, June 9, 2025
Time: 3 PM
Length: 1 hr 
Cost: Free 
Website: McMaster Nuclear Reactor
Registration Required 

The McMaster Nuclear Reactor is a multi-purpose reactor that provides neutrons for research and medical isotope production. It is Canada’s most powerful research reactor and the nation’s only major neutron source. 

• Each participant must present government-issued identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) prior to embarking on the tour and fill out the visitor information card available here: Reactor Visitor Information Card. All tours require that a visitor information card be filled out; tour cards can be filled out in advance and are available on the tour. 
• All participants must wear closed-toe low-heeled shoes and long pants, (no sandals, high-heeled shoes, shorts or skirts). 
• The reactor tour involves some enclosed spaces. 
• Participants’ cellphones, cameras, backpacks etc. must be left in the reception office. Furthermore, McMaster Nuclear Reactor reserves the right to refuse admission at our discretion. 

McMaster Biology Greenhouse 

Date: Mon, June 9, 2025
Time: 4 PM
Length: 30 min
Cost: Free 
Website: McMaster Biology Greenhouse
Registration Required 

Join Dr. Susan Dudley on a guided tour of the new McMaster Biology Greenhouse. 

McMaster Archives and Research Collections & Mills Memorial Library

Date: Mon, June 9, 2025
Time: 4 PM
Length: 1 hr
Cost: Free 
Registration Required 

We are pleased to offer behind-the-scenes tours of our Division to interested groups. Ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of the archives? Want to get a closer look at the shelves where the medieval manuscripts live? Wonder what happens in a conservation lab? This is your chance! 

One of our staff will show you through our secure collections areas – archival stacks, rare book shelves, and conservation lab – stopping along the way to emphasize selected items from the collection.

LIVELab 

Dates and Times:

• Mon, June 9, 2025 3pm-4:30pm
• Thurs, June 12, 2025 1pm-3:30pm  

Length: 1.5 hrs
Cost: $10 
Website: LIVELab
Registration & Payment via Conference Portal Required 

The LIVELab is a fully functioning concert hall that is equipped with an advanced virtual acoustic system that can re-create any sound environment. The LIVELab has technology to measure behaviours and physiological responses (e.g., brain waves, heart rate, galvanic skin responses) in up to 100 people at the same time. It is at the forefront of understanding human interaction, the power of music to move us and enhance the health of individuals and communities. 

We study topics like how music can help Parkinson’s patients to walk, or hearing-aid users to enjoy music; how to increase functioning in children with developmental disorders through rhythm training; and how to enhance creativity in artistic performances and create more immersive audience experiences. 

LIVELab is unique in the world and a recent review stated, “It is not an exaggeration to call it a national treasure”. 

Join us for a 90 minute interactive tour of the facility as we go behind-the-scenes to learn how technology such as motion capture, eye tracking and physiological measures like EEG, heart rate and respiration are used in the scientific study of music, sound, and movement and their importance in human development and human health. 

LIVELab 

Dates and Times:

• Mon, June 9, 2025, 3 PM-4:30 PM
• Thurs, June 12, 2025, 1 PM-3:30 PM  

Length: 1.5 hrs
Cost: $10 
Website: LIVELab
Registration & Payment via Conference Portal Required 

The LIVELab is a fully functioning concert hall that is equipped with an advanced virtual acoustic system that can re-create any sound environment. The LIVELab has technology to measure behaviours and physiological responses (e.g., brain waves, heart rate, galvanic skin responses) in up to 100 people at the same time. It is at the forefront of understanding human interaction, the power of music to move us and enhance the health of individuals and communities. 

We study topics like how music can help Parkinson’s patients to walk, or hearing-aid users to enjoy music; how to increase functioning in children with developmental disorders through rhythm training; and how to enhance creativity in artistic performances and create more immersive audience experiences. 

LIVELab is unique in the world and a recent review stated, “It is not an exaggeration to call it a national treasure”. 

Join us for a 90 minute interactive tour of the facility as we go behind-the-scenes to learn how technology such as motion capture, eye tracking and physiological measures like EEG, heart rate and respiration are used in the scientific study of music, sound, and movement and their importance in human development and human health. 

Tiffany and Sherman Falls Guided Tour 

Date: Thurs, June 12, 2025
Time: 2 PM
Length: (approximate)  3 hours
Cost: Free
Websites: Tiffany Falls  and Sherman Falls
Registration Required 

Hamilton is home to more than 100 waterfalls and here is your chance to see 2 of the nicest ones (based on the opinion of the tour guide)!  Join a guided tour of Tiffany Falls and Sherman Falls in the beautiful Dundas Valley Conservation Area, where you’ll get a chance to dip your toes in both falls as well as stroll along the famous Bruce Trail.  The tour will begin on McMaster University Campus outside Mills Memorial Library, we’ll catch the Hamilton Street Rail bus to Tiffany Falls, then hike approximately 4 km to Sherman Falls before catching the HSR bus back to McMaster University campus.   

Some considerations:

• The trail has been rated as moderate difficulty on AllTrails, so good quality athletic or hiking footwear is recommended.  Unfortunately, the trail does include several staircases and has uneven terrain.  It is not accessible for individuals who rely on mobility aids. 

• There is an opportunity to get right up to and in both falls, so dress appropriately if you would like this experience. 

• We’ll be taking the bus to and from the falls, please ensure you have either $7.00 in change ($3.50 per ride) or a Presto card to pay the bus fare.  The approximate travel time on the bus will be 30 minutes each way. 

• The bus stops do require a short amount of walking along the side of public roads to get from the stop to the falls parking lots. 

• If attendees have access to vehicles and would like to drive to and between the falls instead, this can be coordinated at the beginning of the tour, we’ll establish approximate times to meet at each falls parking lot.  

Art Gallery of Hamilton Tour & Collage Activity 

Date: Thurs, June 12, 2025
Time: 2 PM
Length: 2.5 hrs
Cost: $30 plus HST
Website: Art Gallery of Hamilton 
Registration via Conference Portal Required 

Located in downtown Hamilton, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is offering attendees a guided tour of featured exhibitions, including insights into individual works and the narrative that brings the works together. Following the in-gallery experience, attendees will participate in a creative collage activity, working with found materials. No one need worry that they cannot draw or might do something wrong. 

• Free admission for a support person accompanying a visitor with a disability. 
• Service animals are welcome 
• Wheelchairs (both manual and transport style) are available for visitors at no cost. 
• Elevator access, folding stools, and large print materials are available. 
• FM Devices for visitors with hearing loss are available for those attending tours, lectures and classes.  
• For information about AGH accessibility here: Art Gallery of Hamilton – Accessibility  

McMaster Museum of Art 

Date: Thurs, June 12, 2025
Time: 4 PM
Length: 1 hr
Cost: Free
Website: McMaster Museum of Art 
Registration Required 

Located on campus next to Mills Library, McMaster Museum of Art will provide a tour of two exhibitions, Ascending Horizons and The Great Sea.  Access the free audio guide here: McMaster Museum of Art Audio Guide. 

In the gallery: 

• There is no food or drink allowed in the gallery (we have a water fountain in the basement) 
• We have large print (16 pt font) and descriptive text available (on paper) for all wall text 
• Elevators available (behind-the-scenes, staff will accompany visitors) 
• The accessible washroom is on the main floor 
• There are a limited number of lightweight stools available in the gallery, and seating in the lobby 

Self-guided walking tours: 

• There are paved pathways and sidewalks between locations on the tours 
• The links have maps to find the locations, written text, and audio descriptions of each tour stop 

Fairweather Brewery Tour 

Date: Thurs, June 12, 2025
Time: 2 PM
Length: 15 minutes
Cost: $20 plus tax – Attendees will pay admission at Fairweather Brewery upon arrival 
Website: Fairweather Brewing
Registration via Conference Portal Required 

Join us for a brewery tour and tasting at Fairweather Brewing in the Ainslie Wood neighbourhood (west of McMaster University). Since opening in 2017, this brewery has become a local favourite. The tour will be 15 minutes, then attendees are free to mingle and unwind with colleagues. Fairweather Brewery is BYOG (Bring Your Own Grub), so feel free to bring your takeaway boxed lunch, pick something up along the way, or order delivery to the venue.