ETAPS 2025 in Hamilton, Canada

The 28th edition of the International Joint Conferences on Theory and Practice of Software (ETAPS) is organized by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and will take place from May 3rd to May 8th, 2025.

Keep reading to learn more about the venue, McMaster University, and the best sightseeing opportunities in the Hamilton, Ontario area.

Quick facts about McMaster University

McMaster University is one of Canada’s top universities, with a strong focus on research and innovative teaching. Established in 1887, McMaster has grown into a renowned center for academic excellence with more than 37'500 students. It has ranked consistently in the top 100–200 universities in the world, and in the top 10 Canadian universities according to both the Times Higher Education World University ranking and the QS World University ranking.

McMaster hosts a vibrant and diverse community with students and faculty coming from over 90 countries worldwide. With over 300+ student-led clubs, the university fosters a spirit of friendship, collaboration, and inclusivity. The main campus is immersed in nature and offers a relaxing atmosphere, close to the Royal Botanical Garden Nature Sanctuary of Cootes Paradise. A virtual tour of the campus is available online.

McMaster is also a hub for innovation and research. With more than 70 research centers and institutes, it has a strong reputation as one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities. Thanks to its solid ties to the industries in Ontario and North America in general, McMaster is a global leader in multi-disciplinary research with a real-world impact.

The Faculty of Engineering spearheads these efforts with cutting-edge research and world-class faculty members. As part of the university’s campaign towards problem-based learning and more student-centered learning, the faculty boasts the largest undergraduate research program, with students getting hands-on experience in active research as early as the first year. The university also offers one of the largest co-op programs in Canada, allowing students to learn new skills directly from industry partners before graduation.

The ETAPS conference will be hosted in the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery (MDCL). The building offers modern and spacious facilities, including 5 rooms with a capacity of over 150 people each. The venue is in the main university campus, close to many of the university’s hospitality services and several off-campus food options.

The Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery

What to do in Hamilton

Tiffany Falls in November, credits to @bilalmba

With a perfect balance between metropolis and small-town charm, Hamilton offers something for everyone. The city is famous for its breathtaking views and its active cultural scene.

Hamilton is often referred to as the “Waterfall Capital of the World”. This reputation comes from the 150+ waterfalls situated within city limits presenting some of the most scenic landscapes in Ontario. Many of the city most famous attractions (Webster Falls, Albion Falls, Tiffany Falls) can be reached with a short walk from the nearest parking lot or bus station, but the area offers trails for all levels of trekking experience. Check the Hamilton Conservation Authority for more information.

The city has a vibrant artistic and cultural scene, with several events organised every single week. On May 9th, Hamilton will host its monthly Art Crawl on James Street North with galleries, shops and food vendors remaining open till late. The McMaster Museum of Art contains one of the finest university collections in Canada and includes works from Monet, Turner, and van Gogh. You can also explore some of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city: see a movie at the historic Westdale Theatre, go shopping in the charming Dundas Village, and have dinner on Locke Street.

May in Hamilton can still be a bit cold, with temperatures going from 10ºC to 20ºC (or 50F to 70F), so bring something warm to explore the city.

Visiting Toronto

Toronto skyline, credits to Ryan Ready

Only an hour’s drive from Hamilton, Toronto is the biggest city in Canada and one of the most important metropolitan centres in North America. The downtown area can be easily explored on foot: starting from Union Station you can visit the CN tower, the St. Lawrence market, the city hall and many other attractions in just a couple of hours. The CN tower, considered one of the symbols of the city, offers 3 panoramic decks and a restaurant located at over 300m from the ground, presenting an unforgettable sight. For food-lovers, the St Lawrence market is a must-see destination with over 120 specialty vendors selling food and ingredients from all over the world.

Toronto can be reached by Hamilton in approx. one hour with three different options:

Car: Highway 403 connects directly Hamilton and Toronto.
Train: A train departs hourly from the West Harbour Go station in Hamilton to Union Station in Toronto.
Bus: The Go bus 16 runs an express connection between the Hamilton Go station and the Union station in Toronto. The bus runs hourly on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.

Visiting Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, credits to Saffron Blaze

One of the most popular destinations in North America, the Niagara Falls are a natural wonder. The three waterfalls ( Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls) every year attract millions of tourists for this unique experience. In the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, you will also find an amusement park, restaurants, theatres and casinos to enhance your stay.

Niagara Falls can be reached by Hamilton with two possible options:

Car: The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) connects directly Hamilton and Niagara Falls in slightly more than one hour.
Bus: Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct bus or train from Hamilton to Niagara Falls. The best alternative is to take a bus to the Burlington Go station and then take the Go bus 12 to Niagara Falls. This usually takes a couple of hours.