Tim Hortons (Mini Museum)
Fast food restaurant · Hamilton ·

Tim Hortons (Mini Museum)

Fast food restaurant · Hamilton ·

Signature premium coffee, light fare, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, museum

Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) by null

Information

65 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y9, Canada Get directions

CA$1–10

Order delivery

Information

Static Map

65 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y9, Canada Get directions

+1 905 544 4515
timhortons.ca
@timhortons
𝕏
@TimHortons

CA$1–10

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
wifi

Last updated

Dec 15, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

Tim Hortons No. 1 – Hamilton, Ontario - Gastro Obscura

"When National Hockey League player, Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton, opened this first branch of his first eponymous restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario, on May 17, 1964, no one would have imagined that his name would become as synonymous with Canada as maple leaves, poutine, and hockey itself. Today, the franchise has grown into Canada’s largest fast-food chain, with over 5,000 locations in 15 countries. Horton was a Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played professionally for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. After a brief attempt at hamburgers, Horton founded the fast-food coffee and doughnut chain with business partner Jim Charade. The very first Tim Hortons shop remains at its original Hamilton location. In 2014, the building was entirely rebuilt in recognition of the restaurant’s 50th anniversary. The renovation included the addition of a second floor to house a museum of the chain and its founder. Lest there be any doubt as to the location, the building’s signage proudly declares, “First Restaurant Opened Here May 17, 1964.” Graphics on the retro sign include a cartoon likeness of Tim Horton shooting doughnuts with a hockey stick. Completing the renovation was the addition of a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Tim Horton, in full hockey gear, in front of the store to greet visitors. The second-floor museum has six rooms representing different decades of the restaurant’s history. The first room is a reproduction of an original Tim Hortons dining room, circa 1964, complete with a vintage cash register and Formica counters. Racks of doughnuts from the chain’s past fill the display cabinets, including replicas of two of the ever-popular original doughnuts, the Apple Fritter and the Dutchie. The museum contains furnishings, tableware, ephemera, uniforms, paper products, and memorabilia from Tim Hortons of yore, as well as mementos that highlight Horton’s Hamilton roots and his Hall of Fame hockey career. Best of all, one can enjoy the displays while munching a fresh Honey Dip and sipping a Double-Double. Know Before You Go Tim Hortons No. 1 is open daily and entrance to the museum area is free." - zgktinella, Sydney Rose

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tim-hortons-no-1
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum)

Mir Aiman A.

Google
It’s not grand or elaborate just a small corner filled with pieces of the past but it somehow captures a feeling that’s deeply familiar. Maybe it’s the smell of coffee in the air, or the soft hum of conversation nearby, but the moment you walk in, it feels like coming home. The museum is a gentle reminder of how Tim Hortons has always been more than a coffee shop. Behind the glass displays are tiny fragments of a shared story: the first coffee cans, old photographs of smiling employees, handwritten notes from customers, and the original doughnut cutter that helped shape so many small-town mornings. Each item carries a quiet kind of pride the kind that comes from humble beginnings and long-standing tradition. What touched me most was how personal it all feels. The space isn’t about branding or corporate history; it’s about people. It’s about the early risers who grab their morning cup before work, the parents who treat their kids to Timbits after hockey practice, and the travelers who find comfort in the red and brown logo miles away from home. You don’t need long there just a few unhurried minutes to take it all in. But somehow, in that short time, it reminds you of how small, simple rituals can become part of who we are. The Tim Hortons Mini Museum may be modest, but it holds something powerful a sense of belonging brewed over generations. It’s a quiet tribute to community, kindness, and the comfort of a warm cup shared.

Polat M.

Google
I visited the Tim Hortons Mini Museum today, and I was really excited because this is the very first branch — it feels special to be here! The place was very clean, and I enjoyed seeing the beautiful displays and learning about the history. It really reminded me of how coffee used to be a big part of people’s lives in the past. However, I was a bit disappointed with the customer service. The lady at the counter seemed a little stressed or maybe new, and her attitude toward customers wasn’t very welcoming. Hopefully, this improves with time, because the location itself is truly worth visiting.

Johnychayan J

Google
#1 Tim Hortons .. since 1964 😊 It's nice experience compared to other Tim's I visited . Very friendly staffs and nice atmosphere. Seats are limited but when I visited it was not crowded. I was not able to enter the mini museum as it was closed on the day . And the other noticeable fact is .. the coffee was absolutely nice . And the hot chocolate I had was the best one till now from any of the Tim .

Justin L.

Google
the original tim hortons location...nicely renovated with good customer service. the display area was nice but smaller than i was expecting. if you are a tim hortons fan then it may be worth a visit

Angel R.

Google
My son who is autistic loves googling places and we go and check them out. He reads up in every place like he did with this Timmies, he stood outside and read the plaque on Mr. Horton, we went inside and he was loving the wall of vintage items, he wants to go back up the upstairs opens up. Dine in was closed but we made do.

Taimoor

Google
Tim Hortons (Mini Museum) - this Tim Hortons is special because it has a small museum inside! You can drink coffee, eat donuts, enjoy timbits, and learn about Tim Hortons’ history. The walls have old photos, hockey jerseys, and fun facts about the brand. The coffee and food taste good (try the honey-dip donut!), and the staff is fast and friendly. Prices are cheap, but seats are limited. The museum is small, so don’t expect a big exhibit. Great for a quick visit if you want coffee and a bit of Canadian history. **4/5 stars** — go when it’s not busy to see everything! ☕🍩

JC L.

Google
Tim Horton's #1. The First Store. Wow. Clearly has been renovated though it is very nice and welcoming inside. There is a statue of Tim outside. Love the Mini-Muse inside. It is on the upper level. Fun trip down memory lane. There is an elevator available. Clean facility. Clean washrooms. Free WiFi.

Kyle B

Google
New look terrible 😔. Food average, but service is amazing all staff should get a raise for the great service they provide. I think the SOUR CREAM GLAZE DOUNT is the best donut they sell. Again the new rebuild of the Tim Hortons SUCKS!!! Just rebuild it back to the original store back in the 60's, 70's or 80's Because of the crappy new design of the store not sure I'd like to keep going, but the service of the staff keeps me going. Terrible 😞 terrible 😞 terrible 😞 building atmosphere because of new design. Awesome 👍 awesome 👍 staff! The staff is pretty amazing and the staff service make it worth going to. If it wasn't for the amazing service of the staff I probably won't go. The design of the rebuild makes me sick 🤢, but the staff service is amazing 😍. Give all staff a raise!!!!!! The staff here make the drinks taste much better than any other Tim Hortons. Thanks staff for the amazing service and amazing work. Keep up the amazing service!!!!
google avatar

Sel Z.

Yelp
I specifically came to this Tim Hortons location because of the museum located on the 2nd floor. As the location of the very first Tim Hortons in Canada, the 2nd floor museum is pretty cool - a trip down memory lane with memorabilia depicting Tim Hortons' history and changes over the decades. There are menu items that they used to serve back in those days (such as éclairs), menu boards with prices (15 cents donuts from the 1960s, anyone?), old Tim Hortons coffee cups and donut boxes, and more. You also get to see how the staff uniforms looked like back then (just like the ones you'd see in movies from the 1960s). The first floor acts as a regular cafe where you can order stuff, and the 2nd floor is a combination of seating space with tables and the museum itself. It's free to enter. Compared to some other Tim Hortons locations, this one is fairly clean and well kept.
google avatar

Becky K.

Yelp
I thought the inside store part would be bigger since it's the celebrated first location etc. The store itself is smaller than regular Tim Horton's. They do have the fancy "pick up" lockers though. There are a few stools if you need to sit but otherwise it's standing room only. Not really for grabbing your coffee and sitting with it - take it with you as you walk and shop.
google avatar

Mary T.

Yelp
This review is my 1,600th one. Time flies when there's so much to write about! I recently did a staycation in Hamilton. I frankly haven't visited the city as much as I used to. I used to visit to either drive my mom to her allergist eons ago or take in a Tiger-Cats football game at the old Ivor Wynne Stadium, which is now Tim Hortons Field. It is fitting on so many levels to write about this particular Tim Hortons. Almost two weeks ago, I was in the older part of Hamilton. I had just had dinner at Boon Burger. I was driving over to the hotel to check in. I saw this beautiful, nicely illuminated building. I said to myself, "What is that nice building?" I looked carefully and it was a Timmy's. I seem to talk to myself a lot in my car. I then said, "That's the nicest Timmy's that I have ever seen." I normally don't think twice about how aesthetically pleasing a Timmy's looks. I came back here a couple of days later to check it out. I was congested and my sinuses were killing me. I decided to get a steeped tea and dropped by. This Timmy's does not have a drive-thru. I parked and made my way over to the front door. It took longer than expected. There is a nice statue of Tim Horton as you head over to the main doors. I liked the plaque that described his accomplishments. So, what's so special about this Timmy's? It's the first location of Tim Hortons in Canada. It was originally called Tim Hortons Donuts. The franchise has not looked back since. The second floor is a museum. As much as I love a good museum, I wasn't feeling great. I decided to take a raincheck and just get some steeped tea. I lined up. It didn't take long for me to place my order. I had a new person help me out. I ordered a medium steeped tea. I take steeped tea black. I am so not a regular customer. She asked how I wanted to pay. I used the balance that I've had on my Tim's card for years. I then realized that I had my rewards card. I asked if I could get that scanned. She said that it was too late. I wasn't buying it. Congested me asked if I could submit some sort of report to get missing points. She didn't get it. She insisted that it was too late. Immediately, two older women created a human sandwich, with her being the protein part. One of them asked, "What's your question, hun?" I like how Hamiltonians are so friendly. I explained the situation to the woman. I just wanted to decongest. The older woman said that she could fix things and I got my reward credited. I was so happy. I thanked everyone and left with my steeped tea. Ah, steeped tea. I was so happy drinking it. My sinuses drained. I was my happier self again. It was exactly what I needed. I hope to come back here and check out the museum. I saw sweatshirts and other merchandise on the main floor, which was different. It's a good store and I'm glad that I can now say that I have visited the first one that opened in 1964. (84)

Kathy S.

Yelp
Employee stated they do not make cold brew even tho I specifically came in for the newest Caramel Toffee Cold brew. Her tone was rude and off putting. Very disappointed in this establishment as I have been to Tim Hortons from all over and was looking forward to the original.
google avatar

Wei C.

Yelp
What better way to start the first post of the year then with an iconic Canadian institution, Tim Hortons! For those of you not from Canada, Tim Horton's is as Canadian as beavers, hockey and Drake! Timmy's is top dog in Canada! We visited the location of the very first store #1 located in an old part of Hamilton. The original store has long been torn down but they built a beautiful new store with an upstairs museum added a few years ago. There's a recreation of old stores of years gone by with a replica store, uniforms and other classic Tim Horton's memoribilia. In case you didn't know Tim Horton was a former Maple Leafs great who cofounded the doughnut chain. The store is small but very clean and best of all free! A must visit for any Timmy fan!
google avatar

Cassandra O.

Yelp
Each time I go to Tim's, I always get resilience. I cannot drink a regular coffee, so I need decaf. I LOVE their iced coffees, so I always ask them to make me a decaf iced coffee. I know it's not specifically on the menu, but all I want is an iced coffee cup filled with ice, my decaf coffee, sweetener and cream mixed together. Some employees don't mind at all, but majority have the sound of annoyance in their voice when asked. It's disappointing as a customer to always feel nervous when ordering because of the resistance. As a former Tim Horton's employee myself, I know it's really not that difficult of a task. I know COVID is tough, and I 100% stand behind all employees for their strength and bravery to work through these difficult times. But, I believe customers shouldn't be made feel bad in the process.
google avatar

May C.

Yelp
This two-storey Tims has a little gift shop on the first floor and a mini museum on the second. Once you walk up the stairs to the second floor, a replica vintage Tims with red bar stools will appear right before your eyes. There is a "Memory Lane" to the left showing the changes of the franchise. A statue of Tim Hortons stood outside the store. A great stop if you are in the area.
google avatar

Tiffany L.

Yelp
First Tim Horton's in Hamilton. It has a "memory lane" upstairs which takes you from the 60's-future Tim Horton's, showcasing cups and part of the history. Like a mini Museum. Pro: It is super clean, and that includes the washrooms, they have the Dyson taps with the dryers on the sides. Con: they don't toast croissants. I've never had a Tim Horton's refuse to toast my croissant. This one just won't do it.
google avatar

Mark M.

Yelp
A must see! It's the first Tim Hortons and its dressed nicely. It has a small first floor but a cool second floor filled with memorabilia from year's past. You can chill at tables or nicely padded chairs. Clean modern washrooms as well.
google avatar

Fai F.

Yelp
We were already headed to Hamilton, Ontario for an unusual ladies trip to see the sites. We thought it was normal, but everyone we talked to thought it was unusual that 5 ladies from the Detroit area were in town to see waterfalls. We had a little tip that the First Tim Hortons was in the same city. Fast forward to the most delicious, unexpected stop of our trip! Drunk on maple cappuccino and signature strawberry shortcake donut (it really tasted like strawberries, says the high fructose corn syrup injected American), we chatted with the staff, perused the memorabilia on the second floor, and ducked passed the tougher Hamiltonians. The staff were super nice (and not just because they are Canadian?), and hardworking. One woman was polishing up the metal on the spinny stools, on her hands and knees. Anyways, the shiny building has nice landscaping, nice sitting area, friendly staff and tasty donuts. The wifi didn't seem to work, and the coffee was average, but we all had a delightful experience. Recommended!
google avatar

Judy W.

Yelp
The very first Tim Hortons in Canada, and it was build in 1964. Little memory museum is on the second floor of this building and it's a must see in Hamilton
google avatar

George J.

Yelp
Yup, I really enjoy Timmy's coffee. So I had to make a stop during a recent trip to the first Tim Horton Donut shop that was opened in Hamilton in 1964. It was just around the corner from where I grew up, and it's still there today.