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Venues

Haptic Horizons Art Symposium is held across three nearby locations

Spice Factory – 121 Hughson St. N, Hamilton ON, L8R 1G7


Centre[3] for Artistic + Social Practice – 173 James St. N, Hamilton ON, L8R 2K9


VibraFusionLab – 126 James St. N, Hamilton ON, L8R 2K7

Haptic Horizons Art Symposium is held across three nearby locations

A daytime close-up of photograph of the Spice Factory entrance. The building is made of aged red brick with classic architectural moulding. A large black sign above the door simply reads "Spice FACTORY" in white serif lettering, with the street number "121" below it.
An outside photograph of Centre[3] for Artistic and Social Practice. The black signage features white and red text above a dark blue striped awning. Large glass windows reveal a brightly lit, minimalist interior gallery space.
A street-level view of the entrance to VibraFusionLab at 126 James Street North. The glass door is flanked by black panels and posters. To the left is the bright yellow storefront of a shop called "Pretty Grit," and a black lamppost stands in the foreground on the pavement.

Spaces Designed For Everyone

As an event grounded in disability-led perspectives, we’ve ensured our venues are fully equipped with accessible entrances and facilities, clear wayfinding signage, various seating styles, and more.

We encourage an atmosphere that’s respectful of masking, with staff and volunteers oriented to accessibility etiquette so that all attendees feel welcome. Additional support options are available for your convenience and comfort.

View Health & Safety Policy

MORE ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT OPTIONS

VIEW SPICE FACTORY FLOOR PLANS

The interior of the Spice Factory venue, featuring warm red brick walls decorated with strings of glowing fairy lights. Two modern sofas, one tan and one navy blue, face a low wooden coffee table. In the foreground, a black high-top bistro table holds small candles and white flowers in glass vases.

Getting Here & Parking

Public transit options connect to all venue locations. Accessible parking spots will be reserved and clearly marked where available.

DARTS transit is another option for those with disabilities who are unable to access regular transit service.

Book DARTS transit

TRANSIT ROUTES

PARKING OPTIONS

A row of accessible parking bays in an outdoor car park. Bright blue signs on yellow poles prominently display the white international symbol of access (a person using a wheelchair). Green trees and several parked cars line the pavement in the background.

Staying In Hamilton

We’re pleased to share that Staybridge Suites Hamilton Downtown is the official hotel for the Haptic Horizon Arts Symposium.

Staybridge Suites has been selected for its spacious suite-style rooms, accessible amenities, and convenient downtown location close to symposium venues and public transit.

A preferred nightly rate of $160 has been arranged for Haptic Horizon participants. To access this rate, participants can click the online booking link below, or call Staybridge Suites directly and let them know they are attending the Haptic Horizon Arts Symposium when booking. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

BOOK PREFERRED GUEST RATE ONLINE

CONTACT STAYBRIDGE SUITES DIRECTLY

A wide architectural shot of the Staybridge Suites building in downtown Hamilton. The modern multi-storey hotel features a light beige and slate blue façade under a clear blue sky. Trees line the street-level pavement in the foreground.

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Attend the 2026
Haptic Horizons Art Symposium

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Health & Safety Policy

The health, safety, and well-being of our artists, speakers, participants, staff, and community members is a priority for the Haptic Horizon Arts Symposium.

We ask all attendees to take shared responsibility for creating a safe and respectful environment.

 

Attendee Responsibilities

  • Please do not attend the symposium if you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.
  • Attendees are encouraged to self-screen prior to arrival.
  • Hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout the venue, and regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces will be maintained.
  • Mask-wearing is welcome and supported. Masks may be worn at any time based on personal comfort, access needs, or health considerations. Masks will be available for on-site participants.  
  • Some sessions may involve close proximity, tactile, or haptic engagement. Participants are encouraged to communicate boundaries and comfort levels clearly.


Accessibility & Care

  • We recognize that COVID-19 risk affects individuals differently, particularly those who are immunocompromised, disabled, or caring for vulnerable family members.
  • We encourage a culture of care, consent, and mutual respect, including honoring requests for distancing, masking, or modified interaction.
 
 

Updates

This policy may be updated in accordance with current public health guidance. Any changes will be communicated to registered participants in advance where possible.

Thank you for helping us create a thoughtful, inclusive, and community-care-focused symposium experience!

Transit Options

To Spice Factory
121 Hughson St. N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1G7

From Toronto & the GTA (Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington) 

GO Train:

  1. Take the Lakeshore West GO Train from:
    a)     Union Station (Toronto), or 
    B) Any station westward (Exhibition, Mimico, Long Branch, Port Credit, Clarkson, Oakville, Bronte, Appleby, Burlington).
  2. Travel toward Hamilton: Get off at West Harbour GO Station (closest to venues), or 
    Hamilton GO Centre (downtown terminal).
  3. From West Harbour GO: 
    Walk 10-12 minutes to The Spice Factory (south along James St N, then east to Hughson).
  4. From Hamilton GO Centre: 
    Walk 15-17 minutes to The Spice Factory, or take an HSR bus a few stops north toward Barton and James, then walk to Hughson St N. 
  5.  

GO Bus:

  • From Union Station Bus Terminal or Mississauga (Square One), take a GO Bus to Hamilton GO Centre. 
  • From Hamilton GO Centre, walk 15-17 minutes to The Spice Factory, or take an HSR bus a few stops north toward Barton and James, then walk to Hughson St N. 

 

 

From Niagara Region (St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Grimsby) 

  1. Take a GO Train or GO Bus toward Hamilton (often via the Niagara–Toronto corridor with stops in St. Catharines and Grimsby).
  2. Get off at Hamilton GO Centre or West Harbour GO.
  3. Walk, take a short HSR bus ride, or taxi to The Spice Factory.

(Service frequency varies in Niagara; check current schedules in advance.) 

 

 

From Brampton, Halton, & Peel Region 

  1. Travel by local transit or GO Bus/Train to Union Station or Oakville/Burlington.
  2. Transfer to the Lakeshore West GO Train toward Hamilton.
  3. Arrive at West Harbour GO or Hamilton GO Centre and proceed as above.

 

 

From Kitchener–Waterloo, Guelph, & Cambridge 

  1. Take the GO Train or GO Bus from Kitchener, Guelph, or Cambridge toward the GTA (often via Brampton or Mississauga).
  • Transfer to the Lakeshore West GO Train toward Hamilton.
  • Get off at West Harbour GO or Hamilton GO Centre and walk/HSR to The Spice Factory. 

(Some routes may also connect via Aldershot GO (Burlington) with a short GO Train hop into Hamilton.) 

 

 

From Within Hamilton 

HSR (Hamilton Street Railway) serves downtown extensively. 

  • Look for buses stopping near James St N, King St, or Barton St. 
  • The Spice Factory is a short walk from James & Barton, James & Wilson, or King & Hughson stops.

 

 

Accessibility Notes for Transit Users 

  • GO Transit trains and buses, as well as Hamilton GO stations, are equipped with accessibility supports (ramps, elevators, priority seating, etc.). 
  • Many HSR buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible. 
  • If you have specific accessibility needs related to transit or transfers, please contact us and/or GO Transit/HSR in advance to confirm the best route.
  • DARTS is a specialized transit service local to Hamilton, available to those with disabilities who are unable to access regular transit service. 
HSR Schedules & Routes
Book DARTS transit

Parking Options

At Spice Factory
121 Hughson St. N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1G7

Metered street parking to the left of the building and across the street.

At Centre[3] for Artistic + Social Practice
173 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2K9

Metered street parking along the street, city lots near by.

At VibraFusionLab
126 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2K7

Metered street parking along the street, city lots near by.

Local Lot Parking & Rates