Best Walking Trails in Hamilton

Best Walking Trails in Hamilton : The Toronto Sun recently reported that millennials have been “flocking to Hamilton,” now making up nearly 28 percent of the city’s population, attracted by its vibrant art scene, low unemployment rate and a rejuvenated downtown, among other factors. It can’t hurt that it’s known as the Waterfall Capital of the World either, with 156 waterfalls within the city limits, not to mention offering a wealth of scenic walks.

With so much to offer, no matter what your generation, if you visit this Ontario city, you might just find yourself looking at Hamilton houses to make your own move. In the meantime, be sure to get a sample of what awaits by heading out on one of these walking trails.

Bayfront Park Trail

Picturesque Bayfront Park is located at the west end of Hamilton Harbour and has a wide, approximately mile-long paved trail that follows its edge. The path connects to nearby Pier 4 Park via the Macassa Bay walkway and the Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail, making it easy to extend a walk. It’s a great place to bring the family for a stroll with the opportunity to watch the ducks and swans as well as enjoy all the amenities in the park, including a large lawn area for kite flying, Frisbee tossing and other activities, picnic tables and benches, and a free public boat launch.

Escarpment Rail Trail

This five-mile-long (one way) trail that was developed on an abandoned railway line connects downtown Hamilton to the Mountain, providing fabulous views of the lower city, Hamilton Brick Works and the Niagara Escarpment.

Mountain Park Avenue

If you’re looking for an easy walk with magnificent views, head to the top of the Wentworth stairs on Mountain Park Avenue. This trek stretches all the way to Mount Albion, about 5.6 miles, at its easternmost end. Following along the edge of the escarpment offers one of the best views of Hamilton around. On a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way to Toronto, including the spire of the CN Tower across the western end of Lake Ontario.

Sassafras Point Trail in Churchill Park

Hidden behind the Westdale neighborhood are nearly 17 miles of walking trails to explore that are part of an 840-hectare sanctuary for all sorts of flora and fauna, managed by the Royal Botanical Garden. It includes the Cootes Paradise Marsh, considered one of the lower Great Lakes most important waterfowl staging habitats. The Sassafras Point Trail is one of the most popular here, accessed either by taking Caleb’s Walk to the Ravine Road Trail that turns into Sassafras Point, or from McMaster campus. Your reward is a spectacular view of Princess Point which lies at the south-east corner of Cootes Paradise.

Webster’s Falls

This approximately 5-mile walk starts at the Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Falls Conservation Area in the historic village of Dundas and provides beautiful views of the over 72-feet-high Webster’s Falls. From the lookout near the falls is a pretty cobblestone bridge that crosses Spencer Creek and around the falls is a landscaped park that makes for an idyllic picnic spot.