To understand and navigate the surrounding city of Hamilton, it is often helpful to look at it as divided into essentially three main parts.

WESTDALE/DUNDAS

Look around! The area immediately surrounding McMaster is known to the ‘locals’ as Westdale. If one were to venture down Cootes drive they would find themselves in the heart of Dundas, a McMaster University neighbour.

MOUNTAIN/ANCASTER

The city of Hamilton straddles the Niagara Escarpment, which is locally referred to as ‘the mountain’.

DOWNTOWN CORE

Hop on any bus heading eastbound on King and you will soon be in the heart of Hamilton’s downtown.

The pressing question is… what the heck is there to do in this city? The immediate answer… what is your pleasure?

Hamilton is rife with opportunities for leisure activities. So it all depends on what you want to do and when you want to do it…

For some outdoor fun…

Check out one of the many trails/bike paths in the Hamilton area for hiking, cycling, cross country skiing etc. or simply to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

• The Lafarge 2000 Trail
• Dofasco 2000 Trail
• Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail
• Chippawa Trail – Hamilton to Caledonia
• Dundas Valley Trails
• Valens and Christie Lake Conservation Area Trails
• Wesfield Heritage Village
• Confederation Park
• The Bruce Trail
• The Red Hill Valley Trail
• The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail
• Trans Canada Trail

Conservation Areas

Check out one of the many conservation areas in the Hamilton region for camping, picnicking etc.

• Valens Conservation Area: Some features include: campsites, fishing, beach front, trails, wetland boardwalk, ice skating and cross country skiing in the winter.
• Beverly Swamp: Encompasses 3 watersheds, rich diversity of plant and animal life
• Christie Lake Conservation Area: Trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, large beach front, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnic pavilions are only some of the many features.
• Dundas Valley: World Biosphere Reserve featuring vast Carolinian forests, impressive geological formations, rare plants and animals. Offers trails for cyclists, equestrians and hikers to explore this lush environmental landmark. It is also a great place to take the toboggan in the winter months. Encompasses two local historical landmarks: the Hermitage ruins and the Griffin House.
• Fifty Point Conservation Area: Features a marina, swimming in Lake Ontario, campsites, picnic sites and fishing among other things.
• Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Falls Conservation Area: Cascading waterfalls and stunning panoramic views…need I say more?
• Niagara Escarpment Waterfalls: These unique natural wonders are magnificent year round, cascading crystal clear in the summer to a frozen sparkling sheet in the winter months, when certain falls are open for ice climbing.

Check out some of Hamilton’s many outdoor attractions:

• Wild Waterworks at Confederation Park — This water park, open during the summer months is a great place to cool down and wash away those summer school stresses.
• Adventure Mini-Putt at Confederation Park — This putting range is a great place for a first date or for engaging in some competitive fun with a group of friends.
• Golf — Practice your swing at a local outdoor driving range or go for 18 holes at a local course.
• The Royal Botanical Gardens — This is a great place to take a date! Stroll through magnificent picturesque gardens
• African Lion Safari

For some indoor fun with friends…

Check out:

• Bowling — With an ally just around the corner at University Plaza in Dundas, this past time is always ready to make its comeback with some too good to be true deals for McMaster students
• Rock Climbing — If you feel a little adventurous or like trying out something different check out Gravity for an indoor rock climbing adventure.
• Laser Tag — Sure we all played it at one time or another during middle school, but who says we’re too old now?!
• Paint Ball
• A Movie — check out the movie listings for any of Hamilton’s 4 movie theatres
• The local arenas — For some public ice skating.
• Dance Lessons — Sign up for some ball room dance lessons at Fred Astaire's
• A Mall – Shopaholic? Need to restock your closet with something other than sweats? Check out some of the shopping centres in Hamilton. Some popular picks are Lime Ridge Mall, Jackson Square, Locke Street and Queen Street.

Feel the need for some culture? Check out…

• Art Gallery of Hamilton
• Hamilton Place/ Copps Coliseum
• Theatre Aquarius
• The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
• Opera Hamilton

Check out the Hamilton nightlife:

• Hess Village - stroll down Hess Street and enjoy an array of restaurants, bars and discos . Some popular picks are Funky Munky, Ivory's, and Lazy Flamingo.
• Billy Bob's
• Up Lounge
• Fever
• 77
• Embassy
• Baranga's
• A Nite at Roxxbury
• Zig Zag Zebra Lounge
• Big Bucks
• Splash
• West End Pub
• Absinthe