Fall is surrounding Hamilton’s greenspace with seasonal shades of red, yellow and orange. Pack your camera bag and be sure to visit Tourism Hamilton’s list of Top 5 spots to experience the autumn views in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

1. Dundas Peak

One of Hamilton’s best views, Dundas Peak is located right next door from beautiful Websters & Tews Falls in Greensville. This is one of the best birds eye views of the City and Dundas. Easily accessible by foot, bicycle and with ample parking, you must experience this part of the Bruce Trail. Click here for directions.

2. Ridge Road/Devil’s Punchbowl/Fifty Road

Some the best views of Stoney Creek, Lake Ontario and even Downtown Hamilton (from a distance) can be found in these spots. We’d suggest starting at the Devil’s Punchbowl located on Ridge Road on the escarpment. Visit the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall from the peak, then trek over to the opening in the woods where the lookout point is.

Next, follow Ridge Road east for some excellent views of Stoney Creek and beyond. Stop off at Ridge Road Winery for a break and a wine sample (Open daily 10:30am-5:30pm). Continue east on Ridge Road until you reach Fifty Road, and turn left to head down the escarpment. Once you are through the wooded area, you’ll come to an opening and to the east you will see the escarpment lined with beautiful trees. Click here to access a map of Devil’s Punchbowl.

3. Escarpment Rail Trail

This 32km trail runs through Hamilton and can continue all the way to Brantford if desired. The trail starts at Albion Falls and continues through to downtown Hamilton, and then continues as the Chedoke radial trail, which travels all the way up to Ancaster and beyond. Some of the trail is completely covered by trees, and makes for a beautiful hike. Click here for details on the trail.

4. Dundas Valley Trail

The 40-kilometre trail system is organized around a main loop with five linear trails providing visitors with access to almost every part of the valley. The conservation area is bisected by one of the region’s most important walking, cycling and equestrian routes – the West Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail, which stretches 32 kilometres (20 miles), from Ewen Road in Hamilton to Mohawk Park in Brantford. Links to Cambridge and Paris extend the trail another 50 kilometres. Click here for details on the trail.

5. Red Hill Valley Trail

This 10.5km trail connects to both the Waterfront Trail in Confederation Park and the Bruce Trail. It passes through lovely escarpment lands and beautiful natural areas. Beginning at the top of the Niagara Escarpment (Mud Street, adjacent to Kings Forest Park), the Red Hill Valley Recreational Trail traverses the escarpment and runs northeast through the Red Hill Valley to its end at Brampton Street, south of the Queen Elizabeth Highway and Lake Ontario.

Trail entrances are located at Mud Street, Mount Albion Road, Greenhill Avenue, Dundonald Avenue, Hixon Road, Lawrence Road, King Street East, Reid Avenue and Queenston Road. Parking is available at Red Hill Bowl, Rosedale Arena, Greenhill Bowl, Mt. Albion Road and along Mud Street. Click here for details on the trail.

 

For more suggestions and travel information visit the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Centre in person at the Lister Block (28 James Street North in Hamilton), or give us a call at 1-800-263-8590.

Header image courtesy @_LindaMichelle.