Canada's Most Walkable City 2009: Hamilton

by Tom Gierasimczuk
April 1st, 2010

Hamilton's Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail

Hamilton, Ontario was ranked the nineth most walkable city in Canada in 2009. Check out the insider's walking tour with a map to explore Hamilton.

Although just sneaking into the Top 10, Hamilton is a city bent on a walkable future. Its reclaimed Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail draws foot traffic and “the compact core of the city bodes well for the pedestrian,” says Walkable Cities judge Matthew Blackett.

Hamilton's European streetscape

Its existing layout lets it put pedestrians first. “Its grid street pattern lends itself well to infil developments that could increase residential densities and add uses to enable walking,” says Walkable Cities judge Amanda Mitchell. And as one of the country’s oldest cities, the streetscape is downright European in some spots, which is always a pleasure from street level.

A Hamilton park

In addition to having signed the International Charter of Walking, a zealous local government is signing up for every pedestrian promotion under the sun—from city-wide car-free days to free “walking calendars” for tourists and locals.

Trails in Hamilton

The 200 km of local trails are also being expanded, including three multi-use bridges over the busy QEW freeway.

Insider Ted Flett's Hamilton Walking Tour

Ted Flett is the Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator for Tourism Hamilton.

Distance: 6.5 km

Time: 3 hrs

This story was originally published in the August 2009 issue of up! magazine as part of the Canada's Most Walkable Cities 2009 feature, profiling 10 of Canada’s most pedestrian-friendly urban centres. Take a look at more of Canada's Most Walkable Cities in 2009.

Map

Javascript is required to view this map.

Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail

Start at the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, which traces the West Harbour's shoreline. Check out Rafaga Unleashed, a sail-like sculpture on Pier 8.
http://www.hamilton.ca
James Street North

Go south on James Street N. towards downtown Hamilton while taking in signs of the street's bohemian revival, ripe with artist galleries and bustling cafés.
Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario
Make a right at King Street W., passing by the Art Gallery of Hamilton's gold-hued steel exterior replicating a gift box wrapped in Hamilton's best known export.
http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com
Locke Street South

Head south on Locke Street S., weaving between the street's shoppers, café tables and the locally loved antique stores.
Escarpment Access Stairs at Dundurn Street South

At Aberdeen Avenue, turn right and then left on Dundurn Street S., climbing the base of the escarpment to a massive staircase that ascends the rise. The journey concludes at the top with a rewarding view of the city's urban and green landscape.

Contributors

Tom Gierasimczuk

Tom Gierasimczuk is a contributing editor of up! magazine, which he founded in 2004. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including the Globe and Mail, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer and OutPost magazine. He's now based in Toronto, Ontario.