Rather than a backcountry trek, this loop focuses on fun and historical sites, although nature lovers will enjoy its lakeside breezes, water views and catching sight of the many water birds at Cootes Paradise. You will start out with a circular tour of Bayfront Park, continue along the Waterfront Trail with views of Lake Ontario, then climb the trail to the Hamilton Cemetery, Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum.

Dundurn National Historic Site

Itinerary Highlights

  • Length: 10.5 kilometres
  • Level of Difficulty: Easy
  • Length of Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
  • Points of Interest: Waterfront Trail, Dundurn National Historic Site (Dundurn Castle, Dundurn Historic Kitchen Garden & The Hamilton Military Museum), views of Cootes Paradise, the Fishway, and Hamilton Cemetery

Download the detailed loop guide to learn more and plan your hike.

Download Loop Guide


Hamilton and Area Hikes Series

The Hamilton region has become known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World”, and hikers have made tracks here only to find that the area provides much more to explore. The waterfalls are just the beginning of what makes Hamilton a haven for hikers, and memorable day hikes in the area can reveal stunning Carolinian forests, abundant wildlife, spectacular vistas, and historic villages.

The Hamilton and Area Hikes series is your “step by step” guide to six different day hikes that explore conservation areas, the Niagara Escarpment, the Bruce Trail and the Grand River. Each loop hike includes a detailed map, precise directions, local lore, information about the flora, fauna, and history you are likely to encounter, and après hike suggestions.

Don’t miss the other loops in the series:

These loops are just the beginning of the scenic walkabouts that await in Hamilton Halton Brant. We’ve got hundreds of miles of paths and trails where you can treat your feet to a few hours of adventure.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

May 25

The McQuesten Family Tour at Hamilton Cemetery

Whitehern Historic House & Garden – National Historic Site

41 Jackson Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1L3

Time: 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Ages: All Cost: FREE

May 30 - June 1

War of 1812 Tour

The Hamilton Military Museum

The Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd, Hamilton ON L8R 2A4

Dates: May 30 & June 1 ONLY Time: 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Cost: FREE Ages:...

Now thru December 6

The Mead Explorer Class

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Date: Multiple dates through the year Time: 1:00pm Cost: $94.99

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

Now thru December 21

Team-Building Art Experiences

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Serving Southern Ontario and scheduled to suit your team requirements — in studio, on or...

May 25 - July 20

Yoga and the Bees

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Dates: May 25th, June 22nd, July 20th

June 15

Naval Tour

The Hamilton Military Museum

The Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd, Hamilton ON L8R 2A4

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ages: 12+ years Cost: FREE

Now thru December 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

Now thru December 31

Sightseeing Flights

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Prices: vary by flight length

May 24

Wellness at Whitehern: A Historic Mental Health Tour

Whitehern Historic House & Garden – National Historic Site

41 Jackson Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1L3

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Ages: 18+ years. Younger participants are welcome at guardian...

Now thru November 4

Rural Routes and River Retreat

Woodstock and Paris, ON

Dates: The 3-day package is available Sunday to Tuesday on select dates May 4 through...

Now thru December 31

Introductory Flight Lesson

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Cost: $152.55 including HST

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