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.

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June 1 - October 1

Garden Explorers Program

Lucy Maud Montgomery Children’s Garden for the Senses

477 Guelph Street, Norval, Ontario L0P 1K0, Canada

Programs run June through September (weather permitting). Programs are age and ability appropriate. Programs last...

Now thru October 15

Overnight Canoe Camping Trip (Self Guided)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

Included: canoe / 13ft kayaks, PFDs, paddles, shuttle service, overnight campsite at Brant Park Conservation...

Now thru December 31

Browndale Farm Tour

Browndale Farm and Market

740 West Dumfries Road, Paris, Ontario

Book on your own time

June 2 - October 26

Ghost Walks: Downtown Hamilton Tour

Ghost Walks

82 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1A9

Fri Jun 2nd, Fri Jun 16th, Fri Jun 30th, Fri Jul 14th, Fri Aug 4th,...

Now thru December 31

Kick Start Experience

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

2 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 13 flyer(s) per session From $59.99, ''super...

June 4 - September 1

Mindful Paddle & Floating Meditation

Burlington Beach Rentals

1084 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S1A2

Now thru December 31

Self Guided Public Art Tour

Downtown Hamilton BIA

20 Hughson Street South, Hamilton, ON, L8N 2A1

Free of charge

July 17 - 21

Junior Potters Guild (Teens): July 17 – July 21

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE:Teen, START/END: July 17 to July 21TIME: 9 AM to 4 PM, MEMBER COST: $275.00,...

Now thru October 31

Introduction to Spey Casting and “Swung Fly Presentation ”Atlantic Salmon and Steelhead Techniques – 4 hour course

Fly Water Guiding

17 Alexander Avenue, Paris, ON N3L 2V6

Maximum of two casters, individual lessons recommended. Prices for the Five Hour Course with equipment...

Now thru December 31

Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing

One Axe Pursuits

7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON, L9T 2Y1

$1000 + HST, up to 4 participants Additional participants: $250 + HST per person Duration:...

November 1

Botany and the Ecology of the Tea Plant

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Online from 12:15pm - 12:45pm. Pre-registration required. Fee: $10 (RBG Members 10% off*) Sign up...

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