West Hamilton is home to well-established neighbourhoods that sprang up for their proximity to downtown and to McMaster University. Picture tree-lined streets, plenty of independent businesses, and lots of green space.
Some top attractions here include Canada's largest botanical gardens Royal Botanical Gardens and Hamilton's iconic Dundurn Castle.
Also here is historic Westdale Village packed with eateries and independent shops, and steps from the stunning nature trails and shoreline of Cootes Paradise.
Eat
RESTAURANTS
Rosales Diner serves up comfort food with fresh ingredients for the perfect family friendly diner experience.
Bean Bar with pizzas, pastas, pub favourites, and burgers, just make sure to save room for their epic cake selection.
Delirious Burger serves up delicious and flavour-packed smash-style patties.
Chung Chun features Korean-style hot dogs deep-fried and covered in toppings like diced potatoes and crushed ramen.
Valentino's Restaurant has been a staple for over 40 years serving Italian favourites like pizza, pasta, and gelato.
Nannaa is a Persian eatery offering authentic dishes for a mouthwatering and unforgettable dining experience.
The Coop Wicked Chicken serves up deliciously wicked chicken with a side of ’80s and ’90s nostalgia.
The Burnt Tounge is an iconic soup bar with rotating menus of fresh house-made soup, salads, grilled cheese, and fries.
Fine Dining
Aberdeen Tavern is the perfect place for an unforgettable dinner, serving up comfort food in a beautifully transformed bank.
COFFEESHOPS & TREATS
Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery features organic free-trade coffee with a side of delicious homemade baked goods.
Phin Coffee Bar serves everything thinking from delicious lattes to flavoured iced coffee.
Mikel Coffee offers a taste of Greece with freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches.
Weil's Bakery has everything for sweet lovers from cupcakes and donuts to cream puffs and cinnamon buns.
Walker's Chocolate is a must-stop with over 50 types of chocolates and candies, including their famous mint meltaways.
Ark & Anchor is where you can enjoy delicious coffee, tea, and freshly made health-forward food options.
BREWERIES
Steel Town Cider is a must stop for craft beer lovers, brewing hard cider and beer with unique flavours.
Fairweather Brewing is a hip and laidback craft brewery serving up some of the most flavourful pints in town.
Grain & Grit offers it all from uniquely crafted beers, cool patio space, rotating pop-ups, and fun events.
SEE & DO
ATTRACTIONS
Royal Botanical Gardens is a must-visit with beautiful trails, restored Rock Garden, the world’s largest lilac collection, and amazing seasonal events.
The Westdale is where to catch the best independent films, art exhibitions, and performances at this beautifully restored theatre.
Dundurn Castle is one of the city’s most iconic attractions, offering tours of the historic home and garden, events, and beautiful views of the bay.
McMaster Museum of Art showcases everything from American and Indigenous works to Asian and Canadian pieces.
OUTDOOR
Cootes Paradise Trails offers plenty of trails to explore, winding through a vast RBG wildlife sanctuary, and Sassafras Trail.
Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail is one of the best places to explore on wheels, iuncluding forest trails, waterfront paths, and urban routes.
STREET ART
This well established and historic area of the city is beginning to see pops of colour everywhere from parks to alleyways. Here are a few highlights of the street art you can find in West Hamilton.
Visit the West Hamilton of our Street Art Guide for full details on the murals, artists, and locations to explore.
SHOP
Mixed Media is the “corner store of art” with everything from art supplies, frames, and an amazing selection of unique cards.
King West Books is an inviting bookstore with shelves lined with books ranging from the classics to something for kids.
The Casual Gourmet is a must-stop for foodies of all ages, with cooking classes as well as an impressive selection of kitchen utensils.
Dundurn Market is the hop local market to grab a coffee, pick up some local produce, or wanter through the craft brew selection.
For a full list of places to shop in West Hamilton visit Westdale Village BIA.