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.
EAT
Casual
Bean Bar
It’s been a neighbourhood go-to for 25 years in the Westdale area. It’s the ideal restaurant when you’re trying to please a wide range of tastes. No shortage of options here with pizzas, pastas, generous salads, pub favourites and burgers. Save room for dessert with the city’s largest selection of incredible cakes.
Delirious Burger Co.
This popular burger joint takes the less is more approach to burgers to highlight the meat as the main ingredient. Patties are made thin and smash-style on a flat grill. The vegetarian option is also wildly popular: a fried portobello mushroom stuffed with cheese.
Chung Chun
Korean-style hot dogs are taking Canada by storm. A popular street food in Korea, they're wrapped in deliciousness, starting with a rice flour-based batter, then deep fried and toppings added, like diced potatoes, bread crumbs and crushed ramen. Now, Westdale has its very own, very popular, location.
Coffee Shops and Treats
Mikel Coffee
A taste of Greece comes to Canada with a coffee shop in Westdale that delivers big-time on delicious coffee whatever way you like. Baked goods and sandwiches are ideal for grab and go, but also perfect for enjoying on the lively patio with a great vibe.
Phin Coffee
This cozy multi-roaster and coffeeshop in Westdale is where caffeine connoisseurs go for a pretty perfect cup of joe. Home brewers will also find a great variety of quality, coffee making tools to buy.
Weil’s Bakery
When the craving for something sweet hits, locals head to this Westdale bakery. It has made-from-scratch treats customers buy in multiples – cupcakes, donuts, cream puffs and cinnamon buns. It’s also well known for its beautiful special occasion cakes.
Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery
Located on King Street West, this busy spot has a winning formula, offering organic, free trade coffee along with homemade baked goods, like cheddar cheese biscuits, banana loaf and scones. Heartier options, like soup and sandwiches, are available at lunchtime.
Walker’s Chocolates
This family-run business makes more than 50 types of different chocolates and candies, making quick decisions tough. Whether you pick up truffles or caramel corn, you should also take home their famous mint meltaways – a trademark sweet.
Iconic
Valentino’s
For more than 40 years, the kitchen here has been churning out delicious things with Italian roots. Pizza and pasta classics are winners. Come summertime, gelato scoopers get a workout with a steady stream of customers.
Global
Nannaa
The aromas get your taste buds revved up the moment you walk in the door of this Persian eatery. Helpful wait staff help you navigate your way through a menu that might seem unfamiliar. The payoff is memorable meals with unforgettable flavours.
Breweries
Fairweather Brewing Co.
There's nothing ‘fair weather’ about this west end brewery’s commitment to creativity. Good luck choosing between favourites like American Oat Porter and High Grade American IPA in a warehouse-based taproom. And make sure to check out their patio and bottle shop menus.
Grain & Grit
This family run brewery is equal parts quality-obsessed and fun! In addition to a thoughtful European inspired beer list, visitors can snack on kettle chips and cheese curds on a large patio. Their event calendar is also packed with everything from food truck pop ups to game nights to drag queen story time.
SEE AND DO
Royal Botanical Gardens
Spanning almost 5,000 acres, this top attraction continues to grow and grow, literally. Referred to widely as RBG, it’s Canada’s largest botanical garden – adding new and restored gardens, exhibits and events. Highlights here include the world’s largest collection of lilacs, gorgeous tea houses and the newly restored Rock Garden, a National Historic Site.
Dundurn Castle
If there’s one thing non-locals know about Hamilton, it’s Dundurn Castle. The former home of politician Sir Allan McNab was completed in 1835 and is now a National Historic Site. Visitors come to tour the vast historic home (with costumed interpreters), enjoy hands-on experiences, like cooking in a Victorian kitchen or experiencing the two-acre historic kitchen garden, and learning more about the site’s fascinating military history.
Westdale Theatre
The historic Westdale Theatre has been beautifully restored into an exciting new hub for art and independent film screenings, as well as a state of the art exhibition and performance space. Originally built in 1935, the theatre is ready to take centre stage in the neighbourhood once more.
McMaster Museum of Art
Considered one of the finest campus galleries in the country, it showcases everything from from American and Indigenous works, to Asian and Canadian pieces. New exhibitions and a curated collection attract art lovers who like to seek out hidden gems.
Take a Hike
Just beyond the bustle of Westdale's shopping and restaurants lies a forest with some beautiful hiking loops. These trails are part of Cootes Paradise, a vast sanctuary for wildlife managed by Royal Botanical Gardens. The popular Sassafras Trail here is a must see. At the end of this winding, forested walk, you’ll be rewarded with views of beautiful Princess Point.
Explore more hikes in the area.
Cycling
Explore the area on two wheels on forested trails, waterfront paths and urban routes thanks to the many cycling trails here. Highlights include the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail that follows the scenic Dundas Valley and the Waterfront Trail that takes you to Bayfront Park and West Harbour.
Explore more cycling routes in the area.
SHOP
Mixed Media
This self-described “corner store of art” has everything you need to fuel your creativity including art supplies, canvases, frames, and an amazing selection of unique magazines, books and creative gifts and cards. You’ll often find locals and visitors here lingering to chat about the city with knowledgeable staff.
King West Books
Next door, you'll find this inviting book store, made for browsing, staff are super knowledgeable and able to make savvy suggestions based on your preferences. The shop also has a solid selection of puzzles, stationary and bookish gifts.
Hamilton Meat Pies
Dinner planning is easy with these tasty, homemade pies - both sweet and savoury. For your main dish, try one of the unique varieties, like hot chicken wing with blue cheese, Italian meatball or cheeseburger deluxe. Come dessert time, choose from apple caramel pie, unicorn squares, banana bread, cookies or cheesecake in a jar.
Take Note Stationery Boutique
There are still many people who appreciate the tactile pleasures of printed greeting cards, elegant notebooks and journals. Find them here along with a host of unique gifts like pearl earrings, harmonicas, cozy socks and scented candles. This small but lovely shop is a browser’s paradise.
Casual Gourmet
It caters to foodies of all ages with cooking classes for kids and adults alike. Plus, it stocks an impressive selection of kitchen staples, from bundt pans to vegetable peelers, from top international brands.
For more information, see the Westdale Village and King Street West BIA websites.
Michele Sponagle is a prolific journalist born and raised in Hamilton. Her work has appeared in top media outlets across Canada. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Michele’s blog takes a fresh look at some Hamilton classics, from iconic eateries to the quirky stories behind its most beloved and well-known attractions.