Plan a day trip to Dundas, Ontario
Where can you climb a mountain, hike to a waterfall (or three!), go shopping, eat a great meal, fly a kite, enjoy a craft beer, and see a Lego exhibit all in one place? The charming town of Dundas has all this and more.
A growing destination for all ages, Dundas has something for everyone, from the nature of the Dundas Valley and surrounding escarpment to the many shops and restaurants in the bustling downtown.
Dundas Museum
Located just a block off of King St, the Dundas Museum has an amazing collection of Victorian and contemporary artifacts, telling the history of Dundas (and Canada!). Be sure to visit the Doctor’s Office, an 1848 example of the vernacular Gothic Revival style, which has been restored to showcase the medical traditions of the Victorian period. And for the Lego lovers, checkout the Lego Dundas exhibit, with replicas of many prominent buildings on display. Entrance to the Museum is always free.
Waterfalls and Mountains
Spring is the ideal time to visit one of Dundas’ three waterfalls, as the walking is more pleasant than in the heat of summer, and the creeks that feed the falls are swollen with water.
Tew’s Falls and Dundas Peak are very popular and require an online reservation, however the view from Dundas Peak is one-of-a-kind, giving views of Dundas and neighbouring Hamilton that will amaze. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a passing train on the CN line that snakes around the Peak on its way up the escarpment.
Borer’s Falls does not require a reservation, and if you take the footpath from the Borer’s Falls Dog Park, you’ll get to experience the beauty of the Carolinian Forest and take in amazing vistas over Burlington Bay on the way to the Falls themselves.
Shopping
Tired of big box stores? Downtown Dundas has a great selection of small shops where owners give the kind of personal service that is hard to find these days. Very few chains are located here, so you’ll find unique selections of clothing, home decor, meats, cheese and chocolate (all the food groups!). Most shops are concentrated right on – or within a block of – King Street, which makes for easy walking, even with a stroller. There is lots of parking, which is free on weekends.
Food & Drink
After all that hiking and shopping, you’ll need to stop for a bite and a sip. Dundas has too many restaurants, cafés and pubs to mention, and a variety of cuisines including Korean, Thai, Indian, Italian and French. From ice cream and butter tarts, to craft beer, to fine dining, you won’t be disappointed.
Sports
Dundas even has something for hockey fans! At the end of April, you can get a seat for the Allan Cup, where you can cheer on the Dundas Real McCoys!
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