This Ontario town an hour from Toronto is your next winter road trip destination

Just 70 km from big-city Toronto is the small-town of Dundas, Ontario, a community within Hamilton known as The Valley Town for its location at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment.

Dundas’ historic buildings are an idyllic backdrop to community events like A Dickens of a Christmas, the Dundas International Buskerfest, the Cactus Festival, and numerous Hollywood productions for film and television.

Hike

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke to spend some time in nature. The Dundas Valley Conservation Area comprises a 40 km trail system and 1,200 hectares of forests, fields, and cold-water streams. Dundas is also part of the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail, an 80 km route of off-road, interurban hiking and biking trail. Bundle up and discover the area by foot for a great date or family activity.

Besides exploring Hamilton’s waterfalls (Webster’s Falls and Tew’s Falls are located in Dundas), hike to the Dundas Peak for a spectacular view of the snow-capped city. Later, enjoy the skating rink at Dundas Driving Park.

Drink

After your outdoor adventures, savour one of Southern Ontario’s best craft beers from Dundas’ own brewery: Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Try their LAGERSHED and BARRELSHED craft beer in a restored building from the 1860s (it was the former site of the Dundas Curling and Skating Rink).

For a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of local lore, check out the Thirsty Cactus or The Collins Brewhouse, two local favourites and a sure crowd pleaser.

Eat

No visit to Dundas is complete without indulging in some local specialities: Thai food from Bangkok Spoon, chocolate treats handcrafted on-site at Beanermunky Chocolate, coffee from Detour Coffee Roasters, and gourmet food to go at Nellie James, just to name a few.

For fine dining, head to the award-winning Quatrefoil Restaurant. Find quality fine and prepared foods at Picone Fine Foods, a legendary Italian grocery store celebrating over 100 years in business. Cheese-lovers should check out Mickey McGuire’s Cheese Shop offering over 400 varieties of local, Canadian, and imported cheese.

Shop

Dundas is home to decor shops like The Keeping Room kitchen store and Booth Furniture & Interiors. Shop for your wedding day gown at Heirlooms Bridal Shoppe, find natural goods like supplements, organic foods, and eco-friendly beauty and household products at Horn of Plenty, pick out your next bike for those Dundas nature rides at Freewheel Cycle… or visit one of the many other shops in downtown Dundas.

Discover

During your visit to the city, discover the historic artist-run Carnegie Gallery, Dundas Valley School of Art (many artists emerge from this city!), and the Dundas Museum – founded in 1956 and housing over 16,000 artifacts.

See also

• Meet 6 chefs from The Six who are currently making the 905 sizzle
• This amazing waterfall is only an hour from Toronto
• Hamilton is now the hottest real estate market in Canada
• 10 things you didn’t know about Hamilton