Active in the city
This spring there are many ways to get active within the city limits!
We’re so blessed to have many natural ‘gyms’ in our fair city. Our trails system is world-renowned, carving its way through the Niagara Escarpment and offering walking, hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
And we’re lucky enough to be on the water, so add our beaches (volleyball, anyone?), sailing, kayaking, waterfront marathons, paddle boarding and rollerblading to the mix.
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS
One of our most famous outdoor features though, is for sure, our stairs. Mention ‘stairs’ to any true Hamiltonian and he or she will know exactly what you mean. Hamilton has five City-built escarpment staircases and they see lots of action during the warmer months. Both a cardio workout and strength training exercise, climbing up and down one of Hamilton’s staircases is even better than a day at the gym. From west to east, the Chedoke stairs have 289 steps, the Dundurn stairs have 326, and the James stairs have 227. Wentworth stairs are the longest climb with 498 steps and the Kenilworth stairs have 228. They’re connected to a privately built set of 305 steps named Uli’s Stairs for the local guy who has painstakingly carved them out of the rock. Use these at your own risk! And fair warning: stair climbing is a difficult leg exercise. Start slowly and build momentum as your workout progresses.
WALK THE WALK
If hiking is more your thing, why not take advantage of Hamilton’s numerous trails, ranging in difficulty from extreme to easy? Check ‘Hiking a part of the Bruce Trail, Canada’s longest and oldest footpath’ off your bucket list. It cuts through the Escarpment, winding its way through gorgeous wooded pathways, rich with foliage and wildlife (visit brucetrail.org).
A little-known fact about our city is that it is home to more than 100 waterfalls (see waterfalls. hamilton.ca). Why not make it your mission to see and explore every single one this summer? For just modest entrance fees, you’ll enjoy access to geological wonders like Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, for example – a ribbon waterfall 37 metres high and 3 metres wide. The Punchbowl is a significant geological formation carved by the swirling action of glacial meltwater 10 to 12,000 years ago. What a rewarding sight for the half point of your hike!
RUNNING WOMAN
If you’re a runner, Hamilton is paradise. Visit a site like mapmyrun.com to discover running routes from 1 km all the way up to marathon distances. Popular places for joggers include Bayfront Park (200 Harbourfront Dr.), which boasts a variety of elevations and connects to different paths. Great visuals, open spaces and being by the water makes this a super enjoyable running spot.
Or research The Rail Trail. It connects downtown to west Hamilton, continues behind Chedoke Golf Course, goes behind McMaster and on to Ancaster. It’s a great path to run—or take your bike and avoid biking in the busy city streets.
If you’re a serious marathoner, Hamilton hosts the #1 qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Taking place this year on November 4 and 5, the Hamilton Marathon is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017 (hamiltonmarathon.ca).
ON TWO WHEELS
If you’re into biking, Hamilton is a mecca of opportunity. If you’re a tough terrain mountain biker, you need look no further than the Red Hill Valley Recreational Trail. Approximately 10.5 km long by 3 metres wide, Red Hill traverses the escarpment and runs northeast through the Red Hill Valley to its end at Brampton St., south of the QEW. Or, if you and your family are just looking to take a bike out for the afternoon to explore the city, you’re in luck: SoBi Hamilton (Hamilton.socialbicycles.com) maintains a fleet of bikes available 24/7.
SAND AND SUN
If fun in the sun equals sand and water for you, Hamilton has no shortage of beachfront activities. Burlington Beach (1100 Lakeshore Rd.) comes alive in the summer. Impromptu beach volleyball and football claim space on land, and the water is inviting and clean.
If you want to try your hand at the latest fitness trend, Stand Up Paddling (SUP), Burlington Beach Rentals (burlingtonbeachrentals.com) has you covered. Try Full Moon SUP, or Yoga on the Beach. They also rent out paddleboats and kayaks.