On this amazing May weekend – the first of the spring season which has afforded temperatures over 20 degrees – I had the pleasure of touring around Hamilton, Ontario. Hamilton is known as the City of Waterfalls; naturally, these waterfalls are surrounded by hiking trails for people to absorb the incredible vistas.

My visit to Hamilton began around noon, so the first order of the day was to visit The Pheasant Plucker. Hamilton has some pretty fascinating history, and the building out of which this restaurant operates is no exception. 20 Augusta Street was home to the music professor, R.S. Ambrose, between 1876 to 1891; thereafter, it changed ownership frequently, operating as a home first for a merchant, then a stock broker, a factory worker, and later a janitor (The Pheasant Plucker, 2015).

I wasn’t aware of the history of the building when I first walked in. However, upon leaving, I was astounded by the quality of the food! My french toast, which cost around $9, was delicious. My boyfriend had some poutine, breakfast style, which meant eggs and toast. We ate sitting out on the patio and enjoyed the bright sunshine and view of the bustling sidewalks concurrently with our appetizing meal.

After having some excellent ‘fuel in the tank’ from lunch, we proceeded to drive along King Street W, where, on the curve of a hill just before a train track, we pulled off onto a little parking spot (fit for four or five cars only) and clambered out of the car. A steep hill faced us to get up the trail proper, and we had no idea where we were going – regardless, we ascended!

Robert Gerald Porter wrote an excellent review of the Glen Ferguson Side Trail, which is more appropriately known as the Side Trail Loop at Dundas Peak (see his review here). While Robert visited on a windy, cool day, we climbed on a gorgeous weekend – prime time for hikers. It was indeed very busy. We passed families, bicyclists, solo hikers, and sightseers.

The views over Dundas and Hamilton were incredible (illustrated in some of the pictures under the address and map, below). The Side Trail itself does not seem to pass immediately adjacent to any waterfalls. However, there were many alternative trail options which I would have loved to try out! I will definitely be returning to Hamilton area, and this portion of the Bruce Trail, sometime again in the very near future.

Address for reference: Glen Ferguson Side Trail, Dundas, ON L9H 5J7

Google Map: