Summer is the season for day trips, and the charming town of Dundas should be on everyone’s bucket list. The picturesque town offers an array of activities for all ages and interests. Steeped in history, the downtown is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and eateries in a setting that combines old world charm and new world vibrancy. Situated on the west end of Hamilton, it’s a short scenic drive from Oakville and Burlington.

Planning your perfect outing is easy – whether you love nature, shopping, food, history, or all of the above! From hiking and cycling to downtown shopping and al fresco dining, there are so many ways to fill your summer afternoon, evening or entire day in this gem. 

Explore old world charm

Dundas has a rich history that has been carefully preserved, giving the downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods their distinctive character. Incorporated as a town in 1847, many of its original heritage stone buildings and houses (built in the mid- to late-1800s) remain. 

The Dundas Town Hall, built in 1849 is one of a few municipal buildings in Ontario built before 1850. It is said to have cost £2,500 to build! Interested in learning more local history? Visit the Dundas Museum, located at 139 Park Street West.  

While strolling through downtown Dundas is a perfect way to appreciate the architecture of a bygone era, you may also wish to explore the surrounding neighbourhoods to spy the beautifully preserved heritage homes. Here’s a little trivia: the older buildings in Dundas were constructed using local stone sourced from the Niagara Escarpment surrounding the Dundas Valley. Do a self-guided tour by car or foot when you visit – the Dundas Heritage Association offers maps for both online.

Go for a hike or bike in nature

Dundas is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is surrounded by lush Carolinean forests, streams, waterfalls and of course the stunning escarpment. Within this beautiful setting is a network of trails for hikers, runners and cyclists of varying abilities (strollers are welcome!) Residents and visitors, alike, flock to Hamilton’s conservation areas in full bloom through the summer.

Hike the Dundas Valley Conservation Area

The Dundas Valley Conservation Area has more than 40 km of trails, including the Bruce Trail, that traverse forest, meadows and wetlands, and provide stunning panoramic views. You may also choose to walk, run, or ride the Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail; the Hamilton section follows the scenic Dundas Valley for 18 km. 

Get splashed by waterfalls 

Drawing thousands of visitors every summer are the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Dundas. Webster’s Falls is one of Hamilton’s most iconic falls — a 22-metre curtain waterfall that spills over tiered rock. Within walking distance is Tew Falls. This ribbon waterfall is 41 metres high, making it the tallest one in Hamilton. It can be reached from Webster’s Falls via hiking trails.  

Due to the popularity of some conservation areas, you may need to reserve your spot online beforehand at
hcareservations.ca. 

Shop and dine in Dundas

Make your way to King Street at the heart of downtown Dundas. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with locally-owned boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Many businesses are housed in heritage buildings which creates a wonderful sense of nostalgia. 

Stroll along the street and pop into the many specialty shops and clothing boutiques. Find fine arts and crafts, sporting goods and jewellery, as well as a selection of home, garden and kitchen goods. On a typical summer day or evening, patios buzz with people enjoying delicious fare, cool drinks and live music. Parking is free Saturdays and Sundays. 

Be sure to consider these well-known shops and eateries when planning your visit to Dundas.

Food & Drink:

Beanermunky Chocolate
is a locally-owned chocolatier tempting you with mouth-watering treats.

Micky McGuire’s Cheese
offers a vast range of artisanal cheeses, sourced from around the world by its proprietor.

French Revolution Bakery & Creperie
is owned by a French pastry chef (need we say more.) 

The Cookie Doh Factory
serves sweet edible cookie dough in its original factory and shop for a truly original experience. 

The Urban Vine
is Hamilton’s largest premium olive oil and aged balsamic tasting boutique with a vast assortment of fresh oils, blends and aged balsamic vinegar.

Detour Coffee
is passionate about all things coffee, sourcing and roasting in small batches to ensure the perfect java. 

Collins Brewhouse
is a local brew pub serving craft beers and pub food in an inviting atmosphere with a great patio for summer dining. 

Quatrefoil offers French cuisine, wine and splendid service in a refined, yet relaxed, environment with a charming patio to enjoy lunch or dinner.  

Home & Garden, Décor & Gifts:

The Handmade House
is a purveyor of one-of-a-kind goods handmade by creators who live within a two-hour drive of the shop.

The Keeping Room
is a local favourite selling everything you can imagine related to eating and cooking. 

Mrs. Greenway
sells a wide assortment of green, eco-friendly products that are good for the environment and good for us too, plus you can bring in your containers and refill.

The Kitchen Witch
is an entertaining little gift shop, perfect for finding hostess gifts, containers, linens, antiques and curiosities. 

Graham & Brooks
combines a selection of antiques, vintage pieces and home décor ideas with a unique treasure trove of architectural artifacts and salvaged items.

Fashion & Jewellery:

David William Shoes
has been serving customers since 2008 with an extensive array of carefully chosen and unique collections of fine footwear, handbags and apparel.

Sell it 2 Wear it
is a designer consignment store with a variety of clothes and accessories for women and men.

HV Creative Jewellery
has been offering custom jewellery design and repair on site for over 30 years.

Kids ‘N Krafts
carries 100% cotton casual wear for children of all ages, from babies through to teens.

Anglesea Home Accents & Apparel
is your source for thoughtfully designed and curated new and vintage clothing and home décor items. 

Summer events in Dundas

Before you plan your visit, be sure to check out the latest events happening in Dundas. Many restaurants have live music throughout the summer and downtown is always bustling with excitement on weekends. 

Every Tuesday night in the summer, enjoy music under the stars when a concert band performs at the Dundas Driving Park amphitheatre. This historic site close to downtown includes playgrounds, a roller/ice rink, splash pads and public art. 

The Dundas Cactus Festival takes place August 18-20. You won’t want to miss this family street festival that offers free local entertainment, vendors and family fun. Dundascactusfestival.ca

Check Downtowndundas.ca and @dwntwndundasbia for the most up-to-date offerings. 

Top things to do in Dundas this summer

• Take a hike in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area
• Stroll and shop for locally made goods in Downtown Dundas
• Learn the history behind Dundas’s oldest heritage buildings
• Eat a freshly made chocolate or baked treat in Downtown
• Sample a craft beer at Shawn & Ed Brewing Company
• Be inspired by Webster’s and Tew Waterfalls

There’s just something about Niagara. Whether it’s the falls, the boutiques, the wineries, or the escarpment, we never seem to get enough of it. Home to five districts, the Niagara region includes the bustling streets of Niagara Falls, the food and breweries of St. Catharines, the spectacular escarpment, picturesque wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) and the sandy beaches of the South Coast. Whatever your style, Niagara Region does not disappoint. 

Activity lovers can head to Niagara Falls, where adventures await. From jet boat tours to water parks and haunted houses, a trip to Niagara Falls inspires your inner child to let loose and have fun. Accommodation is plentiful, with affordable stays on the main strip and more extravagant hotels at the foot of the falls. Niagara Falls also features two new world-class attractions: Zipline to the Falls and Whirlpool Adventure Course. Purchase day passes or night passes if you want to see the lights by the falls. 

St. Catharines offers a charming downtown experience for shoppers and foodies with a variety of restaurants and a plethora of nature trails for hiking. Situated an hour west of Toronto, it’s a great change of scenery. 

For cyclists, the Niagara Region offers a large network of trails worth exploring. The 53 km Waterfront Trail offers breathtaking views from the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Niagara River. If you prefer a more relaxing tour, drive along the escarpment to NOTL. 

The Niagara wine route offers a view of expansive vineyards to stop at along the way. Dotted with markets and fruit stands throughout the summer, you can make a quick stop at the side of the road for fresh produce and home-baked goods. If you have yet to taste a Niagara peach in July, it’s a must-do experience. 

Wineries offer tours, wine tastings, and outdoor cafes – from large estates to small boutique establishments, like 13th Street Winery. Its stunning retreat setting is perfect for an afternoon or evening out. Sample wine at the tasting bar, peruse the 13th Street Gallery with a butter tart from the bakery, or enjoy outdoor dining at the Farmhouse Bistro (between May and September.)

If planning your own tour seems like too much work, leave it to the pros. Crush Tours offers world-class Niagara tours of local wineries and breweries year-round. Cruise in comfort in a luxury vehicle as you travel from site to site to fully immerse yourself in each experience. 

For a one-of-a-kind tasting you won’t find anywhere else, the Spirit in Niagara Distillery is worth a stop for its unique tasting bar and patio. Sip homegrown spirits, such as vodka, gin, bourbon and a myriad of eau de vie fruit spirits and bitters in a stunning setting.

NOTL is home to a plethora of restaurants and bistros, featuring chefs that offer farm-to-table dishes and local fare. A sumptuous dinner out can be paired with a performance at the Shaw Festival. Now entering its 61st season, it features 14 plays this year and runs from February to December.

For a beach getaway, pack the cooler and head to the South Shore – an artsy, historic region with a beachy vibe. The sand beaches of Lake Erie include well-known Crystal Beach, Crescent Beach and Long Beach. After soaking the rays, head into town via the Niagara South Coast Arts & Culture Route, which runs from Fort Erie to Wainfleet.

The Niagara Region is less than an hour west of Burlington by car and about an hour and twenty minutes from Toronto. The short distance from the GTA makes it ideal for a weekend getaway or a day trip if the mood strikes. The scenic drive along the lake will set the tone for an exciting or restful time away, depending on your destination plans. 

By Julie Achtermeier

Prince Edward County, an island in Lake Ontario with 800 km of shoreline and nine villages, has a history rooted in farming, agriculture, and trade-through waterways. Today, the County is home to artists, winemakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and people with a flair for hospitality. 

At the centre of the County are small towns such as Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington – alive with activity as visitors take in the shops, restaurants and main strip. In the outskirts lie acres of farmland and the tiny, quiet towns of Ameliasburgh and Sophiasburg. The South Shore, and North and South Marysburgh are known for agricultural delights and craft beverages. Of course, the County is also home to Sandbanks Provincial Park, the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, along with its fabulous beaches and campsites. 

There’s so much to explore in Prince Edward County, from quiet retreats to live shows and entertainment. Whatever your pleasure, there is something for everyone. 

If it’s theatre you love, The Eddie features a pre-show picnic dinner at the iconic 1860s Red Barn as the setting for an evening of entertainment. The 78-acre farm is located between Wellington and Bloomfield and features a pond, orchards, gardens, access to the Millennium Trail, and newly decorated suites. It is also home to the Wellington Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Saturdays from 9am to 1:30pm from May 13th until the end of October. For a list of shows throughout the season, visit www.countystage.ca. 

A wedding on the horizon? Compass Rose is a unique wedding venue in the heart of Prince Edward County’s wine country. They offer wedding options for small groups or up to 2,000 people in their modern barn, farmhouse, greenhouse, and two outdoor ceremony sites. Wedding packages include two nights of accommodation in their elegant farmhouse that sleeps up to 12 people. 

Reconnecting to the simplicity of the world around us is a rewarding experience when visiting the Fronterra Farm, a waterfront farm located on the legendary Hillier soils. Explore a healthier, sustainable lifestyle reconnecting to food while vacationing in their luxury prospector tents, complete with a summer kitchen and ensuite bathroom. The last three years during the pandemic provided the owner, Jens Burgen, an opportunity to open a farm-based forest school to plant flowers and botanicals for an elemental spa.

Accommodations in Prince Edward County range from rustic elegance to modern sophistication, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit.  

For a homey camping or cottage experience, Ray’s Cottages are tucked onto the shores of West Lake, near Wellington and Bloomfield. The four-acre campground was purchased in 2019 by Nic and Alexia Conley, a local couple who grew up in Wellington and have a personal connection to the business. “Our vision for the property was a relaxed, pet-friendly vacation experience,” Alexia says. “When guests pull in, we want them to feel like they are returning to their summer cottage.” The Conleys provide cottages fully equipped with all the amenities (BBQ, fridge, stove, coffee maker, toaster) to create a natural cottage experience their guests want to return to again and again. 

The Everly Inn Bed & Breakfast overlooks breathtaking farm fields and meadows and offers a rest haven for visitors. Located next to two regional wineries, guests can enjoy a quiet getaway or combine their stay with wine tours and tastings. The Inn’s spacious lounge is ideal for morning coffee or an evening cocktail, or guests can retreat to their suite and private patio for a more intimate stay. The Inn offers contemporary comfort with an innovative design providing environmentally sustainable and renewable energy heating and cooling practices to create a net-zero emission stay experience. How on trend!

For those who enjoy staying on the main strip, The Royal can be found on Main Street in Picton with two neighbouring buildings: The Hotel, with classic accommodations, and The Annex, with its Scandi-inspired studios for longer stays. The Royal is ideally suited for families or groups of friends wishing to gather in town and enjoy the many amenities Picton has to offer. The Royal provides a quiet refuge at the end of the day with a peaceful library, swimming pool, and private terrace for guests. 

Adult-only destination-seekers looking for a uniquely modern experience can find stunning architectural design at Mirazule, a newly constructed lakeside inn offering luxury-hosted accommodation on 45 private acres. Be transported away by its intimate, contemporary surroundings and leave refreshed and ‘County chilled.’ Mirazule is located on South Bay, just 15 minutes from Picton and 30 minutes from Sandbanks and Wellington, and is surrounded by award-winning wineries. 

Don’t leave the County without visiting The Local Store in Picton! The unique building is a restored dairy barn built in the 19th century and houses many local products and décor. Original works of art from local artisans and indigenous artists are fondly displayed in The Loft Gallery, along with sweet and savoury treats to enjoy. While there, don’t forget to check out The Hayloft Antique Store and the Silks Vintage Room.

Prince Edward County is about a 3 hour drive from Oakville or Burlington, and once you get through Toronto, it’s an easy journey eastbound along the 401.  Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend or a week’s vacation, it is worth the drive. 

by Julie Achtermeier

It’s not always easy to “unplug,” especially in a society that’s so “plugged in.” Little screens in the palm of our hand make us available to anyone at any time in any place, and accessibility can often feel like an unspoken expectation. While it may seem like you need a white sandy beach with tranquil blue waters to “get away from it all,” unplugging close to home can be equally as refreshing. Staycations are easier on the budget and can be planned last minute, allowing for a spontaneous escape. Whether stealing a night away with your significant other or planning a spa-centred girls’ weekend, bed and breakfasts are the perfect local holiday.

Book a room, pack your bags, and grab a bottle of champagne! It’s time to unwind and relax at one of these fantastic bed and breakfasts (bonus: they’re just a short drive away).    

Homestead 1867 in Dundas

36 Melville Street, Dundas   |  Thehomestead1867.ca

Located within a gorgeous stone heritage house, Homestead 1867 is an intimate two-bedroom B&B in charming Dundas. The house was constructed in 1867 and was “home” to the same family over four generations. In 2010, a Dutch couple relocating from the Netherlands to Canada purchased the house, quickly converting it into comfortable accommodations. While adding modern amenities (such as WiFi), the home’s history is reflected in traditional wallpaper and furnishings. Stay in bed, sit by the fireplace, or enjoy Dundas’ Heritage District — there’s plenty to do in the area, including hiking trails, shops, and excellent restaurants.

Your stay at Homestead 1867 includes a healthy breakfast prepared by your hosts, Ton and Jan. Visit thehomestead1867.ca for more details and booking information.

The Barracks Inn in Ancaster

425 Wilson Street East, Ancaster   |  Thebarracksinn.com

Surrounded by shops and restaurants, this refined hotel in a formal 1812 building is more a Country Inn than true B&B (though you can still expect the same bed and breakfast experience). The century stone building features 18 beautiful suites, each offering a subtle blend of unique period décor and modern in-room amenities. Surrounded by quiet houses, Barracks is only a short walk from shops and boutiques in historic Ancaster Village. Plus, picturesque trails and waterfalls are only a short distance away.

Inside, rustic-contemporary decor and handcrafted, locally-made furniture provide a unique elegance to your stay. And like a traditional bed and breakfast, your morning meal is included. Freestanding soaker tubs are available in some suites, and a stunning fireplace warms one of the common areas. Take advantage of the local wines and whiskey cart featuring a variety of scotch.  Visit thebarracksinn.com for more details and booking information. 

Cheers to a wonderful weekend, no matter where you end up! 

by Erin Pepler