Southern Ontario Map
Complete map of Southern Ontario including the Golden Horseshoe.
About Hamilton
Hamilton is Ontario's third-largest city with approximately 570,000 residents, located at the western end of Lake Ontario. Known historically as "Steeltown" for its major steel manufacturing industry, Hamilton has evolved into a diverse urban center with a growing arts scene, healthcare sector, and technology industries. The city sits at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, featuring dramatic geography with numerous waterfalls earning it the nickname "Waterfall Capital of the World."
The downtown core features historic architecture, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the revitalized James Street North arts district. Hamilton Harbour serves as a major industrial port, while the waterfront trail offers recreational access to the lake. McMaster University, one of Canada's top research universities, is located in the city's west end and contributes significantly to the local economy and culture.
Major transportation routes include the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway (Highway 403), Red Hill Valley Parkway, and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) connecting Hamilton to Toronto and Niagara Falls. Hamilton's public transit system, HSR (Hamilton Street Railway), operates bus routes throughout the city. The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport serves the region, though many residents also use Toronto Pearson International Airport approximately 50 kilometers away.
Hamilton Neighborhoods & Districts
Hamilton comprises several distinct areas including downtown Hamilton, the historic Durand neighborhood, Westdale near McMaster University, and the Mountain communities atop the Niagara Escarpment. Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek were amalgamated with Hamilton in 2001, creating a geographically diverse municipality stretching from Lake Ontario to rural farmland.