When on the hunt for a family-friendly neighbourhood, you don’t have to look any further than the City of Hamilton. Canada’s waterfall capital is quickly attracting families of all shapes and sizes, and those with furry, four-legged members are welcomed with open arms.

Parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, plenty of trails, and gorgeous waterfront spaces await you, and it’s enough to make everyone in your family jump for joy. Though Hamilton offers many great neighbourhoods we’re sure that you will love, we can’t help but have a few favourites. In this post, we’ll highlight a few of our top communities for families and their loving doggos.

Are you ready to make Hamilton, Ancaster, or Dundas your new home? Start by downloading our Buyer’s Guide right here.

Kirkendall

Located between Highway 403 and Queen Street, Kirkendall is quickly becoming one of Hamilton’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Parks and plenty of greenery make it a picturesque setting for families, and it’s also home to Hill Street Dog Park. Finding a leash-free zone means your playful pup can run and jump freely, a sight that can’t help but fill your heart with joy!

With picnic tables, benches, and shady areas, you can sit and take in the scenery for hours on end. There’s also a children’s playground for your two-legged family members, which makes this a fun place for everyone!

When you’re finished frolicking, why not head on over to the shops and restaurants on Locke Street? Many of the patios are also happy to welcome your fur baby with a bowl of refreshing water. The only downside of Kirkendall is that you and your dog might not get far with so many friendly passersby stopping to say “hello” and offering chin rubs.

Want to find out more about this great neighbourhood? Learn more about Kirkendall right here

The North End

Hamilton’s North End has undergone a significant revitalization over the last few years. The addition of the West Harbour Go Station makes it a popular spot for anyone who commutes, and the bustling streets are full of artisan shops and fantastic restaurants.

The North End is also home to Bayfront Park, where you’ll find waterfront views and gorgeous trails that are sure to have your dog’s tail wagging with delight! Located at the foot of Harbour Front Drive just off of Bay Street, this park is a popular hotspot on weekends and warm summer afternoons.

You’ll encounter plenty of happy hikers, cyclers, and inline skaters as you and your happy pooch explore the lakeside. An expansive park boasts wildflowers, foliage, and trees, providing a natural oasis away from the bustle of the downtown core.

The path also connects to the Harbour Waterfront Trail, a 3.5 km trek that leads to Princess Point. From here, you can make your way to the Trans Canada Trail, Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, and Cootes Paradise.

Want to know more about Hamilton and the surrounding areas? Here is some related reading you are sure to love:

• Top 5 Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods In Ancaster
• Top 5 Hamilton Neighbourhoods For Families
• Ancaster Vs Hamilton: What Are the Differences?

Westdale

As the home of McMaster University, there’s more to Westdale than meets the eye. Sprawling green spaces, streets lined with character homes and majestic gardens, and one of Hamilton’s premier shopping districts means this West End neighbourhood is in hot demand.

Dog lovers flock to Westdale, in no small part due to the gorgeous green spaces like the leash-free zone at Cathedral Park. When the hunger pangs hit, you’ll also appreciate the local pet-friendly restaurants and breweries such as the Grain & Grit and Fairweather. Numerous veterinary clinics and grooming spas are also nearby, helping to ensure your beloved pet stays healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Curious about Westdale? Learn all about it in What Hood Is Good? Let’s Talk About Westdale!

Oakhill/Clearview Estates

Now let’s turn our attention to the upper Escarpment in the beautiful town of Ancaster, where you’ll find the upscale Oakhill/Clearview Estates neighbourhood bordered by Lovers Lane, Jerseyville Road West, Lloyminn Ave and Sulphur Springs Road, just a little west of Hamilton Golf and Country Club. The one-of-a-kind shops and eateries of Ancaster Village are a short walk away or drive away, and there are numerous access points to the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.

Also, don’t tell Fido, but a few veterinary clinics are also conveniently located minutes away, including Ancaster Animal Hospital, Golf Links Veterinary Hospital, and Wilson Street Veterinary Clinic. Though none of these will ever be your dog’s favourite place to visit, it’s always reassuring that your pet has access to exemplary care.

Now, onto the fun parts! The neighbourhood is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Corporal Nathan Cirillo Free Run Area, one of Hamilton’s best leash-free zones. Just imagine – 23.5 acres of fenced-in freedom, complete with park benches and even a stream for pups who love to swim.

Dundas

This may be cheating, as Dundas is not a neighbourhood, but its own separate town within the City of Hamilton. That said, there is so much to enjoy here for your whole family, including those who speak “canine”. For example, the downtown core features countless restaurants who welcome your furry friend to their outdoor patios.

The town itself is picturesque and full of breathtaking scenery, from the tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes with majestic gardens to the expansive trails and waterfalls. Tews Falls, Websters Falls, and the Dundas Valley Conservation Area are spectacular places to explore with your faithful companion at your side.

For a completely different experience, take your pooch on the Melville Cross Heritage District Walking tour or visit the Dundas Driving Park. Alternatively, you can take a quick drive to Borer’s Falls Off Leash Dog Park, where your pup can jump and play freely. A separate fenced-in area for large and small breeds means all pets can join in the fun! There are also loops, trails, and fabulous lookouts for human explorers to enjoy.

Knowing the local market is the first essential step when buying a home. The posts below will help:

• A Home Buyer’s Guide To Hamilton Real Estate
• Is Hamilton Real Estate Worth It?

Bonus: Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Neighbourhood in Burlington

Though it is not technically part of Hamilton, downtown Burlington is well worth the short drive if your dog loves being in the car. There’s a lot of fun and excitement here for the two and four-legged members of your family.

Spencer Smith Park features an incredible boardwalk on one side of Lakeshore, with boutiques, cafes, and plenty of restaurants with patios on the other. Head to Burlington Beach, and the soft, sandy beach can almost make you feel you’re in the Caribbean. Though the beach itself has a no-pets policy, you and your dog are welcome to take in the sights and sounds from the boardwalk trail that runs parallel to the shore.

It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend an afternoon with your best friend, taking in the sound of the waves, and possibly stopping for a refreshment at one of the many patios along the way.

Are you ready to start the hunt for your next home? Our Hamilton and Ancaster real estate agents can guide the way. Reach out to hello@theoreillygroup.ca or call 905-512-5323 to take the next step.

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