Hamilton - Brantford Rail Trail
This is actually two connecting trails, the West Hamilton - Jerseyville Trail maintained by the
Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, and the Jerseyville - Brantford Trail of the Grand River
Conservation Authority. They are both excellent and together make for a continuous ride of
about 32 km.
The Trail
The West Hamilton - Jerseyville trail was
the first to be constructed, in 1993. It
begins on the west side of the city, near
McMaster University, following the
Dundas Valley for 18 km to the
community of Jerseyville. The surface is
an excellent fine granular. Past
Jerseyville the trail is newer, having been
constructed in 1996. The surface is of
similar construction. When I rode it in 1996 it temporarily ended just outside Brantford while
they figured out a way to get across Highway 403, but it now crosses under the highway and goes
into Brantford. See S. C. Johnson and Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway for information that
now allows you to continue all the way to Cambridge.
I had expected to find a trail that ran through flat, relatively uninteresting farmland, and was
pleasantly surprised at how scenic the Hamilton end is. The Dundas Valley is very pleasant,
containing a major recreation area where Spring Creek descends the Niagara Escarpment. The
famous Bruce (hiking) Trail crosses our trail here. Our trail makes a long steady climb from
kilometre 3.5 to kilometre 12, which means a similar descent on the return trip. I can imagine the
steam locomotives struggling to haul their cargo up the grade.
Once out of the valley the scenery becomes more like I had expected, but it is pleasant
none-the-less. Jerseyville is too small to have a store and I had to ask at the school for a refill of
my water bottle. I would recommend carrying a large bottle plus a second one.
Trail Amenities
Markers post each kilometre from the Hamilton end, and some benches are provided. There are
no water supplier or toilets except at The Trail Centre in the Dundas Valley Conservation
Area. Attractive plantings and signs have been installed at road crossings, and a few parking
lots
have been constructed.
The Trail Centre, located
in an old rail station, has a
snack bar which was not
operating when I was
there, which was a summer
weekday. I believe that
refreshments are therefore
only sold on weekends in
season, and the indoor
washrooms may also be
closed at other times. The
water is available at an
outside faucet.
Accessibility for Wheelchairs and Suitability for
Children
This is an excellent trail for both children and for the disabled, principally because the surface is
excellent. There are road crossings and some may be busy, but the Dundas Valley Conservation
Area has many kilometres without traffic concerns.
History
The trail was originally the right-of-way of the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway. The
TH&B was incorporated in 1891 and previously operated 110 miles of line in Ontario, providing
passenger and freight service between Toronto and Buffalo. It was at one time jointly owned by
the Canadian Pacific, New York Central, Michigan Central and Canada Southern Railways.
For more information see The Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo Railway Society.
How to Find
At the Hamilton end the trail starts near University Plaza on Main Street. Exit from Highway 403
at the Main Street West exit, follow Main Street westerly, you will pass the university on your right, then about one km later turn left (south) at Ewan Road.
Drive a short block, turn right, and a short distance further you will find the trail parking lot under the Hydro lines. Ewan Road is just past the Burger King and Pizza Hut. If you arrive at University
Plaza then you have gone a bit too far. The
trail runs behind the plaza.
There is also 
a parking lot at Old 99 (but don't ask me how to find Old
99) and another at Highway 52. Otherwise, park along cross roads,
unless prohibited. Click on the image at right for a map of the trail and
information about the S. C. Johnson Trail and Gordon Glaves Memorial
Pathway.
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Last Updated June 4, 2007 by Ken Brown