The best cycling routes around West Lincoln Township

Hamilton Beach sits on a narrow strip between Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour, with open lake views contrasting against the Skyway Bridge and passing ships. A wide, mostly level asphalt trail follows the shoreline, making this an easy spot for walking, running, and cycling. Several access points and parking areas line the route, while washrooms are available at Confederation Beach Park during limited hours.

This wide, mostly level paved trail follows the Lake Ontario shoreline for 4.3 kilometres, passing sandy beaches, open parkland, and long stretches of uninterrupted water views. It is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and inline skaters, so expect a busy shared path on summer days. The trail continues west towards the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge, while parking and limited-hour washrooms are available at Confederation Beach Park.

Red Hill Creek is a beautiful stream that flows approximately 7 kilometres from its source at Albion Falls on the Niagara Escarpment, winding northeast through the Red Hill Valley before emptying into Hamilton Harbour at Windermere Basin. The creek and valley are named for the area’s distinctive reddish soil, which is rich in iron, making it a picturesque waterway that runs through the heart of Hamilton.

Red Hill Valley Trail runs roughly 10½ kilometres from King's Forest Park at the top of the Niagara Escarpment along Red Hill Creek all the way northeast to Lake Ontario at Confederation Park. Along the way, it winds through thick forest and past a few small waterfalls before levelling off through the open Red Hill Wetlands, which is a fantastic area for birdwatching. This trail is mostly natural compact dirt and gravel, and is a popular route for walking, cycling, and trail running, and an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Hamilton's Red Hill Valley any time of the year.

Rosedale Park is a popular, well-equipped community space in Hamilton with plenty of recreational amenities to choose from. It covers over 13 hectares and includes baseball diamonds, bocce courts, a playground, and tennis courts, along with an ice arena and a swimming pool nearby. A portion of the Red Hill Valley Recreational Trail runs through the park, making it a fantastic spot with something for everyone and a gateway to the natural beauty of King’s Forest and the wider Red Hill Valley trail network.

Ball's Falls Conservation Area was set up to preserve and protect the history of the village that had become a ghost town. In addition to the historic buildings the park also includes Upper and Lower Ball's Falls which you can access with short trails from the parking area.

From here you'll have an excellent view over Lower Ball's Falls. The nature of the area varies greatly throughout the year so you can visit at different times to see lush greenery, colourful leaves, or ice clinging to the cliff sides.

The Escarpment Rail Trail is a scenic path that follows an old rail corridor up the Hamilton Escarpment. It offers wide views across the city and Lake Ontario, especially near the Kenilworth access. You’ll pass lookouts, old rail markers, and shaded sections as you climb toward the top of the escarpment. It’s a multi-use path, so you might share it with bicycles, and you can combine it with the Bruce Trail to make a loop.