NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
Living in Waterdown
There's something about a village main street with a waterfall just around the corner… that's Waterdown for me.
AT A GLANCE
Location
Just north-west of Burlington in the City of Hamilton, from the escarpment north past Parkside Drive, between Kerns Road and Highway 6.
Homes
1800s heritage homes in the village, established neighbourhoods and newer subdivisions with detached homes, semis and towns.
Best for
Families, commuters and downsizers who love village life.
LIFE IN WATERDOWN
What it's like to live in Waterdown.
Sitting right at the top of the escarpment, just minutes from Burlington, Waterdown is a place where historic stone buildings and cozy cafés meet newer family neighbourhoods, trails and a whole lot of community spirit. It started as a mill village in the 1830s, built around the falls at Smokey Hollow, and you can still feel that history walking down Dundas Street. It's been part of the City of Hamilton since 2001, but it still has a strong small-town feel, especially on a summer Saturday at the farmers' market.
Over the years, newer neighbourhoods have grown up around the historic village, so there's a home for just about every stage of life. For commuters, Aldershot GO is about 10 minutes away, and Highway 6, the 403 and the 407 are all close by.
THE HOMES
Heritage charm meets newer neighbourhoods.
Waterdown has three different feels. In the village core, you'll find beautiful 1800s heritage homes. Around them are established neighbourhoods from the 1940s to the 80s, and further out are the newer subdivisions built over the last 20 years, with detached homes, semis, townhomes and some condos.
Prices vary a lot depending on the age and location of the home, so reach out anytime and I'll put together a current snapshot for you.
MY LOCAL FAVOURITES
Where you'll find me in Waterdown.
Parks and walks: Smokey Hollow is a must, with a 10-metre waterfall, a viewing platform and the Bruce Trail running right through it. Waterdown Memorial Park has a skate park, splash pad and the best toboggan hill in winter, and the wetland trails along Grindstone Creek in Waterdown North are perfect for an easy walk.
Coffee: Leaven House on Dundas Street is a lovely spot for a coffee and something sweet, Copper Kettle Café is just down the street, and Jitterbug Café on Main Street is a cozy local favourite.
Restaurants: Mill Street & Five American House is set in a beautiful stone hotel from 1824, Kamoosh Bistro on Main Street is perfect for a farm-to-table Italian dinner, the Royal Coachman is the classic village pub and Drongkowskis' Food Market & Deli is my go-to for a great sandwich and deli treats to take home.
Something extra: The Waterdown Farmers' Market runs Saturdays from late May to mid-October and is one of my favourite ways to spend a summer morning.
WATERDOWN FAQ
Your questions, answered.
Is Waterdown part of Burlington?
No. Waterdown is part of the City of Hamilton, but it sits right beside north Aldershot and is only minutes from Burlington.
What types of homes are in Waterdown?
Everything from 1800s heritage homes in the village to established 1940s to 80s neighbourhoods and newer subdivisions with detached homes, semis and townhomes.
Can you take the GO train from Waterdown?
Yes. Aldershot GO is about 10 minutes away by car, and HSR Route 18 runs there every 30 minutes.
What schools serve Waterdown?
Depending on the street, public schools include Mary Hopkins, Guy B. Brown, Flamborough Centre, Allan A. Greenleaf and Waterdown District High School, and Catholic schools include Guardian Angels, St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Mary. Always confirm catchments with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board or the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
Where is the waterfall in Waterdown?
Smokey Hollow, also called Great Falls, is just off Mill Street on Grindstone Creek, right on the Bruce Trail.
