ANCASTER
QUAINT VILLAGE, MODERN MANSIONS & RURAL FARMLAND
Ancaster is a historic town located on the West side of the city. Established in 1792, Ancaster was a significant economic and transportation hub built around its saw and grist mills. In fact, you can actually visit one of these historic landmarks for brunch in what is now the Ancaster Mill restaurant. Today, Ancaster features a quaint village feel in its downtown with beautiful old brick buildings and churches. In the more Western areas, Ancaster is still very much rural and you’ll find several farms like the famous Bennet’s Apples & Cider. It also has a more modern area with larger “big box” stores and new housing developments in an area known as the Meadowlands and off Garner Road.
Ancaster is well known as one of Hamilton’s wealthiest areas and there are some very impressive homes on private lanes and protected by gates. The lots have a rural feel as many back onto the conservation area. Deer and other wildlife are a common sight. For many, the lots are the draw and older homes are being torn down and replaced with “McMansions”. To combat this, a bylaw was passed in 2020 to prevent “monster homes” from being built on some of Ancaster’s larger lots.
Homes feature a mix of new developments both detached and townhouses in the Meadowlands areas, and older bungalows off Wilson and Fiddler’s Green. There are presently a lot of new builds going in off the highway which are appealing to young families.
You can get to Ancaster easily off the 403, or you can take Old Ancaster Road into Dundas or Wilson right into West Hamilton and McMaster University. The Western reaches of Ancaster lead into rural Jerseyville and can be as close to Brantford as to Hamilton proper.
THINGS TO DO
As an agricultural area, Ancaster is home to the Ancaster FairGrounds which of course hosts the annual Ancaster Fair in September, but is also used for all sorts of events and fests throughout the year. You’ll also find the prestigious Hamilton Golf and Country Club, which has hosted the Canadian Open 5 times so far, the last being in 2012. Established in 1894, it is considered one of the top courses in Canada, and among the top 100 courses world wide.
When the food truck scene first started to take off in 2012, the folks at Bethesda United Church on Garner Rd saw an opportunity to raise money for their church which was facing closure. And a gathering known as Holy Food Truck was born! The weekly event draws hundreds of people to set up chairs, throw down blankets, and spend time with their neighbours while enjoying food from many of Hamilton’s finest street food purveyors!
FOOD & DRINK
Brewer’s Blackbird
A new restaurant and brewery in the former Rousseau house. Charming historic building with an awesome patio.
The Ancaster Mill
Fine dining, events, popular buffet brunch with mimosas, caesars and champagne oh my – do NOT forget to leave room for dessert
India Village
This location has recently been renovated, great reliable Indian food for eat in or delivery (there’s something about Indian food that always makes me want to order in) also has a location on King Street in Dundas
ARTS & CULTURE
A weekly outdoor gathering of local produce vendors, prepared foods, live music and hot foods, which runs from June to October. This is one of my personal favourite outdoor markets – a very welcoming, and relaxed feeling.
Fieldcote is a park and museum that exhibits local history and the natural heritage of the Ancaster area. Walk through the garden, see musicians playing in the bandshell, or check out the rotating exhibits of art and history in the museum.
The Ancaster Fair, held by the Ancaster Agricultural Society, has been an annual community event since 1850. Along with typical fair attractions, you’ll find agricultural demonstrations and competitions, horse and livestock shows, crafts, antiques, and horticulture displays.
NATURE
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
One of the most beautiful conservation areas in the region (if I do say so) and part of a World Biosphere Reserve. Huge area with different landscapes and wildlife spottings around every corner: Bring your camera!
Forested area with 3km of trails that connect to the Chedoke Radial Trail and parts of the Bruce Trail. A favourite spot for mountain bikers.
Super popular, but not disappointing, this 21 metre waterfall is right off of Wilson Road. Come in the spring when the melt has it rushing.
GRIFFIN HOUSE
A NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE FOR BLACK HISTORY IN CANADA
Griffin House is a preserved 19th century home and national historic site. It was owned by Enerals Griffin, a slave from Virginia, who self-liberated and came to Canada (possibly via the Underground Railroad) in 1834. Griffin bought this 50 acre piece of land, which stayed in his family until 1988.
This house has been designated as a National Historic Site and now operates as a museum. In late 2020, it received federal and provincial funding to undergo a significant restoration.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
THE HERMITAGE
The ruins of this 1807 mansion set inside the Dundas Valley are said to be haunted and a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts, history buffs, and hikers alike. Want to know the full story? Book a ghost tour.
Image courtesy of the Hamilton Public Library, Local History & Archives
Wilson's Mills
What we know as Ancaster was established in 1792, but was known briefly as Wilson’s Mills, after James Wilson who had built a saw and gristmill there. You can visit the original mill today (for dinner!) at Ancaster Mill.
Image courtesy of Vintage Hamilton
SULPHUR SPRINGS HOTEL
In the late 1800s Sulphur Springs Road was home to a Victorian hotel with a mineral spa. The hotel was a summertime destination for both locals and tourists, who believed that the waters had healing powers. The hotel closed in 1910 after a disastrous fire, but you can still find the restored Sulphur Springs fountain in its place.
Image courtesy of the Hamilton Public Library, Local History & Archives