Stoney Creek
A GROWING COMMUNITY
Stoney Creek, similarly to Ancaster, is very mixed depending on where you are. The downtown area offers a quaint historic downtown while the outer regions of both lower and Stoney Creek are primarily new housing developments and big box commercial areas. Further out, you will find more rural areas and farmland – the most Eastern part marks the beginning of the Niagara bench, some of Canada’s richest agricultural land (and wine regions).
To the west of Hamilton proper, Stoney Creek also extends to include such rural communities like Winona, Fruitland and Elfrida. The Stoney Creek Mountain has seen explosive growth in the last five years with new developments bringing thousands of new towns, detached and semis to the area. Alongside this has been significant commercial development and infrastructure changes, from the extension of the Red Hill Valley to the widening of roads.
THINGS TO DO
Puddicombe Estate Farms, Winery and Cider – Over 200 year old Fruit Farm that offers tours, train rides, you can pick your own cherries and apples. It also is a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding or special event!
Roma Pizza – you can actually buy the legendary slab pizza bread all over the city, but the OG bakery is on Barton East, Vice Canada even popped by for a visit!
FOOD & DRINK
Maria’s Tortas Jalisco
Traditional Mexican fast food and delicious sandwiches.
Rony’s Rotisserie
These guys are doing it right, currently Salar’s favourite chicken joint (ok, not counting fried chicken)
Authentic Thai off of Queenston Road.
ARTS & CULTURE
Held annually at the end of August. It’s an interesting event, as it’s own by about 20 not for profit organizations, run entirely by volunteers, and usually hosts about 100,000 every year! The Peach sundaes are not to be missed!
Upper Stoney Creek features the areas last Drive In Theatre. Located off Upper Centennial Parkway
Check out this preservered 19th Century home that once belonged to the Gage Family. Located on the site of the famous Battle of Stoney Creek (a re-enactment happens annually).
NATURE
Fifty Point Conservation Area
Beautiful conservation area with a marina, beach, picnic areas and campsites.
Felker’s Falls Conservation Area
At the edge of the escarpment in the Mud & Paramount area, you’ll find Felker’s Falls. The area includes a walking and cycling path as well as access to the Bruce Trail.
It’s easy to miss this one, as it’s just a stone’s throw from the Heritage Green Shopping Centre. Follow the trail markers and you’ll find the entrances to a vast underground trail system.
THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL
A STONEY CREEK LANDMARK
One of the most well-known sights in Stoney Creek is the Devil’s Punchbowl. Dating back to the last ice age (yes, you heard that right) its layers were formed by retreating glacial waters in what was formerly an inland sea. In fact, when hiking in the bowl, you can spot fossilized sea creatures and corals in the rock. Above the punchbowl is a massive steel cross dedicated to Stoney Creek resident William Sinclair. You can spot both in the 2006 film Silent Hill and learn an interesting history given of the Devil’s Punch Bowl from the Hamilton Ghost Walk via the Stoney Creek Historical Society.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Battle of Stoney Creek
The Battle of Stoney Creek marked a turning point in the War of 1812. On June 6, 1813 the British made a night attack on an American encampment and their forces on the site of the current Battlefield Park. The American forces, which had been gaining ground in Upper Canada were driven back, in what is considered a victory for the United Empire Loyalists.
Image by Charles Jefferys, from Wikipedia
Stoney Creek Dairy
Stoney Creek Dairy was founded in 1929, when owner George Dawson began bottling milk out of his home. In 1942, a Dairy Bar serving house-made ice cream opened and was a beloved community staple all the way until 2016 when it was demolished to make way for a retirement home.
Image courtesy of Vintage Hamilton
THE POWERHOUSE
A historical landmark in downtown Stoney Creek, The Powerhouse provided electricity to rail lines from the late 1800s. Now, you can enjoy launch in the building which currently operates as a restaurant.
Image courtesy of the Erland Lee Museum