Though Toronto may not have huge waterfalls or surrounding mountains to climb, this Ontario city does. And they’ve made it easier to climb thanks to these amazing mountain staircases. Here’s what to know about the Mountain Steps in Hamilton.
According to Hamilton Public Library, there are five staircases in total that you can tackle in the city of Hamilton — the Chedoke Stairs, Dundurn Stairs, James Stairs, Wentworth Stairs, and Kenilworth Stairs.
On each of these staircases, you’ll be climbing your way up the wonderful Niagara Escarpment.
These challenging staircases will get your heart pumping, but don’t worry, you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views.
The staircases range from 227 steps to 498 steps each — the shortest set of stairs is James, and the longest is Wentworth, according to the Hamilton Public Library.
History
There were originally seven sets of City-built stairs up the escarpment. “After the Jolley Cut was rebuilt, the John and Ferguson steps disappeared, and their remnants were incorporated into the walkways at Sam Lawrence Park,” shares the library.
So only five remain today, with an additional privately built staircase.
These steps have been refurbished throughout the years with new materials to ensure that they’re safe for the public to use.
The staircases also connect to other hiking trails around Hamilton. The Kenilworth steps connect the East Mountain to the Escarpment Rail Trail/Bruce Trail and continue to Hamilton’s Rosedale neighbourhood.
The James steps begin at Southam Park on the mountain at the top of the Claremont Access.
This is an outdoor adventure you just have to explore.
And don’t forget that Hamilton is Ontario’s city of waterfalls, so there are countless cascades to see in the area, including Webster’s Falls, Tiffany Falls, and Tew Falls.
Who knew that Hamilton was this poppin’?!
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