Quick ride by bicycle from Ancaster to Hamilton

Roll out from historic Ancaster, perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, and cruise toward Hamilton on a relaxed, mostly downhill ride. It’s about 19.8 km with roughly 146 m of climbing and 300 m of descent, so you’ll get plenty of easy coasting as you drop off the escarpment.

The route mixes dedicated cycleways (about 45%) with quiet roads, and surfaces are mostly paved with some gravel stretches (around a quarter), so slightly wider tires are a plus. Expect leafy corridors, conservation-area vibes, and glimpses of waterfalls country as you approach the city.

You’ll finish in Hamilton, famously the “City of Waterfalls,” where industrial roots meet a growing arts and food scene. From here, you can tack on a spin toward the waterfront or explore cafés and murals in the core. A solid everyday ride with scenic payoff—bring a bottle, a camera, and enjoy the glide into the Hammer.