Westdale Tour (Self Guided), Hamilton

Founded in 1930, Westdale United Church dedicated its first building section on September 7 that year. It grew with the neighbourhood’s development in the 1920s and expanded after McMaster University relocated from Toronto in 1930. The church is part of the United Church of Canada, formed in 1925 through a union of Methodist, Congregationalist, and most Presbyterian churches.

The building is a clear example of Gothic Revival design. It is constructed of stone and features pointed-arch windows and a square tower at the front. The structure is straightforward and well balanced, without heavy decoration. Positioned along a circular green known as the Oval, it forms part of the original neighbourhood plan and remains a visual landmark within that setting.

Inside, wooden pews face a raised chancel, and stained glass windows filter soft light into the sanctuary. Beyond regular worship services, the church functions as an active community space. Today, it identifies as an Affirming Ministry and hosts concerts, public talks, and inclusive programs, including support and gathering space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Walker's Chocolates is a family-run chocolate and candy business founded in 1983 by Harry Walker. Today, it is managed by the second generation, with Jennifer and David continuing the work. While the company has grown over the past four decades, it still focuses on handmade sweets and small-scale production that customers can see and smell the moment they walk in.

Candy centres are made in small batches, hand-stirred in copper kettles using long-standing recipes. The selection includes butter creams, caramels, truffles, and the signature Mint Meltaways, offered since 1983. The shop is also known for its large range of molded chocolates, from traditional Easter bunnies to novelty shapes like chocolate iPhones, LEGO-style blocks, and pizzas. Seasonal boxed assortments are available throughout the year.

Inside, the shop is arranged in a clear and welcoming way, with glass counters displaying individual chocolates and shelves stocked with packaged gifts. Staff members are ready to explain fillings or help customers put together a custom mix. Part of the preparation area is often visible, reinforcing the sense that everything is made on site and by hand.

Westdale Theatre is a restored neighbourhood cinema that reflects the character of the Westdale district. Opened in 1935, it recalls a time when single-screen cinemas served as social hubs. Designed in the Art Moderne style, it features horizontal lines, curved forms, and a lit marquee. After years of closure, it reopened in 2019 as a community-supported non-profit venue.

Inside, the auditorium keeps the intimacy of an early 20th-century cinema. The 2019 renovation reduced seating from about 500 to 342 to improve comfort and accessibility, while adding a Christie digital projector, Dolby surround sound, updated HVAC, and accessible washrooms. Original details, including carved stone drama masks and the black, cream, and orange-red entrance tiles, were also restored.

Today, the theatre presents independent films, documentaries, classic screenings, and live performances. Concerts, talks, and special events broaden its program beyond cinema, drawing audiences of different ages. An evening here offers insight into local cultural life and the continued role of historic theatres in shaping community identity.

Weil's Of Westdale Bakery began in 1903 as the Westdale Cake Shop. It became “Weil’s” in 1947 after Robert H. Weil took ownership. In 1998, Sandy Zimmerman and Catherine Tompkins took over and kept the name to preserve its history. The bakery moved to its current location in 1990 and remains close to McMaster University, continuing its long-standing baking traditions.

Inside, the counters are filled with artisan breads, cookies, pastries, and cakes. Visitors will find butter tarts, brownies, fresh sandwich loaves, and savoury items such as meat pies and quiches. One long-time favourite is the chocolate chip bun, a product that has been popular for decades. The bakery is also well known for custom cakes prepared for birthdays, weddings, and community celebrations. Many items are made from scratch using traditional methods.

The space is simple and practical, focused on serving customers efficiently. During holidays, the shelves fill with seasonal pastries and boxed assortments for family gatherings. For tourists visiting the university district, stopping here offers a chance to experience a business that has adapted over more than a century while keeping its familiar flavours and local role.

Churchill Park is a large green space in the Westdale area, developed in the mid-20th century as a community recreation ground. Originally named Westdale Park, it was renamed in 1945 in honour of Sir Winston Churchill at the end of the Second World War. The land is owned by the Royal Botanical Gardens and has been managed for public use by the City of Hamilton under a long-term lease since 1966.

Sport remains central to the park’s identity. The grounds include three baseball diamonds, three soccer pitches, and a cricket field, all used by local leagues and schools. The Hamilton Lawn Bowling Club, established in the late 1950s, occupies dedicated greens that continue to host regular matches and social gatherings. Community allotment gardens, often referred to as the Teaching Garden, provide residents with space to grow vegetables and flowers during the warmer months.

In summer, families use the splash pad, which becomes especially busy on hot days. In winter, a community-run natural ice rink operates when weather allows. The park also connects to trails leading toward Princess Point and the marshes of Cootes Paradise, attracting walkers, hikers, and birdwatchers.