Nestled at the bottom of the Niagara Escarpment on the western edge of Lake Ontario, Dundas, Ontario is a charming community and town in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Known as the Valley Town, Dundas has a stable population of about 20,000 and is surrounded by the protected Dundas Valley Conservation Area. This article explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning geography of Dundas, Ontario.
First Nations peoples have inhabited the Dundas area for as much as 10,000 years. The first European to visit the area was Etienne Brulé in 1616, who noted that about 40,000 "Neutrals" lived in the Burlington Bay area.
Originally a "hunter's paradise" known as Coote's Paradise, Dundas was renamed in 1814 after the Dundas military road that passed through the village. By 1846, this "manufacturing village" had a population of just over 1,700, with industry including two grist mills, a furniture factory, a cloth factory, and two foundries. Dundas was incorporated in 1847 from parts of West Flamborough Township and Ancaster Township in Wentworth County, Canada West.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) put their line through Dundas in 1853, and by 1869 the population had grown to 3,500. Dundas enjoyed considerable economic prosperity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, thanks to its access to Lake Ontario via the Desjardins Canal. Although later surpassed by Hamilton, Dundas was once an important town in Upper Canada and Canada West.
According to the 2001 census, the population of Dundas was 24,394. The community is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and religions. The age characteristics of the population are also varied, with a good mix of young, middle-aged, and older residents.
Dundas is home to the Dundas Museum & Archives, the Dundas Valley School of Art, and the Carnegie Gallery. These institutions showcase the unique history and geography of the Dundas Valley and host a variety of local events, including art shows, book launches, and community celebrations.
Dundas has produced several independent artists and is home to the Dundas Valley Orchestra and the Dundas Concert Band. The town also hosts the Avalon Music Academy and the Dundas Conservatory of Music, providing musical instruction to the community.
Thanks to its 19th-century downtown architecture, Dundas has been a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including Haven, Cabin Fever, Wrong Turn, Man of the Year, The West Wing, The Incredible Hulk, Dark Oracle, and The Good Witch.
Dundas is near two commonly visited waterfalls: Webster's Falls and Tew's Falls. Both waterfalls are accessible by the Bruce trail leading to the Dundas Peninsula.
Dundas is also near the Dundas Peak, which overlooks Dundas and West Hamilton from The Bruce Trail in Flamborough. It has become one of the most visited parts of Dundas.
Dundas is famous for the Collins Hotel, which opened in 1841 and is the longest-running hotel in Ontario.
Dundas has two sister cities: Kaga, Ishikawa, Japan, and Otjiwarongo, Namibia. These relationships foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Dundas and these international communities.
