Walking
Walking is an enjoyable, healthy, and cost-effective way to get to campus. Explore the resources on this page to help plan your walk to McMaster.
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Travel Time
Walking to campus from any location within this blue area only takes 15 minutes!
Walking Routes
McMaster has a wide variety of trails on campus that connect to surrounding neighbourhoods!
Trail Map
There are three main trails connecting McMaster and the community. Ravine Road Trail is pictured in red, Chegwin Trail is pictured in blue, and Cootes Drive trail is pictured in green.
Ravine Road Trail
Ravine Road Trail connects Westdale neighbourhood and the McMaster Campus. The entrances are located at the intersection of Marion Ave North and Dromore Crescent, and Michell Crescent (on McMaster’s campus).
Cootes Drive Trail
Cootes Drive Trail connects Dundas and McMaster. The entrances of this route can be found at the intersection of East Street North and Cootes Drive, and the intersection of Collage Crescent and King Street West (on McMaster’s campus). This trail is also home to many native turtle species. Expect to see turtles on this trail during the summer!
Hamilton Brantford Rail Trail
The Hamilton Brantford Rail Trail connects Brantford and Hamilton to McMaster and spans a portion of the Trans-Canada Trail, 80 km overall! There are many entrances to this trail, even on Emerson Street right by McMaster. This newly built trail is well-loved by the community for both walking and biking.
Biking
Biking is a quick, predictable, and cost-effective way to get to campus. Explore the resources on this page to help plan your bike to McMaster.
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Travel Time
Biking to campus from any location within this blue area only takes 15 minutes!
Bike Lanes
McMaster is well connected by bike lanes, trails, and paths, allowing you to get your daily dose of nature while also getting you to and from campus quickly.
To see a wider view of Hamilton’s cycling network, click here.
Parking your Bike
Convenient bike parking is available for free throughout campus. Check out this link for an interactive map of campus bike racks. Bikes on campus must be locked to an approved structure.
Rent a Bike Locker
McMaster maintains 18 CycleSafe bike lockers available for rent by members of the McMaster community. Locations include:
- Between JHE and BSB, next to the motorcycle pad.
- Between TSH and Parking Lot E, boarding the parking lot.
- Between the E.T. Clarke Centre and the Mary E Keyes residence building, bordering the E.T. Clarke Centre.
Rentals are $40.00/semester or $100.00/year. Click here to download an application form.
Preventing Theft
As with all public areas, there is a potential for theft. To mitigate this risk, consider:
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Investing in a U-Lock, many of which include an option for bike insurance.
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Parking your bike in an area with high foot-traffic and that is well-lit.
- Registering your bike with Hamilton Police Services here.
- Secure ‘quick release components’
or use an additional chain lock to secure your wheels.
- Report suspicious activity or theft to Security Services here.
Hamilton Bike Share
Hamilton Bike Share provides great connections to McMaster from all over Hamilton. Enjoy the freedom of cycling, without the responsibility of using, maintaining, and securing your own bike. Check the map below to find a station near you. See the full map here.
Student Discount
Starting September 2024, McMaster Students will receive an annual Hamilton Bike Share membership for $24.50, as a part of their student fees.
Before then, students can take advantage of the existing student discount. More information can be found on the Hamilton Bike Share website.
Local Public Transit (HSR)
McMaster is well connected by many HSR bus routes that can get you to and from campus. Whether you are taking the bus for the first time, or a regular user looking to explore more? Read on to plan your HSR trip to campus or click links below to be redirected to the HSR Homepage and helpful links!
Link HSR home page: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/hsr
HSR System Route Map: https://moovitapp.com/index/public-transit-maps/?map=hsrsystemmap.pdf
HSR Schedule Finder: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/hsr/schedule-route-tools/schedules-detours?type=47
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Student Bus Pass
Did you know that all full-time students hold a 12-month, unlimited ride bus pass with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)?
Click to learn more about the HSR bus pass for undergraduate and for graduate students!
Route 51 - UNIVERSITY
The UNIVERSITY route runs east-west between downtown and west Hamilton along Main St. West and King St. West. It services Hamilton GO Centre, Jackson Square and McMaster University. Students can also take the 1A – KING or 5 – DELAWARE (5C – WEST HAMILTON) routes to get to the campus. In addition, routes 10-? B LINE EXPRESS and 5 – DELAWARE (52 – DUNDAS) will take students to the south side of campus on Main St. West.
Operating hours: Service runs 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) from morning until after midnight. There is no Sunday/Holiday service
Effective: Jan 01, 2023
Schedule type: Regular
Route 5 - DELAWARE
The DELAWARE route serves east – west lower Hamilton including Dundas, Ancaster and Stoney Creek.
Operating hours: 7 days a week from early morning until after midnight.
Effective: Dec 31, 2023
Schedule type: Regular
Route 1 - KING
The KING route services lower Hamilton east – west from Hamilton GO in the west to Eastgate Square in the east. The KING 1A route also services University Plaza to Hamilton GO.
Operating hours: 7 days a week from the early morning until after midnight.
Effective: Dec 31, 2023
Schedule type: Regular
Route 10 - B LINE EXPRESS
The B LINE EXPRESS route is an east-west route traveling from University Plaza in the west end to Eastgate Square in the east end.
This route is interlined with 55 STONEY CREEK CENTRAL
Operating hours: 7 days a week from early morning to early evening
Effective: Sep 03, 2023
Schedule type: Regular
Bikes and the Bus
Need to take your bike on the bus? No problem! All HSR buses have a bike rack on the front bumper. Learn more here about how you can take your bike on the bus.
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Student Discount
Taking GO Transit and wanting to save some money as a student? Look no further! GO Transit offers 40% off full-ticket prices. Click here to learn more about how you can apply and save on your next ride!