Local Shops and Services

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Grocery Stores

Love to cook? So do we! Find all the ingredients you need at our local grocery stores.

Walking Distance from Campus:

Other popular supermarkets:

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Need some health care essentials? Your local pharmacy will have all the over-the-counter medicines you need. Bonus: some groceries, household goods and even a post office in store!

Walking Distance from Campus:

*post office located here

Health Clinics and Urgent Care

Need to see a doctor? The McMaster Student Wellness Centre offers both in-person and virtual consultations by appointment.

After hours and weekends, local walk-in clinics and urgent care facilities can help you.

Banks and Financial Services

Looking to open a bank account? Need to take out some cash? You can find all the major Canadian banks in Hamilton.

Walking distance from campus:

By bus or car:

Coffee and Sweets

Need your caffeine fix? Plenty of options around campus to grab a nice cup of coffee.

Walking distance from campus:

Hamilton has plenty of unique cafes in town! Make sure to check them out, too.

Other Shops, Restaurants, Services and More

Ready to venture a bit further into town? Here’s a list of different areas you can visit to find new restaurants, shops and other great places.

Need to find the perfect outfit or gift? These shopping malls are a good place to start.

 

  • Limeridge Mall
    Hamilton’s largest indoor shopping mall
    Directions: take bus no. 5 to McNab street and transfer to bus no. 26
  • Jackson Square
    Indoor shopping centre in the downtown core with shops, restaurants, Nations Fresh Foods, the Hamilton Farmer’s Market and a movie theatre, too.
    Directions: take bus no. 5 to McNab and walk three minutes

Each Hamilton business district has unique character and great offerings. Here are a few for you to check out as you explore Hamilton.

 

  • Westdale Village
    A small shopping and restaurant district within walking distance from McMaster, with plenty of shopping and dining options.
    Directions: Follow Sterling Street from McMaster to King St. W. 
  • Locke St. Shops and Restaurants
    A popular street with many local shops, cafes and restaurants
    Directions: take bus no. 5 to Main at Pearle and walk south about 500m
  • James St. North Business District
    Famous for its restaurants, James St. has plenty of options for all tastes and budgets
    Directions: take bus no. 5 to Main at John, and walk northwest back to James St. N.
  • Ottawa St. Business District
    With its retro look and feel, Ottawa St. N. is famous not only for its restaurant life, but also for being featured in the Umbrella Academy Season 2!
    Directions: take bus no. 1 or 10 towards Eastgate Square for about 20-30 minutes. Exit at Main and Ottawa and head north.

Students arriving from abroad who need to get a SIM card or sign up for a cell phone plan can check out these Canadian carriers.

You might also be able to order a SIM card online. Make sure to check out different carriers to compare different plans and prices.

Looking to get some odds and ends to decorate your room? Hop in a car or on a bus and make your way to these big box stores!

 

  • IKEA Burlington
    15 -20 minute drive from campus. Not easily accessible by bus.
  • Walmart Supercentre – Upper James St.
  • 15 minute drive from campus. By bus: take no. 5 to McNab terminal and transfer to bus no. 27 to Fennell and Upper James.
  • Walmart Supercentre – Barton on Centre
    20 minute drive from campus. By bus: take no. 5 to Main and John, walk to John and Jackson and take no. 2 to Barton at Ottawa.

Looking for other spots around town? Send us an email at hcscomms@mcmaster.ca to let us know what kinds of places you want to see featured on this page.