Join us in beautiful Hamilton, Ontario, for Canada’s premier conference on information literacy and library instruction! WILU 2025 is hosted on the McMaster University campus.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Peter George Centre for Living and Learning and Les Prince Hall
Conveniently located on McMaster University Campus, Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL) and Les Prince Hall are student residences used for conference attendees during the summer. A block of single rooms with twin bed and ensuite washroom has been set aside for WILU attendees at a discounted rate.
- Website: McMaster Housing and Conference Services: Buildings
- Distance from venue: ~10 minute walk
- Parking: Available on site via the Honk Mobile app
- How to book: Book through the Conference Registration portal
The Laundry Rooms
Located in the Durand neighborhood downtown at 18 Augusta Street, next to several trendy dining options, The Laundry Rooms are boutique suites offering apartment-style amenities. A block of 1 bedroom suites has been set aside for WILU attendees at a discounted rate until April 9, 2025.
- Website: The Laundry Rooms
- Distance from venue: ~15 minute drive
- How to book: Contact directly
Additional Hotels Nearby
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
116 King Street West
Phone: 905-529-5515
Visit website
4 km from McMaster
Visitors Inn
649 Main St. West (Hwy 8 & 403)
Phone/Fax: 905-529-6979
Toll Free: 1-800-387-4620
reservations@visitorsinn.com
Visit website
2.5 km from McMaster
Homewood Suites
40 Bay Street South
Phone: 905-667-1200
Visit website
4.5 km from McMaster
TRANSPORTATION
Getting to McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
Public Transportation – GO Transit
- From Toronto & Burlington: Take the Lakeshore West GO Train to Aldershot GO Station, then transfer to the GO Bus Route 15 to McMaster University.
- From Mississauga: Take the GO Bus Route 47 from Square One GO Bus Terminal to Hamilton GO Centre, then transfer to the HSR Bus Route 1A-King or 5C-Delaware to McMaster University.
For more detailed information on schedules and routes, please visit GO Transit.
Driving
McMaster University is located in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton between Toronto and Niagara Falls. For detailed driving directions to McMaster from Toronto, Niagara, Kitchener/Waterloo and London visit: McMaster University: Discover – Driving Directions.
Airports
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
For transportation options from these airports, visit McMaster University’s airport directions page.
Around Hamilton
- Bus: Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) provides convenient service to McMaster. For detailed information visit McMaster University: Parking Services – Public Transit. Recommended routes include:
- From Downtown: Routes 1A, 5C, 5A, 10 (B-Line), 5B, and 5.
- From Hamilton International Airport: Route 20 intersects with routes 1A, 5A, 10, 5B, and 5 at Jackson Square.
- Bike Share: Hamilton Bike Share operates a bike share system with over 900 bikes and 150 hubs. For more information, visit Hamilton Bike Share or download the Social Bicycles app.
On Campus
- Maps:
- Interactive map McMaster University: Discover – Map.
- Printable campus map
- Parking: For detailed information, visit McMaster University: Parking Services – Daily Parking.
- Gated Lots: Pay at the gate or ticket machine when leaving.
- Open Lots: Use Honk Mobile app or scan QR codes to pay upon arrival.
- Rates:
- Lots A, B, C, D, G, H, I, Q, Underground Stadium, and Underground Wilson: $6.00/hr to $20 max per day.
- Lots M & P: $8.00 flat rate per day. Shuttle bus available. More info at McMaster University: Parking Services – Shuttle Bus.
- Accessibility: Visit McMaster University: Accessibility Hub – Getting Around.
Lower Emission Travel Tips
- Flying: Avoid flights if possible. If necessary, book direct flights and choose economy class.
- Public Transportation: Opt for trains or buses.
- Carpooling: Share rides with colleagues or friends.
DINING
Walking Distance from Campus
Westdale Village & Main St. West
Restaurants
- Arch Noodle House: Chinese, Asian Fusion, Vegetarian options
- Burnt Tongue: Soups, Sandwiches, Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free options
- Chungchun Rice Dog: Korean hotdogs (pogos), Fast Food, Vegetarian options
- Nannaa Persian Eatery: Persian, Fast, Casual, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free options, Fully Halal
- Pho Excellent: Vietnamese, Thai
- Pinks Burgers: Burgers, Gyros & Fries, Fast Food, Vegetarian options
- Pizzaialo: Pizza, Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free options
- Tally Ho: Roast beef sandwiches, Fast Food
Cafes
Transportation Required
Downtown, Waterfront, Durand and East End
Restaurants
- Cowabunga+: Pizza: Winner of Best Cheese Slice in the World,Vegetarian Options
- Grandad’s Donuts: Classic Style Donuts
- Hambrgr : Burgers, Chicken & Fries, Vegetarian options
- Hamilton Farmer’s Market: Over 50 vendors with a variety of eateries, Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free options
- La Luna: Lebanese, Shawarma, Vegetarian, Vegan options
- Maipai: Detroit-style pizza (advance reservations required) Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free options
- MESA: Mexican. Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free options
- Pintoh: Thai, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free options
Cafes
THINGS TO DO
Parks and Nature
- Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse: A lush, 14,000 square-foot greenhouse featuring exotic plants, waterfalls, and ponds.
- Royal Botanical Gardens: A beautiful place to explore a variety of gardens and natural areas.
- Hamilton Waterfront: Perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride along the water.
- The Fishway: Visit Monday to Friday at 2:30 PM to see the fishway in action.
- Hamilton Trails: Hamilton offers a variety of trails perfect for all abilities. These trails provide scenic views and a chance to enjoy nature.
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Original Tim Hortons: Visit the very first Tim Hortons location for a taste of history and some classic Canadian coffee and donuts.
- Dundurn Castle: A historic mansion offering guided tours.
- HMCS Haida: Explore one of Canada’s most famous warships.
Shopping and Markets
- Hamilton Antique Mall: A treasure trove of antiques and vintage items, perfect for a day of browsing and discovering hidden gems.
- Hamilton Farmer’s Market: Open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, offering fresh produce and local goods.
Food and Drink
- DSRT Co: A popular chocolate store that gained fame on TikTok for its unique and delicious treats.
- Crown & Press: A cozy coffeeshop and gallery, great for enjoying a cup of coffee while appreciating local art.
- Cafe Baffico: Known for its sourdough donuts and pizza, a must-visit for food lovers.
Arts and Entertainment
- Theatre Aquarius: Enjoy a live performance at this local theatre.
- Cabinet of Curiosities: An oddities gallery with a fascinating collection of unusual and intriguing items.
- James Street North Art Crawl: Held on the second Friday of every month from 5 PM to 10 PM, featuring local artists and vendors.
