Where heads meet in Hamilton, Ontario, is at the intersection of Heads Road and Upper Centennial Parkway, a real street corner in the city’s upper Stoney Creek area. The name comes from the historic Heads family, early settlers in the region, and the intersection is a well-known local landmark where two busy roads cross. This article explains the exact location, the origin of the name, how to get there, and what you’ll find in the surrounding neighbourhood.
The Exact Location and How to Find It
Heads Road runs roughly east–west between Upper Centennial Parkway and Mountain Brow Boulevard in the former city of Stoney Creek, which amalgamated with Hamilton in 2001. The intersection with Upper Centennial Parkway is the most prominent crossing, marked by traffic lights and commercial plazas on the corners. If you are using a GPS, enter “Heads Road & Upper Centennial Parkway, Hamilton, ON” and you will be taken directly there.
The area is part of the Upper Stoney Creek neighbourhood, a mostly residential and commercial district on the Niagara Escarpment. The intersection sits about 5 kilometres south of Lake Ontario and roughly 3 kilometres east of the Red Hill Valley Parkway. Public transit access is provided by Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) bus routes that run along Upper Centennial Parkway, with stops at Heads Road.
Why Is It Called “Heads Road”?
The name does not refer to a meeting of heads or a physical headland. It honours the Heads family, who were among the early European settlers in the Saltfleet Township area (now Stoney Creek) in the 19th century. The family farmed land along the escarpment, and the road that led to their property became known as Heads Road. The name was officially adopted when the area was surveyed and later developed into a suburban street grid.
Local history records show that the Heads family were United Empire Loyalists or their descendants, though specific genealogical details are not widely published. The road’s name is a common example of how many Ontario roads are named after the families that first cleared and worked the land.
What Is Actually at the Intersection?
The intersection of Heads Road and Upper Centennial Parkway is a busy commercial node. On the southwest corner you will find a large shopping plaza with a grocery store, pharmacy, fast-food restaurants, and a coffee shop. The northeast corner has a gas station and a bank. The southeast and northwest corners are mostly residential, with townhouses and low-rise apartment buildings.
Immediately to the west, Heads Road becomes a quieter residential street that climbs toward the escarpment edge. To the east, it continues past a public school and a community park before ending at Mountain Brow Boulevard, which offers scenic views of the Hamilton Harbour and the lower city. The intersection is not a tourist attraction, but it is a functional hub for daily errands and a common meeting point for locals.
How to Get There: Driving, Transit, and Walking
- By car: From the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way), take the Centennial Parkway exit and head south (up the mountain) for about 6 kilometres. Heads Road will be on your left. From the Lincoln Alexander Parkway (the Linc), exit at Upper Centennial Parkway and head north for about 2 kilometres.
- By bus: HSR routes 44 and 45 run along Upper Centennial Parkway and stop at Heads Road. The ride from downtown Hamilton takes about 30 minutes. Check the HSR website for current schedules.
- By bike or on foot: The intersection is accessible via the Red Hill Valley Trail, which connects to the area. Sidewalks are present on all corners, but Upper Centennial Parkway is a busy arterial road with high traffic volumes.
Parking is free and plentiful in the plaza lots, but note that some lots have time limits for non-customers. The intersection is well-lit at night, and the sidewalks are maintained in winter.
Common Questions About the Name and the Place
One frequent misconception is that “Heads” refers to a meeting of heads or a place where heads were displayed historically. That is not the case. Another common question is whether there is a “Heads Road” in other parts of Hamilton – there is not; this is the only one. People also ask if the road is named after a geographical feature like a headland – it is not; the escarpment is nearby, but the name is purely familial.
Some visitors are surprised that the intersection is not in the downtown core. It is in the upper city, on the mountain brow, which is a distinct part of Hamilton geographically and culturally. The area is sometimes called “Stoney Creek Mountain” by locals, even though it is within Hamilton’s city limits since amalgamation.
Nearby Landmarks and Points of Interest
Within a 2-kilometre radius of Heads Road and Upper Centennial Parkway, you can find:
- Felker’s Falls – a 22-metre waterfall on the escarpment, accessible via a short trail from the parking lot on Ackland Street, about 1.5 km south.
- Bruce Trail – the main trail runs along the escarpment edge, and a side trail connects near Mountain Brow Boulevard, about 1 km west.
- Stoney Creek Battlefield Monument – a historic site commemorating the War of 1812 Battle of Stoney Creek, about 4 km north.
- Eastgate Square – a large shopping mall located about 3 km north on Centennial Parkway.
The area is also close to several public schools, a community centre, and a fire station, making it a typical suburban node rather than a historic district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heads Road named after the body part?
No. The road is named after the Heads family, early settlers in the area. The name has no connection to human anatomy or any historical event involving heads.
Is this the only “Heads Road” in Hamilton?
Yes, there is only one Heads Road in the city of Hamilton. It is located in the former Stoney Creek, now part of the upper city. There is no other street with that name in Hamilton.
Can I walk to the Bruce Trail from Heads Road?
Yes, you can. From the intersection, walk west on Heads Road for about 1 kilometre to Mountain Brow Boulevard, then follow the side trail that connects to the main Bruce Trail. The walk is uphill but short.
What is the nearest major intersection to Heads Road?
The nearest major intersection is Heads Road and Upper Centennial Parkway itself. The next significant crossing is Upper Centennial Parkway and Mud Street, about 1.5 km south, or Upper Centennial Parkway and Barton Street, about 3 km north.
Is there a bus stop at Heads Road?
Yes, HSR bus stops are located on Upper Centennial Parkway at Heads Road, in both directions. Routes 44 and 45 serve this stop, providing connections to downtown Hamilton and other parts of the city.
Why does the intersection have so many plazas?
The intersection is a designated commercial node in the city’s official plan, meaning it is zoned for retail and services to serve the surrounding residential neighbourhoods. The high traffic volume on Upper Centennial Parkway makes it an attractive location for businesses.
Safety and Practical Tips for Visitors
Upper Centennial Parkway is a high-speed arterial road with a posted limit of 60 km/h, but traffic often moves faster. Use the crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals; jaywalking is dangerous and can result in a fine. The intersection has dedicated left-turn lanes, so be careful when crossing from the plaza to the bus stop.
During winter, the sidewalks and bus stops are cleared by the city, but the plaza parking lots may be icy. The area is generally safe, with a visible police presence in the plazas. If you are visiting Felker’s Falls, note that the trail can be slippery after rain, and there are no guardrails at the top of the waterfall. Stay on marked paths.
If you are meeting someone at this intersection, the most common meeting point is the coffee shop on the southwest corner. It has indoor seating and a large parking lot, making it easy to find. The gas station on the northeast corner is also a frequent rendezvous spot.
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