One of the secrets that only locals know about is the fact that Hamilton is home to over 100 waterfalls hidden in plain sight around the Niagara Escarpment that cuts through tie city.
While TLC doesn't recommend you go chasing waterfalls, I am fully endorsing it. I dare you to try to visit all of these waterfalls of Hamilton in one go or maybe split it between two trips. It's totally do-able and here's a guide to help you do it.
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Looking for more trip ideas from Toronto?
- There are so many things you can do as a getaway from the city including weekend trips, wine tours in Niagara, Ottawa Valley, and whitewater paddling.
Here's what we're covering:
Waterfalls of Hamilton Travel Guide
Hamilton often gets a bad reputation for being a steeltown with imagery of its mounds of coal, fire-lit towers, and billowing smoke but there's more than meets the eye.
Geographically, Hamilton is on the western end of the Niagara Peninsula and the Niagara Escarpment running through, the steep rock faces combined with the water ways leading towards the largest of the falls, you end up with a cascading (pun intended) effect of waterfalls scattered all over.
In fact, there are over 100 different waterfalls and cascades in Hamilton alone but 11 distinct ones that are impressive and easy to visit.
What's unique about waterfalls in Hamilton is that they're hiding in plain sight. Most of the water tumbles next to local neighbourhoods, industrial areas, and are right next to local roads and parkways.
In this waterfalls of Hamilton guide, find out what each one looks like, details around how to visit them, and where they are in the city.
Map of Hamilton Waterfalls
See all of the waterfalls of Hamilton organized in one handy custom Google Map.
TIP: Open this map in a new tab (maximize icon) and click on the 3 vertical dots in the menu to “Copy map” to your own account. This way you can use the Google Maps app to open it up on your phone. You will need data to access the map.
Albion Falls
The Red Hill Creek tumbles majestically over multiple layers of rocks to cast a wider and and wider veil as it falls further down.
Located south of King's Forest, and cradled by the Red Hill Valley Parkway which becomes the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway, is definitely one of the top waterfalls to see in Hamilton.
You might see photos of people scaling the rocks and waterfalls in the summer here but after countless accidents something needed to be done. As a result, they had to put up a fence in 2017 with hefty fines if you jump the fence. This means that you can only see Albion Falls from one of two viewing platforms.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8W 1R6
Type: Classical/Cascade
Height: 19 metres
Difficulty: Easy (only 200m from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: None and carries a $10,000 fine.
Viewing platform: Yes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Parking: Parking is free. The closest parking lot to the falls is the one at 750 Mountain Brow Blvd. The alternative is the one on Arbour Road at the trailhead to the Escarpment Rail Trail. There is also one at Red Hill Trail at 169 Mud Street.
Alternate parking: If you find that the lots are full, the next best lot is the Oak Knoll Park lot.
Bathroom facilities: None
Nearby attractions: Bruce Trail, Buttermilk Falls, Devil's Punch Bowl, Felker's Falls, Confederation Park, Mohawk Sports Park, Gage Park, and Hamilton Children's Museum.
Hiking options:
- You can hike around the waterfall but a large part of it runs parallel to a major road.
- Park at Buttermilk Falls (Oak-Knoll parking lot), take the Mountain Brow Side Trail towards Glendale Falls and then look down to Albion Falls and back up.
- Take the Escarpment Rail Trail from the lot on Arbour Road to Trenholme Park and back.
- Use the Red Hill Trail from Albion Falls towards Greenhill Bowl Park and back.
Tips: The parking lots here are quite small and they fill up quickly so try to come here early in the day on weekends or visit on weekdays.
Borer's Falls
Also called Rock Chapel falls, this one is a bit smaller from the others and a little harder to see, this also has the advantage of being lesser known and has a ton of great hiking opportunities.
To see the falls, you have to look through the trees a bit which makes it a bit hard to see it as a whole but it does give an ethereal quality to them. For a better view, it may be better to see them in in the fall or winter.
The viewpoint for the waterfall is part of the Bruce Trail which is on the east side of the ravine.
You can also get to the waterfall from the bottom of the escarpment through Ray Lowes Side Trail that connects with the main Bruce Trail.
Note that the parking lot on Rock Chapel Road is closed in the winter but you can park on the side of the road a little further away.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 318 Rock Chapel Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5E2
Type: Ribbon
Height: 16 metres
Difficulty: Easy (600m from the Rock Chapel parking lot)
Access to the bottom: None and carries a $10,000 fine.
Viewing platform: No man-made platform but there is an outcrop next to the trail that gives you a glimpse of the waterfall.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes but requires walking along the side of the road and connecting to a hard-packed dirt trail.
Parking: Top side, there's a parking lot on Rock Chapel Road which is metered (free if you are a Royal Botanical Gardens member).
Alternate parking: There's parking at Borer's Falls Dog park where you can walk in from the bottom trails.
Nearby attractions: Bruce Trail, Cootes Paradise, Royal Botanical Gardens, and Dyment's Market & Bakery.
Bathroom facilities: None
Hiking options:
- From York Road, you can connect your visit to Borer's Falls down to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hopkin's Woods, and Cootes Paradise through starting trails such as Pinetum and Hopkins Trail.
- The Bruce Trail cuts through so you can take this in any direction.
- The Bruce Trail heading east will take you to Berry Tract that's part of the Royal Botanical Gardens hiking route including Thornapple Loop.
Tips: The parking lot is small and fills up quickly on the weekend and summer days so try to visit early in the morning and on weekdays. Part of the trail from the primary lot topside follows Rock Chapel Road but is protected by a road sidewall.
Canterbury Falls
This is one of the smallest waterfalls on this list but still not-to-be-missed especially if you're planning a trip to Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
Heavily shaded by tall trees, you'll hear and see the gentle trickle of water down the rocky face of the rock.
Finding the falls is fairly easy. Follow the Bruce Trail and the Canterbury Falls Side Trail towards a wooden bridge where you'll find waterfall right below.
You can climb down to the base of the falls but you'll have to be pretty careful with the rocky sides of the escarpment. Make sure you have the proper footwear if you plan on doing this.
There is also the Little Canterbury Falls east of Canterbury Falls but can only be viewed in the spring since it dries up in the summer.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 423 Lions Club Rd #403, Ancaster, ON L9G 4T7
Type: Ribbon
Height: 9 metres
Difficulty: Moderate (15-20 minute hike from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: Yes by carefully scaling down the rock.
Viewing platform: None
Wheelchair accessible: No
Parking: The closest parking lot is at the end of Lions Club Road for $10.
Alternate parking: If you're combining this with Sherman and Tiffany Falls, you can park at their respective lots.
Nearby attractions: Sherman Falls, Tiffany Falls, Ancaster Mill (they have their own mini waterfall), Bruce Trail, Iroquois Heights Conservation Area, The Hermitage, Griffin House, and Fieldcote Museum.
Bathroom facilities: None, except at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre.
Hiking options:
- Since you'll be in Dundas Valley, all 1,200 hectares will be available to you.
- Main hikes nearby include the Bruce Trail, Heritage Trail, and the Main Loop trail.
Tips: The closest lot is quite small so try to come when it's less busy. You could risk parking on the road but there's a chance you will get ticketed.
Devil's Punchbowl
Formed by glacial waters during the last ice age, Devil's Punchbowl has a distinctive horseshoe cliff face where the water pummels into the gorge below.
When you're here, you'll be able to see all of the many coloured rock layers of the Niagara Escarpment that transition from red shale, grey shale, limestone, and shale dolomite.
The viewpoints are a short walk away from the main parking lot where the edges are protected by guard rails. You can also see a panoramic view of Hamilton from the lookout right below the giant cross.
It is possible to access the bottom of the falls and also its smaller Lower Punchbowl Falls through the Devil's Punchbowl Side Trail.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 204 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2W1
Type: Ribbon
Height: 37 metres
Difficulty: Easy (200m from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: Yes, through the Devil's Punchbowl Side Trail.
Viewing platform: There is a large viewing platform surrounding the steel cross. There is also a viewing platform for the falls but it on a mud/dirt surface from all of the traffic.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes but the path is unpaved. Only paved at the viewing platform by the cross.
Parking: The conservation parking lot is $5 a day. The gates are normally lowered but this does not mean the lot is closed. You press a button for the gates to lift and you pay at the machine.
Alternate parking: Near the main lot there are side parking spots created from heavy traffic. There is also free street parking on Leslie Drive which is below if you'd like to hike in through the Bruce Trail and the Devil's Punch Bowl Side Trail.
Nearby attractions: Fifty Point Conservation Area, Battlefield House Museum, and Confederation Park.
Bathroom facilities: None
Hiking options:
- From York Road, you can connect your visit to Borer's Falls down to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hopkin's Woods, and Cootes Paradise through starting trails such as Pinetum and Hopkins Trail.
- The Bruce Trail cuts through so you can take this in any direction.
- The Bruce Trail heading east will take you to Berry Tract that's part of the Royal Botanical Gardens hiking route including Thornapple Loop.
Tips: The parking lot is small and fills up quickly on the weekend and summer days so try to visit early in the morning and on weekdays. Part of the trail from the primary lot topside follows Rock Chapel Road but is protected by a road sidewall.
Niagara Waterfall Adventure Tour
If you'd like to do a private guided tour of 4 of Hamilton's best waterfalls plus the biggest waterfall in Niagara Falls, this is a great day trip.
Felker's Falls
Surrounded by a local neighbourhood and large playground for kids, you probably wouldn't know there's a waterfall by passing by but Felker's Falls is a gem worth exploring.
At 22 metres, you can see this ribbon waterfall from both sides of the gorge which makes it a great place for a short hike. Along the trails, you also get perched views of the forest and city below as the land drops to the north.
The waterfalls can be seen from one primary viewing spot on either side and is appropriately protected by guard rails because of the steep cliff edges.
Join the locals that come here to walk their dog, take their kids out to play, or hit the trails for a morning run.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 43 Ackland St, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 1S9
Type: Ribbon
Height: 22 metres
Difficulty: Easy (200m from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: No
Viewing platform: Yes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, the main Peter Street trail is a hard dirt-packed trail.
Parking: Parking lot is free.
Alternate parking: There's plenty of street parking in the neighbourhood nearby if the parking lot is full.
Nearby attractions: Little Davis Falls, Bruce Trail, and Battlefield House Museum.
Bathroom facilities: None
Hiking options:
- This is part of the East Mountain Trail Loop which is a convenient circle that connects Albin Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Glendale Falls (4 km/1 hour)
- Eramosa Karst Conservation Area is nearby (includes mini underground caves).
- The Bruce Trail connects through here.
- The single track trail here is also great for mountain biking
Tips: This will most likely be a short pitstop so you can combine this with other waterfalls in this list.
Hermitage Cascade
Tucked within Dundas Valley Conservation Area is this pretty cascade that flows from Hermitage Creek.
It's only a modest 4 meters in height but is an easy one to include in any hike through the park and a great starting point.
Hermitage Cascade is only a few minutes walk from Hermitage Gatehouse, one of the two remains of a property originally owned by Otto Ives and then George Gordon Browne Leith.
The falls are located right behind the gatehouse.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Sulphur Springs Rd, Hamilton, ON L9G 1L8
Type: Cascade
Height: 4 metres
Difficulty: Easy (200m from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: Yes
Viewing platform: There aren't any official platforms but it's easy to walk around to see the falls from all angles.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, from Sulphur Springs Road and the road leading to the parking lot.
Parking: The conservation parking lot is $10 a day.
Alternate parking: The closest alternate lot is the one located at 798 Mineral Springs Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5E3 near the start of the Griffin House National Historic Site.
Nearby attractions: Bruce Trail, Griffin House, Dundas Valley Trail Centre, Fieldcode Memorial Park & Museum, and The Hermitage.
Bathroom facilities: None, except at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre.
Hiking options:
- Since you'll be in Dundas Valley, all 1,200 hectares will be available to you.
- Main hikes include the Main Loop Trail, Bruce Trail which cuts through, Homestead Trail, Griffin Trail, and Headwaters Trail to name a few.
Tips: Like all other waterfalls, the Sulphur Springs Parking Lot fills up quickly in the summer. However, since this is in Dundas Valley, you can choose one of the other parking lots and hike in.
Sherman Falls
Nicknamed Fairy Falls and Angel Falls to name a few, this is a gorgeous curtain waterfall which means it drops over a vertical cliff, maintaining partial contact with the bedrock and descends over a height larger than the width.
Any visit to Dundas Valley Conservation Area should include Sherman Falls as it's easy to get to with its numerous hiking trails.
What's unique about this waterfall is that you arrive at it from its base and outflowing creek as opposed to from above.
This waterfall has good flow year-round.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 789 Artaban Rd #711, Dundas, ON L9H 5E3
Type: Curtain
Height: 17 metres
Difficulty: Easy (450m from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: Yes
Viewing platform: No, it's an easy hike in and you arrive at the base of the waterfall.
Wheelchair accessible: No
Parking: The primary parking lot is $5 a day. This is a small lot.
Alternate parking: You can also park at the Tiffany Falls lot and take the Bruce Trail west. For free parking you could do street parking on Montgomery Drive.
Nearby attractions: Canterbury Falls, Tiffany Falls, Ancaster Mill (they have their own mini waterfall), Bruce Trail, Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area, The Hermitage, Griffin House, and Fieldcote Museum.
Bathroom facilities: None, except at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre.
Hiking options:
- Since you'll be in Dundas Valley, all 1,200 hectares will be available to you.
- Main hikes nearby include the Bruce Trail which cuts through, and Monarch Trail (up to Groundhog Hill).
Tips: Sherman Falls is actually located on private property but allow the public to visit so please be respectful of the area. Also, since this is between Tiffany and Canterbury Falls, you can easily do all 3 in a day.
Smokey Hollow Falls
Waterfalls of Hamilton often come with many different names. This one is also known by Grindstone Cascade, Waterdown Falls, and Great Falls. Flowing from Grindstone Creek, it has a strong flow of water over its crest.
You can view the flow from several angles. The easiest is the wooden platform above. You can also take stairs down and after scaling a few rocks, you'll be able to get close to the base of the waterfall.
The waterfall has good flow all year round and is especially beautiful when surrounded by the fall colours.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 80 Mill St S, Waterdown, ON L0R 1R0
Type: Curtain
Height: 10 metres
Difficulty: Easy (150m from the parking lot)
Access to the bottom: Yes
Viewing platform: Yes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes and is free.
Alternate parking: There's roadside parking Mountain Brow Road but note that you'll have to walk on the side of Mill Street road to get to the falls since there are no proper sidewalk.
Nearby attractions: Rock Chapel Golf Centre, Waterdown Village Farmers' Market,
Bathroom facilities: None
Hiking options:
- Great Falls Loop is part of the Bruce Trail and is a great 3.5km hike to do while you're here which connects with McNally Side Trail, and Normal Pearson Side Trail. A good chunk of it follows Grindstone Creek.
Tips: The parking lot is very small so try to come when it is not as busy.
Tew Falls
This is one of Hamilton's most popular waterfall because it happens to be the tallest as well. Flowing from Logie's Creek, watch the water drop 41 metres from the two viewing platforms.
This spot also marks the start of the uphill hike towards Hamilton's famous Dundas Peak which has incredible valley views and is a must-visit when the leaves change colour.
The beauty of the waterfall is usually dependent on whether there is heavy water flow or not. That's why coming to visit after rain, or spring thaw is the best. Winter is also a great time to visit with all of the icicles that cling to the rocky overhangs.
RESERVATION REQUIRED IN HIGH SEASON
As part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, advanced parking reservations are required during high-season to control the flow of traffic.
Note that reservation to Tew Falls does not give you access to Websters Falls.
Check to see if reservations are required below.
Note that you can no longer reach Websters Falls via the Bruce Trail from Tew Falls.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 581 Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5K7
Type: Ribbon
Height: 41 metres
Difficulty: Easy (100m from parking lot)
Access to the bottom: No
Viewing platform: Yes, there are several platforms.
Wheelchair accessible: No, there are stairs that lead to the viewing platforms.
Parking: The primary parking lot is $10 a day and paid via manned booth. On top, there's a $5 fee per person for the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. From May to October, you may need to park at Christine Lake Conservation Area where you there's a shuttle available.
Alternate parking: Street parking is tricky in this area and should be avoided. You could park at Cascades Park and take the Tew Falls Lookout Trail (passing by Lower Sydenham Falls along the way) where parking is free and entrance free isn't required.
Nearby attractions: Webster Falls, Bruce Trail, Dundas Peak, Crooks Hollow Conservation Area, Christie Lake Conservation Area, Christie Antique & Vintage Show, and Carnegie Gallery.
Bathroom facilities: No but there are facilities at Christie Lake Conservation Area.
Map: Download PDF
Hiking options:
- Admission gives you access to Dundas Peak and also Tew Falls Lookout Trail down to the town of Dundas. This is a 1.8km loop.
- There are several Bruce Trail side trails here.
Tips: Out of all the falls, this one is the most heavily regulated for traffic so definitely plan on coming here at the very beginning of your day in Hamilton.
Tiffany Falls
When it comes to the waterfalls of Hamilton, this one is my favourite. The reason is that it's one of the few where you arrive at the base instead of up top. You can get close and with the broad valley, you can view it from many different angles.
Significant are also its many natural features here which allow certain species of hemlock, maple, red oak, beech, and the Louisiana Waterthrush to thrive here.
Dundas Valley Conservation Area is not far away so this is a perfect one to combine with Sherman Falls and Canterbury Falls.
Best viewing is in the spring when the water flow is strong as it does dry up in the summer months. In the winter months, this is a popular spot for ice-climbing.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 900 Wilson St E, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K5
Type: Ribbon
Height: 21 metres
Difficulty: Easy (10-15 minute walk from parking lot)
Access to the bottom: Yes
Viewing platform: Yes, there is a raised wooden platform.
Wheelchair accessible: No, this is a dirt path and there are stairs up to the viewing platform.
Parking: Parking lot is $5/day
Alternate parking: Park near Sherman Falls or Canterbury Falls and hike to Tiffany Falls.
Nearby attractions: Fieldcote Museum, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Weir's Lane Lavender & Apiary, Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area, The Hermitage, and Griffin House.
Bathroom facilities: None, except at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre.
Hiking options:
- Dundas Valley Conservation Area gives you access to 1,200 hectares of trails to explore.
- If you cross Wilson Street, get on the Bruce Trail and see Sherman and Canterbury Falls.
Tips: There are roughly 10 spots in this parking lot so time your trip appropriately.
Webster Falls
While it doesn't quite have the height of Tew Falls, Webster Falls (often misspelled Webster's Falls) is the largest and unsurprisingly, the most popular.
As part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, this land features one of Upper Canada's earliest industrial communities. While the mill can no longer been seen, there are two cobblestone bridges that provide the perfect backdrop for the waterfall.
While it can be a bit of a zoo here like at Tew Falls, I do like that there is plenty of open green space here which makes it a great spot for picnics.
This waterfall flows all year-round.
RESERVATION REQUIRED
As part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, advanced parking reservations are required during high-season to control the flow of traffic.
Note that reservation to Webster Falls does not give you access to Tew Falls.
Check to see if reservations are required below.
Note that you can no longer reach Tew Falls via the Bruce Trail from Webster Falls.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 581 Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5K7
Type: Curtain/Plunge
Height: 22 metres
Difficulty: Easy (200m walk from parking lot)
Access to the bottom: No
Viewing platform: Yes
Wheelchair accessible: A small portion is paved towards the viewing platform, otherwise the trails are mostly packed earth.
Parking: The primary parking lot is $10 a day. On top, there's a $5 fee per person for the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. Off season, it's simply $15 for a day pass paid to a machine. From May to October, you may need to park at Christine Lake Conservation Area where you there's a shuttle available.
Alternate parking: There are no real street parking options nearby. Your best bet is to park at Greensville Optimist Park and hike in. Just note that there is an on-road trail section you'll need to follow.
Nearby attractions: Tew Falls, Bruce Trail, Dundas Peak, Crooks Hollow Conservation Area, Christie Lake Conservation Area, Christie Antique & Vintage Show, and Carnegie Gallery.
Bathroom facilities: No but there are facilities at Christie Lake Conservation Area.
Map: Download PDF
Hiking options:
- Tew Falls is minutes away but can't be accessed by trail from Webster Falls
- The Spencer Adventure route is a 40 minute walk from Christie Lake dam to Webster Falls.
- There are several Bruce Trail side trails here.
Tips: While it is well-fenced, there are still areas on side trails that have steep cliff drop offs so be careful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the waterfalls of Hamilton are located in local neighbourhoods and small conservations off the side of the road. As a result, the parking lots are typically very small. The general rule of thumb here is that it gets really busy during high season so it's best to avoid weekends and prime hours. Try to visit early in the morning if possible and on weekdays.
Hamilton is governed by the same drone laws in Canada that are laid out by Transport Canada.
Having the proper footwear is very important especially when it comes to uneven terrain, slippery rocks, and muddy ground. In the summer, good hikers by Keen are recommended. In the winter, snow and ice can wreak havoc on trails so invest in crampons with microspikes.
The City of Hamilton is encouraging the practice of physical distancing, and avoiding gathering in large groups.
Most of these waterfalls are good all year-round because each season offers a different perspective of these falls. That said, there are some such as Tew and Tiffany Falls where heavy flow after rain or springtime helps enhance the beauty. Since most of these waterfalls are surrounded by trees, autumn is a great time to visit as well.
None of these waterfalls have their own bathroom facilities so plan accordingly.
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