Hamilton Waterfalls Guide
Waterfalls/hiking
This hidden gem is nestled in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area in the city’s eastern neighbourhood of Stoney Creek. Felker’s Falls flows over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment revealing a tall and impressive ribbon waterfall as well as significant geological rock formations in the bedrock gorge. It’s also close to other nearby waterfalls worth exploring.
This terraced ribbon waterfall is an impressive 22 metres tall.
To get to the top (and the accessible trail), park on Ackland Street. Walk across the field, behind the wooden fence to access the waterfall.
Hike Nearby:
Felker’s Falls is part of the East Mountain Trail Loop, which leads visitors interested in seeing more than one waterfall in a tidy little circle that hits Albion Falls, Buttermilk Falls and Glendale Falls (distance one-way is around four kilometres or one hour).
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Felker's Falls Conservation Area
Ackland StreetThis hidden gem is nestled in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area in the city’s eastern neighbourhood of Stoney Creek. Felker’s Falls flows over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment revealing a tall and impressive ribbon waterfall as well as significant geological rock formations in the bedrock gorge. It’s also close to other nearby waterfalls worth exploring.
This terraced ribbon waterfall is an impressive 22 metres tall.
To get to the top (and the accessible trail), park on Ackland Street. Walk across the field, behind the wooden fence to access the waterfall.
Hike Nearby:
Felker’s Falls is part of the East Mountain Trail Loop, which leads visitors interested in seeing more than one waterfall in a tidy little circle that hits Albion Falls, Buttermilk Falls and Glendale Falls (distance one-way is around four kilometres or one hour).
The short walk to this expansive cascade waterfall is a beautiful one through a forested trail and over bridges that crisscross a stream. It’s an easy hike from the parking lot on Wilson Street – making it a great spot for kids and families. There’s also a connection to the Bruce Trail if you’re up for a longer hike.
This 21 metre tall cascade waterfall is stunning in the spring when it’s roaring from the spring melt and also in the winter when it’s frozen in place (ice-climbing is allowed at this location).
The waterfall tumbles from a broad valley above the escarpment into a v-shaped ravine below, creating a memorable experience for visitors below, surrounded by cliffs on either side.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority considers the surrounding forest and bedrock to be a significant natural area, with various species and a canopy that consists of Eastern hemlock, sugar maple, red oak, American beech and many more species.
Parking:
Parking off of Wilson Street East is $5/day
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the falls.
Hikes Nearby
There are about 1,200 hectares of meadows, Carolinian forest, streams and numerous hiking trails to explore in the nearby Dundas Valley.
For a leisurely half hour hike, cross Wilson Street from Tiffany Falls and hop on the Bruce Trail- where you’ll pass Sherman and Canterbury Falls (around 30 minutes one way).
Or drive into Dundas and park at the main lot off Governor’s Road. Walk towards the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and then enter the trail head on the other side of the rail trail. Here you can take the 3.4-kilometre Main Loop trail (about 90 minutes) and hook on to other trails, including the Bruce Trail. Expect a hilly walk! Keep an eye out for both cyclists and horses as the trails are multi-use. Refuel at the official Trail Centre, a replica Victorian train station.
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Tiffany Falls
The short walk to this expansive cascade waterfall is a beautiful one through a forested trail and over bridges that crisscross a stream. It’s an easy hike from the parking lot on Wilson Street – making it a great spot for kids and families. There’s also a connection to the Bruce Trail if you’re up for a longer hike.
This 21 metre tall cascade waterfall is stunning in the spring when it’s roaring from the spring melt and also in the winter when it’s frozen in place (ice-climbing is allowed at this location).
The waterfall tumbles from a broad valley above the escarpment into a v-shaped ravine below, creating a memorable experience for visitors below, surrounded by cliffs on either side.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority considers the surrounding forest and bedrock to be a significant natural area, with various species and a canopy that consists of Eastern hemlock, sugar maple, red oak, American beech and many more species.
Parking:
Parking off of Wilson Street East is $5/day
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the falls.
Hikes Nearby
There are about 1,200 hectares of meadows, Carolinian forest, streams and numerous hiking trails to explore in the nearby Dundas Valley.
For a leisurely half hour hike, cross Wilson Street from Tiffany Falls and hop on the Bruce Trail- where you’ll pass Sherman and Canterbury Falls (around 30 minutes one way).
Or drive into Dundas and park at the main lot off Governor’s Road. Walk towards the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and then enter the trail head on the other side of the rail trail. Here you can take the 3.4-kilometre Main Loop trail (about 90 minutes) and hook on to other trails, including the Bruce Trail. Expect a hilly walk! Keep an eye out for both cyclists and horses as the trails are multi-use. Refuel at the official Trail Centre, a replica Victorian train station.
Albion Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region and one of the city’s most popular. The Red Hill Creek in the east end’s King’s Forest tumbles over rock that’s been formed over time into steps and shelves, fanning outwards into a beautiful cascade of rushing water.
Albion Falls is a stepped jewel, classified as a cascade as it ripples over the Niagara Escarpment.
It is almost as wide (18 metres) as it is tall (19 metres).
It is visible from two viewing platforms, but there is currently no access to the bottom.
Rocks from around the falls were used in the construction of Hamilton’s famous Rock Garden, a National Historic Site at Hamilton’s Royal Botanical Gardens.
PARKING:
For the closest walk, park at the Mountain Brow Blvd parking lot, steps to the viewing platform.
HIKING:
A leisurely hike around the Albion Falls area (about 6km) is a great way to take in the views. Park at Buttermilk Falls in the Oak-Knoll parking lot, which is on Mountain Brow Blvd north of Limeridge Road E. Take the Mountain Brow Side Trail towards Albion Falls where you can view the falls from a couple of lookouts. Walk along the road to Albion Falls. At the Mud Street parking lot take the Bruce Trail into the Red Hill Valley. This will bring you to Glendale Falls. Head back the same way or hike the Mountain Brow Access Trail to the Oak Knoll Park parking lot. Expect a workout!
A nice cycling route can take you from downtown Hamilton up to Albion Falls. Fuel up at a coffee shop, such as Cafe Oranje on King Street Eat and then head up the Escarpment Rail Trail from Corktown Park, which leads you up the mountain to King’s Forest.
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Albion Falls
885 Mountain Brow BlvdAlbion Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region and one of the city’s most popular. The Red Hill Creek in the east end’s King’s Forest tumbles over rock that’s been formed over time into steps and shelves, fanning outwards into a beautiful cascade of rushing water.
Albion Falls is a stepped jewel, classified as a cascade as it ripples over the Niagara Escarpment.
It is almost as wide (18 metres) as it is tall (19 metres).
It is visible from two viewing platforms, but there is currently no access to the bottom.
Rocks from around the falls were used in the construction of Hamilton’s famous Rock Garden, a National Historic Site at Hamilton’s Royal Botanical Gardens.
PARKING:
For the closest walk, park at the Mountain Brow Blvd parking lot, steps to the viewing platform.
HIKING:
A leisurely hike around the Albion Falls area (about 6km) is a great way to take in the views. Park at Buttermilk Falls in the Oak-Knoll parking lot, which is on Mountain Brow Blvd north of Limeridge Road E. Take the Mountain Brow Side Trail towards Albion Falls where you can view the falls from a couple of lookouts. Walk along the road to Albion Falls. At the Mud Street parking lot take the Bruce Trail into the Red Hill Valley. This will bring you to Glendale Falls. Head back the same way or hike the Mountain Brow Access Trail to the Oak Knoll Park parking lot. Expect a workout!
A nice cycling route can take you from downtown Hamilton up to Albion Falls. Fuel up at a coffee shop, such as Cafe Oranje on King Street Eat and then head up the Escarpment Rail Trail from Corktown Park, which leads you up the mountain to King’s Forest.
Don’t be confused by the multiple names for Smokey Hollow Falls – also known as Grindstone, Waterdown or Great Falls. They all describe the same beautiful ribbon waterfall in its leafy forest setting that flows from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown.
At 10 metres tall, this isn’t the area’s biggest waterfall, but this short and fast-flowing waterfall is surrounded by a great section of the Bruce Trail. It has a rugged footpath tracing its way up and down the ravine formed by Niagara Escarpment.
Once used to power a local sawmill, the falls are now the centre of beautifully rehabilitated park land.
PARKING and Proximity to Falls:
A parking lot can be found just off Mill Street, not far from highway 5.
HIKE NEARBY:
The Great Falls loop is 3.5 km hike (with a 1.1 km side trail option) that is part of the Bruce Trail. A steep hill and steps are part of this walk that takes you from the forest to the top of the Niagara Escarpment. So expect a workout.
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Smokey Hollow
80 Mill St SDon’t be confused by the multiple names for Smokey Hollow Falls – also known as Grindstone, Waterdown or Great Falls. They all describe the same beautiful ribbon waterfall in its leafy forest setting that flows from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown.
At 10 metres tall, this isn’t the area’s biggest waterfall, but this short and fast-flowing waterfall is surrounded by a great section of the Bruce Trail. It has a rugged footpath tracing its way up and down the ravine formed by Niagara Escarpment.
Once used to power a local sawmill, the falls are now the centre of beautifully rehabilitated park land.
PARKING and Proximity to Falls:
A parking lot can be found just off Mill Street, not far from highway 5.
HIKE NEARBY:
The Great Falls loop is 3.5 km hike (with a 1.1 km side trail option) that is part of the Bruce Trail. A steep hill and steps are part of this walk that takes you from the forest to the top of the Niagara Escarpment. So expect a workout.
You have to peer through the trees to see this impressive curtain waterfall at the top of the escarpment on Royal Botanical Garden land. When the vegetation grows in, the waterfalls have a bit of a mystical quality to them. Also called Rock Chapel falls, you can get to it from the bottom of the escarpment or the top.
At 15 metres high, Borer’s Falls was once used to power a local sawmill.
A stone bridge dating back to 1868 provides a great view of the top of the falls. On the east side of the ravine, a lookout offers equally spectacular views.
HIKE NEARBY:
If you park off York, further west you’ll find a trailhead (cars parked on the shoulder) that will lead you down a marsh walk to Cootes Paradise Sanctuary.
You can also head into the Royal Botanical Garden arboretum from here, heading east on the Pinetum Trail from this side of the street.
If you stay on the north side of York and head east, you’ll encounter the Berry Tract, another RBG hiking route.
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Borer's Falls
You have to peer through the trees to see this impressive curtain waterfall at the top of the escarpment on Royal Botanical Garden land. When the vegetation grows in, the waterfalls have a bit of a mystical quality to them. Also called Rock Chapel falls, you can get to it from the bottom of the escarpment or the top.
At 15 metres high, Borer’s Falls was once used to power a local sawmill.
A stone bridge dating back to 1868 provides a great view of the top of the falls. On the east side of the ravine, a lookout offers equally spectacular views.
HIKE NEARBY:
If you park off York, further west you’ll find a trailhead (cars parked on the shoulder) that will lead you down a marsh walk to Cootes Paradise Sanctuary.
You can also head into the Royal Botanical Garden arboretum from here, heading east on the Pinetum Trail from this side of the street.
If you stay on the north side of York and head east, you’ll encounter the Berry Tract, another RBG hiking route.
Tucked into the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, the Hermitage Cascade boasts a gentle, flow from Sulphur Creek tumbling over the rocks. Learn about the history of this restored property and expand your adventure by hiking the surrounding trails.
This cascade waterfall is a modest 4 metres tall and is easy to access.
It’s easy to find, right beside the Hermitage Gatehouse, that once marked the entrance to the property when it was privately owned.
Now it’s part of the expansive and beautiful Dundas Valley where it serves as a great starting point for a hike.
PARKING & PROXIMITY TO FALLS:
The Hermitage Parking Lot, located on Sulphur Springs Road, is a two-minute walk to the waterfall.
Cost is $10/day
HIKE NEARBY:
Once you’re at the Hermitage Cascade, the entire 1,200 hectares of Dundas Valley are yours to explore.
Well-marked trails lead through meadows and Carolinian forest, and across streams. Expect a hilly walk! Keep an eye out for both cyclists and horses as the trails are multi-use.
The Hermitage Gatehouse is on the Main Loop Trail in the Dundas Valley. It takes about 90 minutes to walk the whole thing. If you take a left at the waterfall, the Main Loop will lead to the 10.5-kilometre Headwaters Trail, with some small loops along the way.
Hermitage Cascade
Tucked into the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, the Hermitage Cascade boasts a gentle, flow from Sulphur Creek tumbling over the rocks. Learn about the history of this restored property and expand your adventure by hiking the surrounding trails.
This cascade waterfall is a modest 4 metres tall and is easy to access.
It’s easy to find, right beside the Hermitage Gatehouse, that once marked the entrance to the property when it was privately owned.
Now it’s part of the expansive and beautiful Dundas Valley where it serves as a great starting point for a hike.
PARKING & PROXIMITY TO FALLS:
The Hermitage Parking Lot, located on Sulphur Springs Road, is a two-minute walk to the waterfall.
Cost is $10/day
HIKE NEARBY:
Once you’re at the Hermitage Cascade, the entire 1,200 hectares of Dundas Valley are yours to explore.
Well-marked trails lead through meadows and Carolinian forest, and across streams. Expect a hilly walk! Keep an eye out for both cyclists and horses as the trails are multi-use.
The Hermitage Gatehouse is on the Main Loop Trail in the Dundas Valley. It takes about 90 minutes to walk the whole thing. If you take a left at the waterfall, the Main Loop will lead to the 10.5-kilometre Headwaters Trail, with some small loops along the way.
All visitors to Webster Falls require an online reservation prior to visiting between May and November 2021. Reserve early to avoid disappointment since spots are limited.
Webster Falls is the largest waterfall in the region – and one of the most popular. Located in the historic village of Dundas, Webster Falls is close to hiking trails, beautiful green space and great amenities and restaurants in town.
This 22-metre classical curtain waterfall is one of Hamilton’s most iconic waterfalls.
Its wide expanse of waterfall spills over a tiered drop, not far from where the shuttle drops off visitors.
It’s well worth a visit in the fall for prime leaf viewing of stunning Dundas Valley.
It’s part of the Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls Conservation Area, one of Upper Canada’s earliest industrial communities.
The open grounds around the falls are easy to navigate and pause for photos or to enjoy a snack.
Don’t miss the beautifully restored cobblestone bridge that crosses Spencer Creek.
PARKING & PROXIMITY TO FALLS:
Between May and November, on-site parking is limited to those with an online reservation only. (Strict fines in place for parking in prohibited areas.)
The walk to the falls from the lot is around 600 metres
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Cachoeira Webster
Harvest RoadAll visitors to Webster Falls require an online reservation prior to visiting between May and November 2021. Reserve early to avoid disappointment since spots are limited.
Webster Falls is the largest waterfall in the region – and one of the most popular. Located in the historic village of Dundas, Webster Falls is close to hiking trails, beautiful green space and great amenities and restaurants in town.
This 22-metre classical curtain waterfall is one of Hamilton’s most iconic waterfalls.
Its wide expanse of waterfall spills over a tiered drop, not far from where the shuttle drops off visitors.
It’s well worth a visit in the fall for prime leaf viewing of stunning Dundas Valley.
It’s part of the Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls Conservation Area, one of Upper Canada’s earliest industrial communities.
The open grounds around the falls are easy to navigate and pause for photos or to enjoy a snack.
Don’t miss the beautifully restored cobblestone bridge that crosses Spencer Creek.
PARKING & PROXIMITY TO FALLS:
Between May and November, on-site parking is limited to those with an online reservation only. (Strict fines in place for parking in prohibited areas.)
The walk to the falls from the lot is around 600 metres
Tew falls may be known as a package deal with nearby Webster Falls, but it’s stunning in its own right. This slender beauty known as a ribbon waterfall happens to be the tallest in Hamilton. It also marks the beginning of an uphill forested hike towards Hamilton’s famous Dundas Peak with stunning valley views.
Fed by Logie’s Creek, the water tumbles down 41 metres of rock face into the valley below.
A couple of viewing platforms give visitors vantage points – with views and colours that change with the seasons.
Continue up the Webster Falls Side Trail to the Dundas Peak where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Dundas Valley on a clear day. This is especially beautiful – and popular – in the fall when the leaves change colour.
Online Reservation System
Due to the area’s popularity and physical distancing requirements, visitors must reserve a spot in advance to enjoy Tew Falls and the hike to Dundas Peak, starting May 1, 2021
Reservations are available for two-hour blocks with staggered arrival times seven days a week. Reserve early to avoid disappointment.
Please visit Hamilton Conservation Authority for more details including admission fees.
PARKING & PROXIMITY TO FALLS:
Between May and November, on-site parking is limited to those with an online reservation only. (Strict fines in place for parking in prohibited areas.)
The walk to Tew Falls from the parking lot is a short five-minute. From there, the hike to Dundas Peak is around 25 minutes.
HIKES NEARBY:
After climbing to the second viewing platform at Tew Falls, keep hiking up towards the Dundas Peak for a rewarding view of the Dundas Valley. Once at the top, the Tew Falls Lookout Trail will lead you down into the town of Dundas. Head east when you get to the train tracks and follow the trail to Cascades Park off Sydenham Road (where you'll pass Lower Sydenham Falls).
There are also a couple of Bruce Trail side trails to explore. (See Tiffany Falls for other hikes in the Dundas Valley.)
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Cachoeira Tew
590 Harvest RdTew falls may be known as a package deal with nearby Webster Falls, but it’s stunning in its own right. This slender beauty known as a ribbon waterfall happens to be the tallest in Hamilton. It also marks the beginning of an uphill forested hike towards Hamilton’s famous Dundas Peak with stunning valley views.
Fed by Logie’s Creek, the water tumbles down 41 metres of rock face into the valley below.
A couple of viewing platforms give visitors vantage points – with views and colours that change with the seasons.
Continue up the Webster Falls Side Trail to the Dundas Peak where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Dundas Valley on a clear day. This is especially beautiful – and popular – in the fall when the leaves change colour.
Online Reservation System
Due to the area’s popularity and physical distancing requirements, visitors must reserve a spot in advance to enjoy Tew Falls and the hike to Dundas Peak, starting May 1, 2021
Reservations are available for two-hour blocks with staggered arrival times seven days a week. Reserve early to avoid disappointment.
Please visit Hamilton Conservation Authority for more details including admission fees.
PARKING & PROXIMITY TO FALLS:
Between May and November, on-site parking is limited to those with an online reservation only. (Strict fines in place for parking in prohibited areas.)
The walk to Tew Falls from the parking lot is a short five-minute. From there, the hike to Dundas Peak is around 25 minutes.
HIKES NEARBY:
After climbing to the second viewing platform at Tew Falls, keep hiking up towards the Dundas Peak for a rewarding view of the Dundas Valley. Once at the top, the Tew Falls Lookout Trail will lead you down into the town of Dundas. Head east when you get to the train tracks and follow the trail to Cascades Park off Sydenham Road (where you'll pass Lower Sydenham Falls).
There are also a couple of Bruce Trail side trails to explore. (See Tiffany Falls for other hikes in the Dundas Valley.)