Hamilton Ontario is located 45 minutes South of Toronto and is home to over 100 waterfalls. While some of these are easier to get to others will require some hiking.
I lived in the Hamilton area for almost 5 years in my twenties and never knew there were so many waterfalls here. Hamilton waterfalls have been a big tourist attraction over the years and of course are best seen after a good rainfall. The falls in Hamilton were named the waterfall capital of the world, with this many waterfalls in a small urban area.
As with most waterfalls around the world these falls will shine their most after a good rainfall. You should always make sure you are exercising caution when making your way to any of the falls. Good hiking shoes or boots, water and a snack. If you are heading to them at night make sure you have a good headlamp.
Another great attraction in Ontario is the Bruce Trail. Most of the waterfalls you find on this list are off the Bruce Trail.
READ: Tobermory (The end of the Bruce Trail)
Here is a list of the most popular of the waterfalls within the Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trails. Including the Devils Punchbowl, Albion Falls, Sherman Falls and much more. I have also included a link at the end for the best day road trip to see them.
A big thank you to John Ellin @jona.brant.35mm for the amazing photos.
Please note that you should plan your trip out and times. Do not park on roadways and be mindful of the social distancing in place.
Billy Monkley Cascade
Billy Monkley Cascade- located in the East side of the city in the Billy Monkley Bird Sanctuary on Dartnall road. It is 10 feet high and 21 feet wide. This waterfall is open from 8am to 8pm daily. Want that mossy look and stunning color in the background head here during the fall months of late September and October.
This Falls is open from 8am to 8pm. A great place to take a walk with the family and for those who love the great outdoors. For anyone that loves photography, you will find this particular falls to have many amazing angles.
Lower and Upper Cliffview Falls
Lower and Upper Cliffview Falls- Located in Cliffview Park on Upper Paradise Road. It is 50 feet heigh and 10 feet wide. This is not an easy one to get to but there is a viewing platform on the West side of the ravine. There is a metal staircase and a unmark path if you wish to see the falls from the bottom. This stunner is open 24 hours but I would suggest seeing in the sunlight hours.
Little Davis Falls
Little Davis Falls- Located near Felkers Falls it is 10 feet in height and 18 feet wide. It is also not easy to get to from Felkers Falls. However you can drive and do a short walk from Quigleys Rd. I would suggest wearing hiking boots as the path is a little rocky. And I’m sure as you can see Little Davis Falls is a stunning falls in the falls months of late September and October.
Felkers Falls
Felker’s Falls – Located in the Falker’s Falls Conservation Area along the Bruce Trail. Not far from the Albion falls. This smaller fall is 72 feet high and 20 feet wide. To see the falls from the top take the QEW to Centennial Parkway head south. Turn right on Mud St and then Right on Paramont Dr. Turn right onto Ackland St and this will take you to the parking lot.
Albion Falls
Albion Falls, probably the most famous of the Hamilton waterfalls, not far from Felker’s falls. It stands 62 high and 59 feet wide. This is by far the most photographed. This is a nice little hiking trail to get to the falls. Not much for swimming but it does however have a small kiddie size pool at the bottom to cool your feet off on a hot summer day.
Getting here take the QEW to Red Hill Valley Parkway South to Stone Church Rd and turn right. Take to Pritchard Road and turn right. Turn left on Mud St and park in the parking lot at Arbour Rd. Follow the Bruce Trail signs.
Other falls not to miss
Other falls not to miss on your Hamilton waterfalls adventure are the Devils Punchbowl located in the Devils Punchbowl Conservation Area. Buttermilk falls which is not a big one but has a nice hiking trail.
Ancaster and Dundas and Waterdown
Ancaster, Dundas and Waterdown are small towns surrounding Hamilton waterfalls. Also with amazing waterfalls found here such as Mills Falls located at the stunning Ancaster Mill, Tews falls located in Dundas and Smokey Hollow Falls located in Waterdown.
Here are some of the falls you will find in this area. Don’t forget to check out the map below for all the amazing waterfalls in Hamilton.
Canterbury Falls
Canterbury Falls is located in Ancaster at the end of Lions Club Rd. There is parking there for $10. The falls are 31 feet high and 11 feet wide. You can also get to Sherman Falls from here.
Mills Falls
Mills Falls located just off Old Dundas Rd. Another picturesque falls. This is a great place for a wedding. The Ancaster Mill is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat. Located on the Bruce Trail and Heritage Trail it is the better known falls in Ancaster. You can also find Lower Mills falls just a ways down.
Tiffany Falls and Washboard Falls
There are two waterfalls located in the Tiffany Falls Conservation Area. Tiffany Falls is 69 feet high and Washboard is 16 feet high. Both are truly amazing. Tiffany falls is also great for ice climbing. To get here take Mohawk Rd West from the 403 and turn right onto Wilson St it will be on your right hand side.
Sherman Falls
Sherman Falls is a 55 foot high waterfall and the second most popular in the area. You can park at the same lot Canterbury Falls but please do not take the path between on peoples private properties.
Not far away from here you will also find Tews falls. Reservations for this falls is required.
Other great falls not to miss
This area is again great for hiking trails and more waterfalls. Tews falls is a great hike and smaller falls. Borer falls is located in the Borer falls Conservation area is it too has a great trail. There is Borer falls and Lower Borer Falls, don’t miss these ones. Lower Sydenham falls has a dipping pool and is not far from Tews falls or Borer falls.
If you have the chance and are heading back to Toronto be sure to stop in Waterdown and see Smokey Hollow Falls.
Can you go Swimming?
If you are looking to cool off I would suggest going to Chedoke Falls. Located along the Bruce trail you will find this 15 meter falls with a cute pool at the bottom. As for the rest. Well you could cool of your feet, maybe get up to your knees.
I would like to give a big thank you to John Ellin for these amaing pictures. If you want to see more of his photos check out his Instagram Page @jona.brant.35mm
Hiking Gear
Before you head out on the trails here just out some top gear for your trip.
Disclosure: Please note that the links below are affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. It is just a small way you can help the wanderingtravelerblog bloom.
Boots
Women Columbia Hiking Boots. These are the best that I have worn. I have been wearing Columbia since I was a kid and I have a saying “if they work don’t change” They are comfortable and easy to work in.
Walking Shoe
For everyday walking and even hiking I use Sketchers. I live in these shoes and have 5 pairs of sketchers because they are so comfy.
Backpack
Mountaintop Backpacks are a great hiking bag. The 35L is great for day hikes. To see my full review of these click here
Hiking Poles
Hiking poles are a great accessory if you plan on hiking to some of these waterfalls.
Filtered Water Bottle
Please do not bring plastic water bottles on your hikes. The Lifestraw Go Water Bottle is a great BPA-free water bottle. It filters water while drinking; great for travel, backpacking, camping, and emergency kits
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