Did you know that Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is known as the City of Waterfalls? The Niagara Escarpment curves around the western end of Lake Ontario, creating over one hundred waterfalls throughout the city. Want to spend a day waterfall hunting? Here’s an itinerary to see a few of Hamilton’s best waterfalls.
Your one-day itinerary to see the best waterfalls in Hamilton, Ontario.
Growing up in Hamilton, I didn’t think waterfalls were all that special. My grandparents lived just down the highway near the magnificent Niagara Falls. And I could easily walk or ride my bike to several waterfalls whenever I wanted. But I now realize that having waterfalls practically in your backyard isn’t normal unless you’re from Hamilton. I might be biased, but I believe Hamilton is a hidden gem for waterfall lovers. Here are a few of my favourite spots and the best times to visit.
Many of Hamilton’s waterfalls are free to visit, but some have paid parking. Others at peak periods require a reservation. If you live in the area, you can purchase an annual Hamilton Conservation Authority Membership that provides access to all the local Conservation areas (and covers parking). Otherwise, have your credit card ready; the parking fee varies by location.
Tiffany Falls
Your first stop is Tiffany Falls, located halfway up the Niagara Escarpment at 900 Wilson Street, East. The small (paid) parking lot quickly overflows, and parking out on the road is dangerous. So arrive early. If you can swing it, visit on a weekday. But if you go on the weekend, go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowd.
It takes about 10 minutes from the parking lot to reach the waterfall. It’s a there-and-back trail through the forested valley along Tiffany Creek. The walk is gentle and meanders over a few wooden bridges. At the end, there’s an elevated viewing platform from which you can gaze up at the 21-metre (69 ft) high Tiffany Falls.
This walk is beautiful in all seasons, but the water flow tends to be the strongest in the spring. In the summer, the lush canopy of trees helps keep the pathway cool, even on the hottest day. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a colourful autumn hike here, but my favourite time is in the winter with a light dusting of snow.
Time Spent: 1/2 hour
Detour Cafe – King Street Dundas
Drive ten minutes to King Street in Dundas. Now part of Hamilton, this former small town retains all of its charm. This is the place to grab a coffee before heading off to discover another one of Hamilton’s best waterfalls.
While Dundas is home to a few cafes, including a Starbucks, my favourite is Detour Cafe, located at 41 King Street West. It offers excellent coffee, tea, and yummy pastries to fuel your next hike. You can grab and go or dine inside, but I love their outdoor leafy patio.
Time Spent: 1/2 hour
Tew Falls to Dundas Peak
Be sure to check the Hamilton Conservation Authority website before leaving home. The hike from Tew Falls to Dundas Peak is popular, especially on weekends and when the fall foliage is at its peak. You may need an advanced online reservation, which is given in two-hour time slots.
Start at the parking lot at 581 Harvester Road. Tew Falls is not far away—a five-minute walk. There are two viewing platforms from which you can view this spectacular 41-metre (135 ft) ribbon cascade. Pause and take a few pictures before starting the ~40-minute round-trip hike between Tew Falls and the Dundas Peak.
While this is a waterfall itinerary, I should warn you that there is NO waterfall at the Dundas Peak. Yep! The panoramic view from the peak is really that fabulous! You won’t be disappointed.
The trail to Dundas Peak is a bit up and down as it hugs the escarpment edge. You’ll catch lovely glimpses of the valley through the trees on the way. You might also notice the sweeping shadows of the turkey vultures, who love soaring on the area’s thermals.
The Dundas Peak is a terrific photo spot. You can see not only the entire Dundas Valley but also Hamilton Harbour at the western end of Lake Ontario. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful when the fall colours peak and the valley is a riot of orange, red, and yellow.
Time Spent: 2 hours
Webster Falls
Webster Falls is a classical plunge waterfall and one of Hamilton’s most spectacular, making it very popular. Parking at 99 Fallsview Road is limited. During summer weekends (mid-May to mid-September) and especially when the leaves change colour in the fall, check the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s website to secure a 2-hour reservation. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Both Tew Falls and Webster Falls are located in the Spencer Gorge Conservation area. You could once hike between the two waterfalls, but now, despite their proximity, they are run as separate locations. Don’t try parking on a nearby street; illegal parking is monitored, and fines are hefty.
Webster Falls is a classical plunge waterfall, 22 metres (72 ft) high and 30 metres (98 ft) wide. The only downside to this impressive waterfall is that you can only view it from the top; there are no bottom trails. The vegetation around the falls is pretty lush in the summer, so it can be hard to see the entire waterfall. But a picturesque cobblestone bridge (built in the 1930s and renovated in 2000) crosses over Spencer Creek, just before the waterfall.
Time Spent: 1 hour
Lunch in Dundas
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to Dundas for lunch. Depending on your craving, I’ve got a few excellent suggestions.
The Burnt Tongue at 11 King Street West specializes in soup, and the menu evolves with the season. They also have gourmet grilled cheese and burgers. I’m a fan of their French Onion Grilled Cheese. If you’re starving after your morning waterfall hunt, you can order online so your food is ready when you arrive.
Before heading to the Indian Village, check its website for opening hours. From Tuesday to Saturday, it’s closed between lunch and dinner. The interior is simple at 100 King Street West, but the food is delicious. It offers meat-based and vegan options, and its daily lunch take-out specials are a steal.
A local favourite for Thai food lovers is the Bangkok Spoon Deluxe. Or, if the weather is great and you want to stay outside, head for the patio at the Thirsty Cactus for some burgers, wings, or Tex-Mex fare. Located at 2 King Street East, it also has indoor dining.
Before heading off to the final waterfall, I suggest you stroll through downtown Dundas. You can also venture off onto some side streets containing nearly 100 gorgeous heritage homes. I regularly shop at some of Dundas’ charming boutiques and food shops. A couple worth mentioning are:
Piconne Fine Foods sells local produce, yummy prepared foods, and a gourmet selection of olive oil, cheese, and so much more. It opened in 1915 and continues to operate out of the same location at 34 King Street West.
Oliver & Co. Home is one of several gift shops on King Street, and it’s one of my favourites. It’s quite magical over the holidays, with adorable ornaments and gifts. But throughout the year, it offers beautiful home goods, from candles to dishes to cute and unique gifts for kids.
Time Spent: 1-3 hours
Devil’s Punch Bowl Falls
Drive across the city and up the mountain to get from Dundas to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Yes, we refer to the Niagara Escarpment as the mountain in Hamilton. We end the day here because the Devil’s Punch Bowl Falls are one of Hamilton’s best sunset spots.
The 34 metre (112 ft) ribbon waterfall might seem like just a trickle, but the lack of water allows you to see the multicoloured gradations of rock colour in the circular punchbowl formed over a million years ago after the last ice age.
You can’t call this a hike. Park your car in the paid lot at 185 Ridge Road and walk to the waterfall/sunset area. A huge cross lights up at night and dominates the peak. On a clear day, you can see across Lake Ontario to Toronto. Stay until the golden hour if you can. The sunset from here is magnificent.
Time Spent: 1 hour
If you loved discovering Hamilton’s waterfalls, you might also like learning about Three Wonderful Places to Stay for a Weekend Getaway in Ontario.
