Did you know: there’s over 100 waterfalls in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Niagara Falls might be the biggest in Southern Ontario, but Hamilton takes the crown for “City of Waterfalls.” Many of these waterfalls are quite beautiful and are part of the trails and green belt parks! That means many of the nicest waterfalls in the region are accessible and perfect for families with little hikers.
As a resident of the area, I love taking my family for nature hikes on weekends. Since we usually see at least one on the way, we’ve got a short list of some of the nicest waterfalls in Hamilton. My only request: please take any and all garbage from your hikes back out with you to keep the hikes nice!
Can’t Miss Waterfalls in Hamilton
Tiffany Falls
Where is it: Ancaster
Other noteable waterfalls nearby: Sherman Falls, Washboard Falls
Nearby trails: Bruce Trail (Some access across private property is restricted), Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail, Heritage Trail
Tiffany Falls used to be difficult to get to, but a new path was built by the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Rotary Club of Ancaster. This lovely little 21m cascade is right next to the Washboard falls, but a bit of a hike from the Sherman Falls (one of my favourite). If you’re interested in ice climbing in the winter, Tiffany Falls is one of the greatest places to go!
Sherman Falls
Where is it: Ancaster
Other noteable waterfalls nearby: Tiffany Falls, Washboard Falls, Canterbury Falls
Nearby trails: Bruce Trail (Some access across private property is restricted), Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail, Heritage Trail
Sherman Falls is one of my favourite falls. Its amazingly easy to access… it’s just yards away from a dirt road. But the peace you encounter there is amazing. There used to be a great access to the Bruce trail up by Sherman Falls, but it has since been closed where it crosses private property. But one can walk down to Old Dundas Street and up towards the Ancaster Mill to access the Heritage Trail for a huge beautiful easy walking trail around the ring of the Heritage trail or through the open parts of the Bruce Trail down to Canterbury Falls. For a long but good nature hike that you can take dirt bikes and strollers on, this waterfall and trail combination can’t be beat!
Webster’s Falls & Tews Falls
Where is it: West Hamilton, Dundas region
Other noteable waterfalls nearby: Darnley cascade, Borer’s Falls
Nearby trails: Bruce Trail (Some access across private property is restricted)
If you’re looking for a great two-for-one, Websters Falls and Tews Falls aren’t too far apart. Tews is the tallest waterfall in Hamilton, 41 meters in height! The downside is that the trail between the two falls has been closed, so the only real hike is the one from the Christie Lake Conservation area parking lot – on street parking is not allowed. If you don’t want to walk, there are shuttles available to help you get to both falls on weekends.
Albion Falls
Where is it: East Hamilton, where the Redhill Valley Expressway meets the Linc
Other noteable waterfalls nearby: Buttermilk Falls, Cave falls, Pritchard Falls
Nearby trails: Chippawa Trail & the Redhill Valley Trail
Albion’s Falls have a unique stepstone cascade that is lovely to look at. While it is not TOO onerous to get to, the best views of Albion falls are definitely not stroller friendly. There is (or was) a steep, more-direct route to the falls from the sidewalk above, but it is very dangerous. Take the longer but easier route: head down the Redhill trail to the water, and backtrack to the falls.
You may need to climb over trees and wade through water to get close. As you head back upriver, the walls of the eastern bank get very steep in one spot, but if you’re willing to get your feet wet, crossing to the west side and back is relatively easy in a few spots. If you decide seeing Albion falls is a little too much adventure, the Redhill Valley Trail is still a nice and easy walk.
What waterfalls in Hamilton are we missing? Drop it in the comments for our readers.
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