The 6 must see Hamilton Waterfalls

ListRecommendation

15 Jan

TIFFANY FALLS

Tiffany Falls is my must number 1 must-see choice for anyone who enjoys nature. Easy to access from the parking lot, and a short windy path across a few bridges brings you to the basin of this magical water feature. I make an annual pilgrimage here both in the dead of winter to see the ice forms, as well as the summer moss and cool feeling of the overspray. If you are lucky enough to be there when no one is around it can be such an uplifting experience.
Location: 900 Wilson St E, Hamilton, ON

SMOKEY HALLOW FALLS

A big of an adventure to get to the base of these falls, as you will need your hiking shoes. But it will be worth it when you arrive at the pool of water and look up to see the water cascading above. I tend to enjoy waterfalls that you can reach the bottom of more than looking at the water rushing over a cliff (personal preference). Smokey Hallows parking is less than desirable, so I suggest arriving late in the day. You will take a somewhat steep path to the riverbed and then walk back to a picture-perfect shower of water. Enjoy a snack or some time reflect on one of the large rocks below as you bask in the sun, or drop your feet in the refreshingly cold water. I don’t think you will be disappointed in making the journey.
Location: 80 Mill St S, Waterdown, ON

SHERMAN FALLS

I have only visited Sherman falls once in the summer of 2021, but I can tell you there will be a return visit or two in the works, as I would like to see what it looks like in the winter. Highly recommend visiting this site on a hot warm day, as it’s nestled amount the trees of the forest and provides a cool mist when you are at the base. As you can guess, you can get right up under the falls and touch the water as it cascades over the rock cliff. The trail is easy to navigate, but there is a bit of a hike to get to it from the parking. When we went the water level was not high, and it felt like as the water leaped over the edge of the cliff it disappeared into the rock bed below, and then resurfaced in the stream. Be mindful that it is private property around the falls, and bring your camera for some photos.
Location: 789 Artaban Rd #711, Dundas, ON

WEBSTERS FALLS

Webster Falls was one of the first I even visited in the City of Hamilton, there is some nostalgia in that for me defiantly. Although you are not able to get to the bottom of the falls anymore (or at least I have not figured out how), the parklands and fast-moving water are a site you don’t want to miss out on. Websters falls is one of the more touristy locations, and in the summer parking can be difficult at times, but they have some historical significance and are one of the iconic waterfalls of the area.
Location: 581 Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON

DEVILS PUNCHBOWL

Along the mountain brow of Hamilton, you really can’t miss this location. Located right beside the iconic Cross of Lorraine, which towers over the escarpment it can be seen from much of the lower city. Parking is easy and it’s a short walk over to the view of the huge falls from the viewing platform. Although breath-taking to see how nature has carved out the punchbowl since the dawn of time you are somewhat removed from seeing it from the observation platform as they are off in the distance. I have heard that you can get to the bottom of these falls, but have not tried and you would need to tackle that from a different location within the city.
Location: 204 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON

HERMITAGE CASCADE

The last of my list is actually a waterfall that I have not been to yet personally, but it’s on the 2022 list of things to do. We have walked the Hermitage trail before to see the ruins of the Hermitage, but have not as of yet taken the side trail to the cascade. That being said, friends have said it is worth the walk, and that is why it’s included on this list. Again a waterfall that you can stand at the base of and look up as you contemplate whatever is on your mind.
Location: Sulphur Springs Rd, Hamilton, ON (The conservation parking lot is $10 a day)

I-MMXXII

Jason Burgoin