If you’ve ever looked up waterfalls in Ontario, it’s no doubt you’ve seen Hamilton come up. Hamilton has actually been dubbed the waterfall capital of the world! The city of Hamilton has over 100 waterfalls – so incredible!
This post has taken months of exploring, photographing and researching, so I am excited to finally be sharing this guide with you!
But wait…why are there so many waterfalls in Hamilton?
Thanks to where the Niagara Escarpment lies and years of erosion, Niagara is not short in supply of waterfalls! Most of which are in Hamilton, many are within 20 minutes of downtown. I wish every city was this lucky!
Many of these waterfalls went unknown for some time, until the city of Hamilton started using it as a tourism drive – which hey, these waterfalls deserve to be seen and experienced!
I have no order in which I’ll put these, but all images are my own and info is based off of when I last visited these waterfalls!
Let’s dive into it.
Hamilton’s Waterfalls
Tews Falls
Tews Falls is the largest waterfall in Hamilton at 41m tall! This is the first waterfall I visited in the area, and it is what inspired me to explore all of the other falls in the area. Tews Falls is super popular, but for good reason.
This waterfall is at the beginning of the trail to Dundas Peak, which is an extraordinary hike by the way – definitely recommend!
Parking: There are reservations required from May-November. Reservations are for 2hr time blocks and about $10.
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk falls is very accessible for anyone because it’s right beside a road with a sidewalk, has a parking lot, and is also accessible from trails!
The view of Buttermilk falls can be enjoyed from lookout platforms, or on the bridge above it which overlooks the gorge. This is actually one of my favourite spots to see in different seasons because the trees change the look of it so much. The gorge here is breathtaking!
If you’re looking for a great hiking trail that passes Buttermilk, Albion & Felkers falls, click here.
Parking: There is free parking at the Oak Knoll Park on Mountain Brow Blvd (by the Mohawk Sports Park).
Tiffany Falls
This is a place I would recommend to everyone to visit, and it also has a few waterfalls in the surrounding area so you could make a fun trip of it like I did!
I honestly just love the shape of this waterfall so much that it might be my favourite one in Hamilton that I have seen. There is a paid parking lot and a short trail to get here, doable for everyone!
Parking: $11 for one hour and the waterfall is very close to parking lot.
Smokey Hollow Falls
So I will just say that personally, this isn’t my favourite waterfall; but it’s one of my favourite trails in the area! Parking here can get really crazy, however it is free.
If you want more info on visiting Smokey Hollow falls, click here.
Parking: Free!
Devils Punchbowl
This is certainly one of the most popular waterfalls in Hamilton, and I would say rightfully so! Devils Punchbowl is an elegant ribbon, 37m high waterfall and as you can see in my photos, the Punchbowl shows off its colours perfectly.
To see the Punchbowl, you can park in the main lot and go to the lookout where you can also view the city of Stoney Creek. If you want to go to the bottom, you can park (in same place) and walk past the Punchbowl Market to the Devils Punchbowl side trail.
For more information on this spot, click here.
Parking: $7
Sherman Falls
This is a waterfall that has gone by many names. Sherman is the most well known name for it, as the Sherman family is also well known for creating Dofasco Inc.
This waterfall is on private property and the family that owns it now is kind enough to let the public explore it! Please respect that.
There is paid parking around the corner from this location and is easy to walk to. For more information on it, you can find it here.
This waterfall is also very close to Tiffany Falls, Mill Falls, Shaver Falls and Canterbury Falls.
Parking: $11 for an hour
Albion Falls
Many associate this waterfall with being part of Royal Botanical gardens, others associate it with being a tremendous water source for Hamilton, but what stuck with me the most about this waterfall is the tale called Lovers Leap. Definitely something to search up if you’re interested!
Albion Falls is a very wide cascade fall, and it’s 19m high. It’s a very beautiful waterfall but you cannot go to the bottom, or you risk a $10,000 fine.
There is a parking lot, trails, and lookouts to view this waterfall!
If you’re looking for a great hiking trail that passes Buttermilk, Albion & Felkers falls, click here.
Parking: Free – There are a few parking lots close by; the one on Mud Street is the one I use
Princess Falls
Princess Falls is a cute, little (7m) waterfall along the Chedoke Radial Trail. This is a great place to go for a leisurely stroll or for a run.
This waterfall is obviously quite small, but it’s worth visiting because the trail here is just so beautiful.
Parking: Free! At the Chedoke Civic Golf Course
Upper Chedoke Falls
This waterfall is 15m high and the water levels here change frequently. Parking at the Chedoke Civic Golf Course is free and welcomed!
This place can get busy with runners and the stairs at the golf course are often crowded with people using them for exercise.
For more information on visiting this waterfall, click here.
Parking: Free! At the Chedoke Civic Golf Course
Scenic Falls
This waterfall is a lesser known one for sure, and it is a pretty difficult climb to get to! Wear proper footwear and if you have trekking poles, use them.
This waterfall is close to Iroquoia Heights Conservation area – a place worth checking out.
Parking: Free!
Felkers Falls
As you can see by my photo, this place is hard to get a good photo of from the lookout platform because of all the trees and branches. I definitely need to come back to this location and get another view.
One reason I really like this waterfall is because it is right next to a playground, so families can take their little ones over to the platform and show them the waterfall. Why don’t all playgrounds have this feature?
Parking: Free! Park at the playground or on the road. You can also reach this waterfall from the trail.
This post is one I’ll be adding to as I continue to explore all of the waterfalls in Hamilton that I possibly can!
Fun fact, there are four waterfall types:
- Ribbon – height is notably greater than its crest width; stream forms a thin ribbon of water.
- Classical – height and crest width are nearly equal.
- Curtain – height is notably smaller than its crest width.
- Cascade – vertical drop is broken into a series of steps causing water to cascade down incline.
Have fun exploring these waterfalls & be safe!
Keep on trekking,
Kate 🥾🌼
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE DOWNLOADABLE CHECKLIST OF HAMILTONS WATERFALLS
If you explore any of these waterfalls, tag me in your photos! @yourmatiekatie #katieoutdoors
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