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Hamilton is known as the 'City of Waterfalls'. Entire website guides have been developed, including City of Waterfalls and Tourism Hamilton's Hamilton Waterfall Guide.
A road trip to Hamilton is great for the beginning GTA-area waterfaller, especially for those not used to being far from the city. There are over 100 waterfalls in the city, and all of the best ones are easy to reach.
Still, you need to be aware that many of those 100+ waterfalls are smaller and usually dry up for large parts of the year. As well, heavy social media attention means makes some of these places quite busy on warm weekends. It's also resulted in pay parking at the busiest spots, as well as restrictions on where you can explore at others (like the area around the base of Albion Falls, shown below).
But make no mistake... Hamilton is still a waterfall mecca! There is lots to see! If possible, try to visit in spring or a day or two after a major rainfall. Try to avoid warm summer weekends. While there is never a bad time to waterfall, wetter times are better times.
This trip includes a variety of waterfalls: big, small, free or paid parking. In one place, I recommend a longer hike so that you can (legally) avoid paying to park a second time. If you've got more money than a lowly waterfall author, feel free to pay twice!
The route would probably fill a full day, especially if you are the type to take your time at each site. If you aren't yet a waterfall fanatic and just want a modest outing, focus on Site Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 6.
You could be injured, lost, or die visiting waterfalls. You are responsible for your safety. Learn your Risks and Responsibilities.
You don't have permission to use this website unless you click and agree with the Full DisclaimerSherman Falls is a beauty, and a Hamilton favourite. It's tucked in the woods, you can stand in front of it, and it's always flowing. No wonder it's usually busy on warm weekends.
You have to pay to park here; the lot is 3-4 minute walk away. The route map takes you to the parking lot. Learn more...
This could be Hamilton's prettiest waterfall. It's also tucked in the woods, and is often busy on a warm weekend.
There is a pay lot here too. Want to save money? Leave your car at the Sherman Falls lot, and then hike 1 km along the Bruce Trail from Sherman Falls. The trail starts right across the road from the entrance to Sherman Falls. Learn more...
Mill Falls isn't spectacular, and can be quite underwhelming in a dry summer. But the gorgeous grounds of the Ancaster Old Mill make this a great pit stop shortly after leaving the Sherman Falls parking lot.
It's my understanding that the mill allows parking in the morning in the lot just up the hill from the upper mill buildings. Please heed any signs. Learn more...
Follow "The Linc" to the east side and park high above Albion Falls. Visitors are no longer allowed around the base of the falls due to poor behaviour. There are plans for this to change... some day.
The view isn't great, but it's still easy to see why this is one of Hamilton's most popular falls. Learn more...
This is one of the tiniest waterfalls on this website. You might even be disappointed. But the little falls forms a tiny oasis where you can hide and get away from it all. Proof that nice waterfalls come in all sizes. Learn more...
This could be Hamilton's best kept secret! Ok, it's no secret, but it's probably the tallest waterfall with no parking fee and no crowds.
The route takes you to the top of the falls. With a bit more effort, you can also access the base of the falls from Quigley Rd, found at the base of the Niagara Escarpment.Learn more...
We could really call this site 6B, as it is just a hundred metres upstream from Felkers Falls. This is also a very small waterfall that most people will skip.
If you are a photographer, this gives you a chance to get up close for intimate shots Learn more...
Along with a great view of a tall waterfall, this famous lookout spot also offers a great view of the east end of Hamilton.
You do have to pay to park here. I will leave it up to you to decide if it's worth it. Learn more...
Getting to all of these waterfalls in one day is actually quite a feat! If you made it, let me know! There are, of course, a lot more waterfalls to see in the Hamilton region.
I've included a few extra spots that the existing route passes right by.
If you've come a long way to see Hamilton's waterfalls, why not stay overnight? You could see more waterfalls in the morning, or, continue on to the road trip called Niagara's Little Sisters!
The main road trip route passes right by this beautiful falls. Coming from Toronto, you would actually get to this waterfall before all of the others. If you get an early enough start, go here first and then start the rest of the route.
This waterfall requires a modest hike of about 15 mins. If you can still park in the upper lot at the Ancaster Old Mill, this is a great stop after seeing Mill Falls. Please check the parking rules; I believe that public parking in the upper lot is allowed in the mornings only. b>Learn more...
This can be a beautiful waterfall when flows are high enough. It can be a bit disappointing at other times. Even during low flow, however, it's worth a trip. The reason is that if you keep hiking upstream, you can reach the bottom of the much taller Felkers Falls. Learn more...
Did you try this road trip? Was it way too long? Too short? Please let me know!
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