The 10 Best Waterfalls in Hamilton, Ontario

Kendra Slagter

May 31, 2023

Just 75 kilometres from the bustling city of Toronto, Ontario, you’ll find the Waterfall Capital of the World: Hamilton. With its location on the western edge of Lake Ontario and its proximity to the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton is home to over 150 waterfalls, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The impressive number of waterfalls located within the city limits allows Hamilton to hold the title of having the most waterfalls in any city in the world. With so many waterfalls to choose from, it can be an overwhelming task in picking which ones to visit. For those who are new to chasing waterfalls in Hamilton, here are the 10 best waterfalls worth checking out.

Webster Falls 

^{Tourism Hamilton} 

Webster Falls is arguably the most famous and most visited waterfall in Hamilton. It is also the widest, with a crest of 30 metres. The falls flow over a wide rock ledge, creating a dramatic scene that highlights exactly why Hamilton is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World.”

Access to the Falls: Hamilton Conservation Authority

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 13.6 km

Albion Falls

^{City of Waterfalls} 

Located at the top of Upper King’s Forest Park is another popular Hamilton waterfall, Albion Falls. This 19-metre waterfall flows over a series of terraced rock formations, fanning outwards into a cascade of water that calmly pools at the base.

Access to the Falls: City of Hamilton

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 11.9 km

Tew Falls

^{Tourism Hamilton} 

Tew Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hamilton, standing at 41 metres tall. The water flows in a narrow, elongated stream into a limestone basin. One of the most distinctive features of Tew Falls is the rocky escarpment that frames the falls, providing a beautiful and dramatic backdrop to the cascading water.

Access to the Falls: Hamilton Conservation Authority

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 13.3 km

Tiffany Falls

^{Tiffany Falls Conservation Area}

Tiffany Falls is a 21-metre cascade waterfall that looks impressive in all seasons. It has a strong flow in the spring and turns into an ice-climber’s haven in the winter. The surrounding rocks create a natural amphitheater that amplifies the sound of the water, creating a magical atmosphere.

Access to the Falls: City of Waterfalls

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 9 km

Devil’s Punchbowl

^{Inside Halton} 

Devil’s Punchbowl is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Hamilton. This classic ribbon waterfall drops 37 metres over the Niagara Escarpment. The fall’s bowl-shaped depression was formed by meltwater rivers that plunged over the Stoney Creek Escarpment at the end of the last ice age. The shape of the bowl, along with the mist that arises from the falling water, gives the falls an eerie and otherworldly feel.

Access to the Falls: Tourism Hamilton

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 13.1 km

Sherman Falls

^{Tourism Hamilton} 

Sherman Falls—also nicknamed “Fairy” or “Angel” Falls—is a 17-metre waterfall located along the Bruce Trail. Tucked away in a shaded forest on the western edge of the city, visitors can expect a strong year-round flow.

Access to the Falls: Tourism Hamilton

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 10.4 km

 Felker’s Falls

^{Hiking the GTA} 

Though Felker’s Falls isn’t extremely tall, this 22-metre waterfall is one of the city’s best hidden gems. Located in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area, this ribbon waterfall flows over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, showcasing its unique geological rock formations and bedrock gorge.

Access to the Falls: City of Waterfalls

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 14.4 km

 Borer’s Falls 

^{Tourism Hamilton}

With crowds flocking to Tiffany and Webster falls, Borer’s Falls is a great option for those seeking an equally impressive waterfall without the crowds. Located in the Borer’s Falls Conservation Area, this 15-metre waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors must peek through the trees to catch a glimpse of the waterfall from the top or follow the trail below the escarpment to view it from the bottom.

Access to the Falls: Tourism Hamilton

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 10.3 km

Buttermilk Falls 

^{City of Waterfalls} 

Just minutes from Albion Falls lies the beautifully terraced Buttermilk Falls. This 23-metre ribbon waterfall is known for its impressive flow during the spring season and after heavy rain, though its dry watershed deters visitors during the hot summer months. Make sure to visit at the right time to enjoy Buttermilk Falls to the fullest!

Access to the Falls: City of Waterfalls

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 10.3 km

Smokey Hollow Falls

^{Waterfalls Ontario} 

Also known as Grindstone, Waterdown or Great Falls, Smokey Hollow Falls is a 10-metre-tall waterfall flowing from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown. Though short, its strong, flowing water is surrounded by a beautiful stretch of the Bruce Trail. The rugged path follows the fast-flowing ravine that is fed by Smokey Hollow Falls.

Access to the Falls: Great Lakes Waterfalls

Distance from Downtown Hamilton: 12 km

Check out more of what Ontario’s nature has to offer:

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