Hamilton, Ontario is often called ‘The City of Waterfalls’ and boasts over 100 waterfalls along the Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment. At this time of year, some of them are still flowing and the water has formed beautiful ice formations. In the spring and summer the waters flow generously, the tree canopy fills in and the sounds of birds and squirrels are abundant. It’s breathtaking for hikers!

The abundance of waterfalls is caused by water pouring over the top of the Niagara Escarpment from the north, west and south into Lake Ontario, flowing down the St. Lawrence River and eventually arriving in the Atlantic Ocean. Environmental groups are very vocal in protecting these headwaters, with good reason.

Although some of the waterfalls are on private property or lands owned by Canadian National Railway, many are easily accessible to the public with good parking close by. There are 10 recommended hikes from Tourism Hamilton ranging from 3.7km to 10.2km. And for cyclists there are 10 trails on mixed and paved surfaces from 9km to 40km. For maps and details click here – http://hamiltonwaterfalls.geotrail.ca/hikes.

The most popular falls are:
West Hamilton, Ancaster & Dundas: Tiffany Falls, Sherman Falls, Webster’s Falls
East Hamilton & Stoney Creek: Albion Falls, Felkers Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl