In Canada's province of Ontario, many popular tourist destinations lie in Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls. St. Catherine's Niagara Falls is a definite sight to see. This giant powerhouse of a waterfall attracts millions of tourists worldwide every year, both from the American and Canadian sides of the falls. When in Ottawa, tourists love strolling along the Rideau Canal or touring the expansive Parliament Hill. Finally, tourists know Toronto as the home of the CN Tower, a 553-meter concrete tower that overlooks Lake Ontario. Undoubtedly, these landmarks are iconic and are beautiful in their own rights. However, tourists staying near these cities should also check out another Ontario city that offers visitors beautiful sights and cultures of its own: Hamilton.
This Ontario city is only an hour away from Toronto and Niagara Falls, and best of all: it's nicknamed the Waterfall Capital of the World! With such a name, visitors will be surprised to know that Hamilton is home to around 100 waterfalls, each prettier than the last. Travelers heading to Ontario as their next travel destination should check out some of these popular Hamilton waterfalls (as well as other iconic landmarks in the city)!
8 Tews Falls
We're not sure why this gorgeous Hamilton waterfall gets less attention than its Webster's Falls counterpart, considering it's one of the tallest waterfalls in the city. Towering at 41-meters, this ribbon-style waterfall is situated in the Webster's Falls Conservation Area, getting its water from the nearby Logie's Creek. Also known as Hopkin's Falls or Tunis's Falls, visitors pay a visit to this cascading giant before heading up to Hamilton's Dundas Peak. Since May 1, 2021, like many of the waterfalls and conservation areas in the city, a visit to Tews Falls requires an online reservation. Travelers can make their reservations through the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
7 Dundas Peak
Once visitors have taken their photos at Tews Falls, they can hike their way up to the well-known Dundas Peak to get a breathtaking view of the foliage below, along with landscapes views of the city and waterfalls. Visitors should hike up Dundas Peak during Canada's Fall season, to see the lovely color changes on the leaves! This landmark is quite popular, so we suggest coming here on a weekday or early in the mornings.
6 Webster's Falls
Situated in Hamilton's Dundas area, this 22-meter curtain waterfall is an iconic city landmark. Flowing down Spencer Creek, these falls are part of the Webster's Falls Conservation Area, and are within the same vicinity as Tews Falls. Avid hikers can journey from the Falls to Hamilton's Christie Lake, learning more about the Spencer Gorge area.
5 Dundurn Castle
Hamilton's Dundurn Castle cost $175,000 to build and was completed in 1835. Located on York Boulevard, this castle was originally owned by Sir Allen Napier MacNab, who was Premier of the United Canadas in the 1850s. Starting at a $14 (CAD) admission, visitors can check out this 40-room villa (which was actually built on a former military encampment built by British forces in 1813). Admission also includes free admission to the nearby Hamilton Military Museum as well. The Dundurn Castle is definitely not one of Hamilton's 100 waterfalls, but it's still an iconic landmark that holds a special place in the city's heart.
4 Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
A tranquil nature preserve just on Wilson Street, the Tiffany Falls Conservation is close to the heart of the city. Take a stroll through the winding trees to get to Tiffany Falls, a 21-meter fall waterfall. Many visitors park on the roadside or just off of Wilson Street (which is about $5 CAD per day), but this 1,600-hectare area gets quite popular on weekends. Travelers planning to stop by this area should consider visiting during off-peak hours, especially on weekdays and in the early morning.
3 Gage Park
Take a break from waterfall hunting and take a peaceful stroll around Gage Park, Hamilton's open public park equipped with children's playgrounds, tennis courts, and a fountain. Gage Park's Greenhouse is also a popular attraction, offering an array of plants from subtropical flora to a humble rose garden (travelers who are still keen on chasing waterfalls will be happy to know the greenhouse has one!).
2 Albion Falls
Located on Mountain Brow Boulevard, Albion Falls is a 19-meter waterfall, with picturesque cascades of water flowing down the Niagara Escarpment into Hamilton's Red Hill Valley. This Instagram-worthy waterfall is Hamiltons' jewel waterfall, offering an aerial view of the cascading beauty. Specifically, visitors can park at Mountain Brow's parking lot and walk to the nearby viewing platform.
1 Devils Punchbowl
Tourists visiting Hamilton may want to save this waterfall landmark for the last because it's quite breathtaking. Located in Stoney Creek, the Devil's Punchbowl is made up of 2 waterfalls; the shorter falls are only 5.5. meters in height, while the largest one stands at 33.8-metres tall. Overall, the Devil's Punchbowl stands tall at 37-feet, and is a product of the ice age's end, after melting ice carved itself through the Stoney Creek Escarpments. This landmark is a little far from Hamilton's city center, but waterfall chasers won't want to miss this gem.