Ontario is home to some stunning waterfalls, from breathtaking ribbons to wide cascades. You don’t have to drive too far to see them either, as nearby Hamilton in the GTA is also the waterfall capital of the world, boasting over 150 within the city alone!
Time to lace up those hiking boots and go chasing waterfalls. Here are 7 breathtaking waterfalls less than 2 hours away from Toronto.
1. Webster’s Falls
Located within the Spencer Gorge in the charming town of Dundas, Webster’s Falls is the largest waterfall in the Hamilton region at 22 metres tall. The classical curtain waterfall is also one of the area’s most popular, so visitors require an online reservation if you plan to visit during a long weekend between May and September, or daily during the fall colour season.
2. Tiffany Falls
At 21 metres tall, Tiffany Falls is its most epic during the spring after the winter thaw, or during the winter months when it is almost completely frozen over. You’ll find it after a short, easy walk in Ancaster’s Tiffany Falls Conservation Area.
3. Albion Falls
Voted as the regions prettiest by City of Waterfalls, Albion Falls in Hamilton has a step-like appearance due to years of erosion. Almost as wide (18 metres) as it is tall (19 metres), you can get a great view of it from two viewing platforms along the Mountain Brow Side Trail.
4. Tew Falls
Tews Falls is a stunning ribbon waterfall and one of the tallest in Hamilton at 41 metres. Found in the same area as Webster’s Falls within the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, you can definitely check both off your list in the same visit. Be sure to also stop by Dundas Peak on your hike for panoramic views of the Dundas Valley below.
5. Devil’s Punchbowl
Dating back to the Ice Age, Devil’s Punchbowl is a deep, multi-coloured gorge with a series of waterfalls plunging within it. The Upper Falls is a 33.8 metre ribbon-style waterfall, the Lower Falls is a 5.5 metre classical waterfall. The main lookout over the escarpment is just 150 metres from the parking lot, with three smaller lookouts along the rim of the gorge.
6. Niagara Falls
The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the iconic Niagara Falls, which was recently ranked the most worthwhile tourist attraction in Canada. Niagara Falls is actually comprised of three waterfalls, with the largest of them being Horseshoe Falls. All summer long, you can also experience nightly fireworks shows from May 17 until October 14, 2024.
7. DeCew Falls
DeCew Falls in St. Catharines is a stunning hidden gem, which flows below the charming Morningstar Mill. At 21 metres tall, the falls often completely freeze over during the winter months, looking postcard-worthy with the picturesque red mill perched above.