Beyond the skyscrapers and concrete jungle of Toronto are countless natural wonders to explore, such as Ontario’s beautiful waterfalls. A short drive and hike away can bring you to breathtaking ribbon waterfalls or rushing cascades, perfect for a refreshing break from the city.
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!
For your next daytrip or weekend adventure, here are 10 stunning waterfalls within a two-hour drive of Toronto to add to your list:
1. Webster’s Falls (Dundas, Hamilton)
One of the largest and most iconic waterfalls in Hamilton, Webster’s Falls offers a dramatic 22-meter plunge surrounded by lush parkland. The area is part of Spencer Gorge Conservation Area and is great for a picnic or leisurely walk. While visitors no longer need a reservation to visit, due to its popularity, the parking lots operate on a first come first served basis and fill up quickly, so go early!
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
2. Tews Falls (Dundas, Hamilton)
Located just minutes from Webster’s Falls, Tews Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Hamilton area at 41 meters — almost the height of Niagara Falls. 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.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
3. Albion Falls (Hamilton)
Another gem in Hamilton, Albion Falls is a picturesque cascade waterfall that’s especially photogenic due to its broad, step-like appearance. 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.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
4. Devil’s Punchbowl (Stoney Creek)
Located in Stoney Creek, Devil’s Punchbowl is a dramatic ribbon waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge carved out of rock layers millions of years old. The lookout platform offers sweeping views of the Niagara Escarpment and even Lake Ontario on clear days.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
5. Sherman Falls (Ancaster)
Nicknamed “Fairy” or “Angel Falls,” Sherman Falls is a 17-meter tall curtain waterfall tucked into the woods along the Bruce Trail. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, making it one of the easier falls to reach.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
6. Chedoke Falls (Hamilton)
Hidden in a residential part of Hamilton, Chedoke Falls is a serene spot reached via a section of the Chedoke Radial Trail. It’s less trafficked than other falls, offering a quieter, more intimate nature experience.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
7. Tiffany Falls (Ancaster)
by Ravelle Arianne via Shutterstock
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.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1 hour
8. Smokey Hollow Falls (Waterdown)
Also known as Grindstone Falls, Smokey Hollow is a charming 10-meter waterfall located in Waterdown surrounded by well-maintained boardwalks and hiking trails. It was also once used to power a local sawmill.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 50 minutes
9. Balls Falls (Lincoln)
Located within Ball’s Falls Conservation Area on the Niagara Escarpment, this historic site features two waterfalls (Upper and Lower), a well-preserved 19th-century village, and several nature trails to explore.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1.5 hours
10. DeCew Falls (St. Catharines)
by Darlene Munro via Shutterstock
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.
🚗 Travel Time From Toronto: 1.5 hours