Cathy MerrittDid you know that scientists are saying that Niagara Falls might vanish in, like, 50,000 years due to erosion? Crazy, right? But, hey, at the very least, you’ve got loads of time to check it out.
Of course, there are plenty of waterfalls near Toronto that are worth seeing at least once—they’re definitely bucket-list-worthy!
If you’re unsure which ones to hit first, keep reading and start planning your “mist-ical” waterfall adventure soon.
What are the top waterfalls to visit near Toronto?
There are lots of waterfalls to visit near Toronto. Some of the coolest ones are Hilton Falls, Albion Falls, Tiffany Falls, Niagara Falls, Sherman Falls, and so many more. It’s like waterfall heaven around the city!
Hilton Falls
– Media from explorecanada.now
Website: https://www.conservationhalton.ca/parks/hilton-falls/
Address: 4985 Campbellville Rd, Milton, ON L7P 0G3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-854-0262, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Fees:
- Free entry (reservations are recommended)
Situated close to Toronto, Hilton Falls is a quick getaway with heaps of outdoor activities to offer. You’ve also got this awesome waterfall and some old mill ruins for a touch of history!
For thrill-seekers, we suggest exploring the 3 epic mountain biking trails. Hikers and runners can enjoy the scenic Red Oak Trail, leading to the stunning falls.
Families and friends can also chill around the campfire on Beaver Dam Trail, swapping stories under the stars. And in winter (winter activities Toronto), that frozen waterfall is a gorgeous sight, just a 20-minute hike away.
| Pro tip: Planning to go hiking (hiking Toronto) at Hilton Falls? Make sure to strut in some sturdy shoes with good grip—those trails can get a bit rough and uneven! |
Albion Falls
– Media from princepuneetjain15996
Website: https://www.hamilton.ca/
Address: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8W 1R6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-546-2489
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Fees (Hiking, Biking, Snowshoeing, and Disc Golf):
- Adult (14 to 64) – $7.60
- Senior (65+) – $6.45
- Child (4 to 13) – $5.05
- Toddler (0 to 3) – Free
Albion Falls in Hamilton is one of the biggest waterfalls near the city, standing at a solid 19 meters. It’s a hotspot, especially when they light it up for special events.
But we believe this beauty isn’t just for show—it’s a hub for lots of outdoor fun (outdoor activities Toronto)! Hikers can enjoy a chill 6-km walk around the falls, taking in epic views along the way.
And if you’re into cycling, a cool route from downtown Hamilton up to Albion Falls is a must-try too! We recommend grabbing a coffee for more energy and focus. Then, hit the trail and pedal your way to this hidden gem (hidden gems Toronto) in King’s Forest.
| Pro tip: At Albion Falls, it’s best to stick to marked trails and respect closure signs to protect the rare plants around the area. |
Tiffany Falls
– Media from the_vaga_bond
Website: https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/tiffany-falls/
Address: 900 Wilson St E, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-525-2181, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Fees:
- 1 Hour Parking – $11 (Free with HCA Membership Pass)
Tiffany Falls, standing at 21 meters tall and 6 meters wide, is a prime spot near Toronto for some winter ice climbing! You can find it within the Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, easily viewed from a convenient platform.
We also find it incredible that the rock exposures here are also a big deal in earth science. Plus, the surrounding forest is packed with greenery like Eastern Hemlock (a Christmas tree lookalike) and Sugar Maple (an autumn-colored tree).
In the nearby Dundas Valley, you can also discover a massive area of meadows, forests, streams, and hiking trails spanning over 1,200 hectares. For us, it’s a wonderland for all things nature!
| Pro tip: At Tiffany Falls, keep an eye out and snap some cool pics of critters like the Hickory Hairstreak Butterfly, the Northern Ringneck Snake, and the Louisiana Waterthrush (wood warbler bird). |
Niagara Falls
– Media from niagarafalls
Website: https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
Address: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (905) 356-6061, [email protected]
Among the most popular waterfalls near Toronto is Niagara Falls. It’s a global marvel and the “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” which sits on the border of Ontario and New York.
Shaped by really old glaciers, it actually has 3 main waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls, with its cool horseshoe shape, has the most water flowing over it and helps generate a bunch of electricity.
Around the falls, you can join in on lots of fun stuff, such as boat tours, zip-lining, helicopter tours, and more!
| Pro tip: Many attractions around Niagara Falls offer visitors free ponchos. Still, be prepared for some splashing! Be sure to pack a change of clothes and consider waterproofing your phone and shoes for a hassle-free experience. |
Westcliffe Falls
Website: http://waterfallsofontario.com/westcliffe-falls.php
Address: 611 Scenic Dr, Hamilton, ON L9C 1H2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Westcliffe Falls is awesome because it’s got not one, but two cool waterfalls on its trail from Cliffview Park! People love to come here from Toronto because it usually has water flowing all year, unless there’s a super long dry spell.
Feeling adventurous? Keep trekking west along the trail (not great for kids) to catch the awesome gorge of Westcliffe Falls. Or, kick it off from the Chedoke Golf Course parking lot for another entry point.
For us, the view from the metal staircase at Chedoke Park might be a bit iffy with all the greenery. Still, you can sneak into the woods on the right side of the creek for a better look.
Just be careful as you squeeze through the breaks in the fencing, and watch out for those steep slopes!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack plenty of water for your trip to Westcliffe Falls. You’re gonna be tackling about 300 stairs to reach it, so hydration is key! |
Tews Falls
– Media from chelsie.camps
Website: https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/spencer-gorge/
Address: 590 Harvest Rd, Hamilton, ON L9H 5K7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-525-2181
Tews Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hamilton. It’s often buddy-buddy with Webster Falls, making them quite the awesome pair for a great vacation.
The way we see it, this ribbon waterfall is also the perfect starting point for a hike up to Dundas Peak, where you’ll score some awesome valley views.
If you want to be daring, take a trek up the Webster Falls Side Trail to Dundas Peak. For us, the views up there are insane, especially when the leaves start changing colors!
| Pro tip: Since Tews Falls is a super popular attraction near Toronto, make sure to snag an online reservation before you roll up. This is especially true on long weekends from May to September and during the fall color season. |
Sherman Falls
– Media from yass.gram
Website: https://tourismhamilton.com/sherman-falls/
Address: Hamilton, ON L9G 3J3, Canada
Sherman Falls is another cool spot near Toronto. People actually call it Fairy or Angel Falls because it’s got that romantic date (date ideas Toronto) vibe.
This waterfall is sandwiched between Tiffany Falls and Canterbury Falls, but it’s easy to get to with good trail access all year round. There’s loads of stuff to keep everyone busy here, like hiking, fishing, and swimming.
| Pro tip: Hungry? From Sherman Falls, cruise on over to downtown Ancaster for some fresh croissants and baguettes at Caniche French Bakery. You may also swing by next door for some tasty ice cream at Purple Pony. The neighborhoods near the falls, such as Ancaster, Dundas, and Westdale, are also full of awesome shops and cute cafes (cute cafe Toronto) waiting for you! |
Rockway Falls
– Media from adventure_scientist
Website: http://www.npca.ca/parks/rockway/
Address: 2021 Pelham Rd, Lincoln, ON L2R 6P7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-788-3135, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
Rockway Falls, chilling out on a 15-mile creek, stands tall at 18.3 meters, with some smaller waterfalls downstream adding to its coolness. Situated in the Niagara Escarpment, this spot mixes history with nature’s beauty.
The best things to do near the falls are hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping. As you hit the trail, keep an eye out for some awesome mature trees like Basswood, Sugar Maple, Black Walnut, and Sycamore.
And guess what? There’s also a small beach area where you can kick back and enjoy the view!
| Pro tip: Apart from wearing waterproof boots with solid traction on the muddy trails at Rockway Falls, you might also want to consider bringing along trekking poles for some extra stability on those slippery spots. |
Louth Falls
– Media from hiking_and_adventures
Website: https://waterfallsofontario.com/louth-falls.php
Address: Bruce Trail, St. Catharines, ON L2R, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
Dreaming of a quiet location with few visitors? Louth Falls, a sweet spot near Toronto, is a peaceful nature retreat for introverts. Just take a quick walk from the parking lot along the Bruce Trail, and voila—you’re face to face with this lovely waterfall.
Feeling adventurous? You can scramble down the gorge walls for a closer peek at the falls. But if you’re not up for that, no worries too! The Louth Side Trail also offers a safer, gentler path down for some exploring.
For the ultimate view, lots of folks recommend checking out this waterfall in the spring or right after a good rain. And let us tell you, the photos you can snap here are absolutely stunning!
| Pro tip: Be mindful of mosquitoes around Louth Falls, especially when it’s warmer out. Those pesky bugs can put a damper on your time here, so pack some bug spray to keep them at bay and make your outdoor adventure more enjoyable. |
Felker’s Falls
– Media from wildherco_
Website: https://tourismhamilton.com/felkers-falls
Address: Ackland St, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 1R3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-525-2181, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Felker’s Falls features an awesome 22-meter terraced waterfall. It connects to the East Mountain Trail Loop, taking you to nearby wonders like Albion Falls and Buttermilk Falls. For us, visiting here is like hitting 3 birds with one stone!
It’s also a wonderful place for a relaxed hike or a fun outing with friends and family. And hey, there’s also a small grassy spot there that’s perfect for chill picnics!
If you want more excitement, check out the nearby Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. Even though it doesn’t have waterfalls, we love the cool underground caves and unique landscapes (unique things to do in Toronto) up for exploration.
| Pro tip: For a better view of Felker’s Falls, stick to the right side of the trail after leaving the parking lot. Cross the bridge, then keep to your left for 5 to 10 minutes to reach Felker’s Falls. If you take the left path, you could still see the falls, but lots of tree branches could block your view. |
Elora Gorge Falls
– Media from oneaxepursuits
Website: https://waterfallsofontario.com/elora-gorge-falls.php
Address: 70 Mill St W, Elora, ON N0B, Canada
Contact Details: 519-846-9742
Open Dates (subject to seasonal closure):
- May 1 to October 15
Fees (Day Use Admission):
- Adult (13-64) – $8.50
- Seniors (65+) & People with disabilities – $6.75
- Child (4-12) – $3.75
- Preschool (3 and under) – Free
The captivating Elora Gorge Falls is a picturesque cascade waterfall near Toronto with a 15-meter crest and the Grand River tumbling 7.5 meters below.
This waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder, with towering cliffs and rushing waters. We’re pretty stoked about the riverside trails, which offer great views of kayakers and tubers navigating the rapids below.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of activities, from camping and fishing to hiking and cycling. For those seeking adventure, tubing down the river promises excitement and thrills.
Just note that you can’t swim at the gorge, but you can totally take a dip at the nearby Elora Quarry Park.
| Pro tip: If you’re feeling hungry after your adventures at Elora Gorge Falls, swing by the food concession stand for some delicious hot burgers, fries, and refreshing drinks! They’ll fill you up and keep you energized for more fun. |
Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
– Media from tictak_adventures
Website: https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/devils-punchbowl/
Address: Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2X4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-627-1233
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Parking – $8 (Free with HCA Membership Pass)
Devil’s Punchbowl is a spectacular 37-meter waterfall in Ontario, created when massive melt-water rivers carved out the Punchbowl and gorge on the Stoney Creek Escarpment during the last ice age.
This natural wonder boasts two falls: the Lower Punchbowl Falls, standing at 5.5 meters, and the mighty Upper Punchbowl Falls, towering at 33.8 meters.
As it’s formed by ancient melt-water rivers, we’re in awe that this waterfall treats visitors to a fascinating display of rock layers. This includes red shale, gray shale, limestone, and shale dolomite.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget your binoculars for birdwatching at Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. During the spring raptor migration, thousands of birds soar through the gorge’s updrafts, creating an incredible natural show for all to see! |
DeCew Falls
Address: 2714 Decew Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-380-0921
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
If you want to swim next to a waterfall near Toronto, DeCew Falls is the waterfall for you! Its 72-foot cascade into a serene turquoise pool is simply mesmerizing.
You can just take it easy with a stroll, hike, or even a jog along the Bruce Trail. Along the way, you’ll catch some awesome views of the Escarpment’s edge and maybe even spot the DeCew Hydroelectric Power Stations down below.
And while you’re there, don’t miss Morningstar Mill, right next door to the falls! Adventurous visitors often take the scenic hike from here to Lower DeCew Falls, downstream.
| Pro tip: Wearing water shoes with good grip can help you stay steady on the slippery spots at DeCew Falls. Use any available handholds and grab onto rocks or trees for support when you need it. Safety first! |
Darnley Cascade
– Media from jona.brant.35mm
Website: https://waterfallsofontario.com/darnley-cascade.php
Address: Hamilton, ON, Canada
Darnley Cascade stands tall at 4 meters, making it the highest waterfall in the Hamilton area. Named after the old Darnley Mill, this cascade is a glimpse into history, with the mill’s ruins adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Here, you can hike along trails like the Dundas section of the Bruce Trail, soaking in the scenery and snapping some Insta-worthy pics along the way.
When you’re done chasing waterfalls, you may head over to Christie Lake Conservation Area for some beach time and more hiking adventures. For us, it’s a lovely spot for a day out, whether you’re into swimming, hiking, or just chilling by the water.
| Pro tip: Don’t risk getting towed—there’s no parking near Darnley Cascade! Play it safe by driving about 500 meters east and snagging a spot in the gravel lot on the south side of the road. |
Chedoke Falls
– Media from iconicanada
Website: http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca/chedoke-falls/
Address: Cliff View Park Scenic Dr &, Upper Paradise Rd, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Contact Details: +1 905-546-2424
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Chedoke Falls is like something straight out of a postcard, nestled along the east branch of Chedoke Creek. Standing tall at 18 meters (60 feet) with a width of 9 meters (30 feet), we feel it’s sure to wow visitors of any age.
But what really sets Chedoke Falls apart for us is that it flows all year round! So no matter when you decide to drop by, you’ll always be treated to the calming sound of rushing water.
Besides the falls, there’s a whole bunch of outdoor fun to experience. You can throw on your hiking boots and take a stroll down the Chedoke Radial Trail to get up close and personal with Lower Chedoke Falls.
Or if you’re feeling more chill, why not pack some sandwiches, fresh fruits, and chips for a picnic right by the falls? For us, this is the best way to unwind and take in nature’s peaceful vibes.
| Pro tip: Get ready for a bit of a workout before hiking to Chedoke Falls! We think it’s not the easiest trail out there, as it takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to finish. |
