My Top 15 Summer Waterfall Hiking Trails

1. Ball’s Falls - Lincoln, ON

This hands down is my favourite waterfalls in Southern Ontario. We hiked the trail to this waterfalls in the beginning of summer so it was drier and the water up above was shallow so we were able to hike along the top of the waterfalls and observe the view below. We also found a hidden trail towards the bottom portion of the river like the image above. This picturesque view of the waterfalls was gorgeous to witness in person, surrounded by the natural scenery and reflection from the sun. I have been told that the spring time has the best view of this waterfall with much more waterflow and downpouring of the falls.

2. Sherman Falls - Hamilton, ON

This is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Hamilton area. It is very accessible and parking is easily available nearby. The trail leading to this waterfall is a clear path leading towards a bridge that connects each side of the falls. The height of the waterfall is also spectacular and the sight, sound and presence makes the experience even better. This waterfall is also close to Tiffany’s Falls and Canterbury Falls, so you can plan ahead and check out all these three waterfalls together. The only issue is this spot can be quite busy during the day so its advised to visit this waterfall early in the day or during weekdays.

3. Lower Decew Falls - St. Catherines, ON

The Lower Decew Falls is majestic in terms of its height, width, spacing and force. Its surrounded by steep hill sides, cliffs and diverse trees and vegetation, making the whole view very picturesque. Getting to the Lower Decew Falls is quite a mission but an easier route would be to follow the river from the bridge at the Laura Secord Legacy Trail; which leads towards the Lower Decew Falls.

4. Smokey Hollow Waterfall - Waterdown, ON

Smokey Hollow Waterfall is located in the heart of Waterdown. There is limited parking available; which gets filled up most of the time due to its popularity. However, one can find parking nearby along Main Street. There is an observation deck from the top, where one can get a birds eye view from up above. There are stairways to get you to the bottom, where you can hike along towards the base of the falls. The log seen above in the image was recently descended and obstructs the view of the falls; however, adds to the natural make up of its surrounding. From the base, you can hike along the Grindstone Creek; which merges into the Bruce Trail, leading into the wilderness for a fantastic hike. Along this trail you will see inukshuks built by others from rocks at the banks of the creek and not too far away is a bridge, allowing one to cross over to the other side to venture through the valley and hike on other trails.

5. Websters Falls - Hamilton, ON

Websters Falls is located near Tews Falls and Dundas Peak so it is a good idea to check out all three sites in one go. The only issue now is you have to book reservations online and a timeslot to check out this waterfall. We actually visited this waterfall two year’s ago, when no reservations were needed and a friend who grew up in Dundas, knew this location and its trails very well. He guided us towards the bottom parts from Dundas Peak and hiked along Spencer Creek towards the base of Websters Falls. Hiking towards the base is a challenge and not easily accessible; otherwise, it is a great waterfall to visit, especially in late summer when its still warm and late September, when the fall colours start to emerge.

6. Westcliffe Falls - Hamilton, ON

Westcliffe Falls can be found tucked in the corner along the Chedoke Radial Trail and south of the Chedoke Golf Club parking lot. One has to hike uphill on the right side of the popular Chedoke Stairs, where you will hike pass the Lower Westcliffe/Lower Cliffview Falls. This will lead you into the Westcliffe Falls, where you have to hop over a few rocks to get to the base of this tall and spectacular waterfall.

7. Tiffany Falls Conservation Area - Hamilton, ON

Tiffany Falls is another popular spot in the Ancaster/Hamilton area. It is not far from Sherman Falls, Canterbury Falls and Dundas Valley Conservation Area. It is recommended to visit all these four spots during your hike. This waterfall is hidden within the wilderness and along a trail that will lead you through a bridge that crosses over the creek and towards an observation deck to capture your Instagram worthy shot. Due to its popularity, you will find this spot busy with visitors and not just hikers but also families with children, social media influencers, couples taking their engagement photos and tourists on a day trip. The best experience has to be at the base of the falls, where you can capture your best shot from different angles of the falls. A unique characteristic of this waterfall are the layers of different colours along the sides.

8. Chedoke Falls - Hamilton, ON

I had the opportunity to view this waterfall from up above on Scenic Drive but the best experience would have to be hiking up along the creek from the Bruce Trail/Chedoke Radial Trail, towards the base of this falls. Hopping across streams, stepping over rocks and climbing uphill, makes this experience more fun for avid hikers but what’s amazing are all the other waterfalls that one can explore and view along this mini adventure.

9. Hilton Falls - Milton, ON

Hilton Falls is a popular waterfall and hiking trail in Milton. The Conservation Area has numerous trails including the purple trail, along the cliffs of the reservoir, leading up to the red trail; which takes you towards the Falls. During the summer, the Waterfall is flowing but a bit drier compared to others seasons, so its great spot to view the river flow from up above. There is an observation deck to view the falls from the top but there is also stairways leading to a bottom observation viewpoint. There is the option to hike along towards the base of the waterfalls and since the creek is shallow in the summer months. It is also easier to cross over to the other side and get an up close up view of the waterfalls and cool down from the summer heat. On the left side of the falls, one can see the ruins of what used to be a historic mills that was built on this site years ago.

10. Canterbury Falls - Ancaster, Hamilton, ON

Canterbury Falls is hidden within the calm and peaceful wilderness of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. You can either hike here from Old Dundas Rd. along the Heritage Trail that connects with the Bruce Trail. On the other hand, one can hike here from Sherman Falls on an uphill trail, on the right side of its entrance. This leads to a public trail along the fence of a mansion; leading you into the wilderness towards the Bruce Trail; which is adjacent to this waterfall. There are bridges and view points from up above to view this waterfall but the best experience is from the base. This is a small waterfall compared to the other popular ones in the Hamilton area; however, the natural surroundings makes this spot very scenic. The peaceful atmosphere also makes it a great place to meditate or do yoga since there won’t be too many people around to disturb you.

11. Felkers Falls - Stoney Creek, Hamilton, ON

Felkers Falls is a terrific waterfall found in Stoney Creek, within the Hamilton area. This site has its own parking lot making it easily accessible but you also have the option to hike here from Stoney Creek War Memorial or even from Devils Punchbowl. During the summertime, the water is drier making it easy to cross over the creek from above to the other side of the waterfall. There are several view points from up above to view this Waterfall. There is also a route from the bottom along the creek that leads you to the base of the waterfall.

12. Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area - Stoney Creek, Hamilton, ON

Devil’s Punchbowl is another popular spot in the Hamilton area; however, in the summer the waterfall is pretty much dried up. In fact, its not visible at all. However, the unique, semi-circle shape of the waterfall, with its layers of different colours, makes it a worthwhile experience. There are several lookout points from above to view the falls and an observation deck to see the skyline of Hamilton. There is parking spaces at this site and easily accessible from up above; however, one can also hike here from the Stoney Creek War Memorial or Felkers Falls.

13. Albion Falls - Hamilton, ON

Albion Falls would have to be one of the best waterfalls in Southern Ontario; however, due to recent regulations by local authorities, there are restrictions on how one can view this site. Due to many unfortunate circumstances leading to injuries of visitors in the past, by-law and park officers have prohibited hikers and visitors from hiking to the base of this waterfall. There are few observation decks from up above to view the falls but not good enough to capture the full image of the falls. For this reason, I had to place this waterfall down the ranking list but it is still a great site to visit along with Buttermilk or Felkers Falls.

14. Borer’s Falls

Borer’s Falls is also a great waterfall to visit but during the summer months its drier and not very visible from the natural lookout points. The area is still a great trail to hike and explore the natural plant life from both high and lower portions of the escarpment. The valley on the lower portions of this area is a great trek and one can also find camp sites and dirt bike trails near the creek.

15. Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is a good spot to park your car and commence your hike towards Albion Falls. Once again, the summer months makes this waterfall more drier and there are view points from above to view this falls. We did see some individuals at the base of this falls; however, we could not find a safe trail leading us to the creek at the bottom.