Hamilton (Ontario, Canada) is called the City of Waterfalls and there is a good reason for it. Within this city and its escarpments one can find over a hundred of beautiful waterfalls.
Hamilton is located only about 45 miles (75 km) away from Niagara Falls, ON (across the bridge from the US side). I would strongly recommend making this drive for anyone who comes to Niagara Falls. If you have come all the way to see this majestic waterfall, why not visit a few more on your way. I have visited Hamilton’s falls during late summer and during winter and have to say that you cannot go wrong either way, the nature’s beauty will astound you regardless of the time of the year you are able to visit.
Of course, the more water is flowing over the falls, the more spectacular the views will be. Some of my early favorites from those I have seen are the following, though I have not visited all 100: Sherman Falls Webster’s Falls, Tiffany Falls, Tew’s Falls. (Note: all of these waterfalls are very easy to access from the road – might require a short easy and easy hike, though they would not be handicap accessible and difficult with a stroller)
According to a special report studying the waterfalls of Hamilton, in order for the waterfall to officially count, these criteria need to be met (Sources), making it easy to see that there are actually many more smaller waterfalls in the city that are just not mapped because of the sheer volume of the falls that are occurring here.
· The waterfall must be located within the boundaries of the City of Hamilton,
· The waterfall must have a minimum vertical descent of 3metres (10 feet);
· The waterfall’s crest width must be a minimum of 1 metre (3 feet);
· Water flowing over the waterfall must originate from a defined channel, ravine, ditch, swale, creek, stream, river, rock fissure or storm sewer device;
· The waterfall must have some natural component and not be entirely man-made;
· Water must be flowing over the waterfall at least during peak storm events;
· The waterfall must be photographed with water flowing over the rock face;
· Where waterfalls are located on the same watercourse they are identified as separate waterfalls if they were not visible as one unit from a safe location; and
· Where two waterfalls are close to one another but coming from two different watercourses they are identified as separate waterfalls.
Overall, the waterfalls are mainly found within the communities of Flamborough (27), Stoney Creek (27), Hamilton (23), and Ancaster (18). The Spencer Creek watershed contains the most; with 54 waterfalls being fed by this single source of water. Hamilton’s waterfalls are located within a 23 km radius of the Highway 403 and Main Street intersection in Hamilton. The most visible waterfall is Lower Princess Falls which can be viewed travelling on Highway 403 between the Aberdeen Avenue and Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway exits (Source)
For more information and to plan your trip, you may find these links helpful: Maps , self guided walks
