9 Stunning Waterfalls to Visit in Southern Ontario

Southern Ontario is a great place for nature lovers to visit due to the incredible hikes through the forests and jaw-dropping waterfalls to explore. This area is great to explore during the summer season, but even more so in fall as the temperature starts to drop and the fall colours emerge. Whether adventuring to parks for a day or weekend trip, you’ll likely be able to visit multiple waterfalls in a single trip!

For over 5 years now, I’ve been exploring the best of what Ontario has to offer when it comes to hiking and waterfalls. There are many incredible waterfalls to visit in Southern Ontario, with over 100 in the Hamilton area alone!

Continue reading to explore 9 jaw-dropping waterfalls to visit in Ontario!

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Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Southern Ontario

While the waterfalls in Southern Ontario are wonderful to visit during any season, you’ll have a different experience depending on when you choose to visit.

Winter: During this time, it can be exceptionally cold! But, the waterfalls are neat to visit because they partially or completely freeze over. I try to visit at least one waterfall every winter because of how interesting the waterfalls look!

Spring: This is the best time to visit waterfalls in my opinion. Right after the snow melts, the waterfalls have the most volume and are the most powerful.

Summer: This is typically the most popular time to visit waterfalls so you may run into crowds when visiting. However, it’s always great spending the warm months out in nature!

Fall: During this time, the waterfalls typically have less water as they dry up during the summer season. This is still a great time to visit as you can admire the fall colours all around the waterfalls!

Incredible Waterfalls to Visit in Southern Ontario

With so many waterfalls in Southern Ontario, it can definitely be challenging to choose which ones to visit! For me, I like to visit ones that are not only beautiful but have nice hiking trails or easy access to other sites in the area. These waterfalls are sure to make it to your Southern Ontario bucket list!

1. Webster Falls

Location: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Hamilton, Ontario

This extraordinary waterfall is 22-metres long and spills over a tiered drop. It is situated in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which is a beautiful area to hike around and have a picnic. The hike to get to Webster Falls is generally easy to navigate, with wooden stairs and quaint bridges along the way. It’s great to bring the family and get lost in nature for a few hours! Within recent years, the not-so-safe walkway to reach the bottom of the falls has been blocked off. Visitors can still admire the falls from the many lookout areas, though.

Pro Tip: This waterfall looks the most incredible in spring after all the snow melts. The power of the water is quite amazing!

2. Tew Falls

Location: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Hamilton, Ontario

Near Webster Falls, there is also Tew Falls – Hamilton’s tallest waterfall. Although there isn’t a trail connecting the two waterfalls, it is a quick drive between the parking lots, making it quite easy to see both in one trip. The hike to the falls is low intensity and leads up to a few different viewing platforms. If you continue on with your hike, you will reach Dundas Peak. Here, you will have what seems to be endless views of the valley.

3. Inglis Falls

Location: Inglis Falls Conservation Area, Owen Sound, Ontario

Inglis Falls is definitely the most impressive waterfall in this area, and it is a great stop on the way to Bruce Peninsula National Park. This 18 meter high cascading waterfall has numerous viewing points that are right off of the parking lot. After viewing the waterfall, you can continue hiking along over 7 kilometers of trails in this conservation area!

4. Niagara Falls

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario

Well, you can’t name the most stunning waterfalls in visit in Southern Ontario without mentioning Niagara Falls! Niagara Falls is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ontario. If you see these incredible waterfalls, you will certainly understand why! The group of 3 waterfalls is located right on the Canada-USA border. There are observation decks on both sides of the border, but the Canadian side is definitely better! 😉

Fun Fact: Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America!

5. Ball’s Falls

Location: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Lincoln, Ontario

This conservation area is home to a 19th-century hamlet that has been maintained throughout the years. Here, you can explore the old Ball Family home, a flour mill, and various other buildings. The waterfalls within this area are definitely one of the most spectacular ones in the area! This conservation area is great for photographers – even I have been meaning to head back to take some improved photos!

6. Rock Glen Falls

Location: Rock Glen Conservation Area, Arkona, Ontario

This waterfall is located in a nice conservation area near London, Ontario. After a short walk from the parking lots, you will reach the waterfall. Here, you can relax on the rocks or swim in the water. I like hiking through this conservation area as it is known for the many fossils you can find here that date back over 350 million years!

7. Tiffany Falls

Location: Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, Hamilton, Ontario

After an easy hike from the parking lot, you will reach the Tiffany Falls viewpoint. This is a pretty cascade waterfall located on the Niagara Escarpment. After admiring the falls, you can continue to hike along the scenic Bruce Trail! This is a great spot to admire the fall colours on a lovely autumn hike.

8. Devil’s Punchbowl

Location: Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area, Stoney Creek, Ontario

This ribbon waterfall plunges 37 meters into a giant circular bowl. It is best visited during spring when the snow melts, as the water tends to dry up during the late summer. On a clear day, you can even see the Toronto skyline from the viewpoints!

9. Albion Falls

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Albion Falls is yet another gorgeous waterfall in the Hamilton area. It is quite unique as it looks like the water is running down steps within the escarpment. From the viewing platforms, you can admire the popular waterfall before continuing on a hike around the area.

What are your top waterfalls to visit in Southern Ontario? Let me know in the comments!

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• The Most Beautiful Place in Ontario – Bruce Peninsula National Park
• A Day Trip Guide to Bruce Peninsula National Park
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