Kandice VincentJust outside the confines of the Toronto area are rejuvenating retreats, offering the awe-inspiring wonders of nature.
Discover the top waterfalls near Toronto using our complete guide! You and your family can immerse yourself in a serene experience where time moves at a leisurely tempo, surrounded by pretty landscapes, cascading waters, and gorgeous greeneries.
Albion Falls
Address: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8W 1R6
Website: Albion Falls – Tourism Hamilton
Instagram: Places on Instagram | Albion Falls
Hours: Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: (905) 546-2489
Admission: Free
We recommend going to Albion Falls, Hamilton’s stunning waterfall boasting a 19-metre cascade. Just 75 km from downtown Toronto, this natural gem offers a peaceful retreat with occasional illuminations during special events and free parking.
Visitors can take advantage of the viewing platform for a close-up look at the falls’ beauty. Its Lover’s Leap ravine also carries a poignant legend about Jane Riley, a young woman disillusioned in love, who chose to leap off a cliff near the falls.
Pro Tip:
With the Red Hill Valley Parkway completion, access to Albion Falls via Mud Street is no longer available. Instead, explore the beauty of Albion Falls through walking trails like the Escarpment Rail Trail or the Albion Side Trail of the Bruce Trail.
Ball’s Falls
Address: 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
Website: Ball’s Falls | Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Instagram: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area on Instagram
Hours: Mon-Sun: 8 AM–8 PM
Contact Details: (905) 562-5235
Admission:
- Vehicle/Driver – $13.75
- Vehicle Senior/Student – $10.25
- Additional Passenger Adult – $4.75
- Additional Passenger Senior/Student – $3.75
- Max Car – $28.00
- Bus (Over 20) – $152.00
- Off Season (Fall-Winter) (No Attendant) – $8.50
- Auto Gate Peak Season (No Attendant) – $13.75
Ball’s Falls is another picturesque spot, named after United Empire Loyalists John and George Ball. Thanks to clear markings, you’ll have an easy time getting there, and you’ll also discover charming historical buildings dotting the landscape.
This preserved gem, operated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, offers outdoor activities like birdwatching, camping, cycling, and leisurely dog walks. We suggest packing a delicious picnic, as the area provides a perfect spot to relax.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to visit Ball’s Falls with a pram, keep in mind that the terrain can be a bit challenging. Hikers using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may require assistance in steeper sections or may need to avoid them for safety reasons.
Chedoke Falls
Address: Cliff View Park Scenic Dr &, Upper Paradise Rd, Hamilton, ON
Website: Chedoke Falls – City of Waterfalls
Instagram: City Of Waterfalls (@cityofwaterfalls)
Hours: Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: (905) 546-2424
Admission: Free
Chedoke Falls is named after Chedoke Creek which runs through the area. “Chedoke” is not a Native Indian word as commonly believed but a corruption of two English words, “seven oaks,” transformed into the distinctive “Chedoke” by the Native Indians.
Guests can follow the trail leading to the falls, unveiling the captivating small punch bowl with turquoise water at the bottom. Be prepared for a bit of a trek, as a rugged and steep trail descends the west side of the gorge, but it’s an excursion worth taking!
Pro Tip:
Please be aware that accessing the bottom of Chedoke Falls is considered trespassing. Despite the absence of signage, exercise caution and adhere to current regulations to ensure a trouble-free and penalty-free – from $800! – visit.
Smokey Hollow Falls
Address: 80 Mill St S, Waterdown, ON L0R 1R0
Website: Smokey Hollow – Tourism Hamilton
Instagram: Smokey Hollow Falls on Instagram
Hours: Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: (905)-546-2424
Admission: Free
Discover the captivating beauty of Smokey Hollow Falls, a mesmerising 33-ft. waterfall nestled within a lush forest. Also recognised as Grindstone, Waterdown, or Great Falls, this natural wonder shares multiple names but offers the same breathtaking experience.
Originating from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown, this ribbon waterfall was once the power source for a local sawmill and now stands as the focal point of a beautifully rehabilitated park. For a closer look, go to the viewing platform near the falls.
Pro Tip:
Refrain from crossing active CN rail tracks to access waterfall areas and vistas, as it is illegal. We suggest sticking to marked paths, maintaining a safe distance from slopes and edges, and being cautious of potential fall or slipping hazards.
Devil’s Punchbowl
Address: Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2X4
Website: Devil’s Punchbowl – Hamilton Conservation Authority
Instagram: Devil’s Punch Bowl (Hamilton, Ontario) on Instagram
Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM–6 PM
Contact Details: (905) 627-1233
Admission: Free
Another stunning waterfall destination is the Devil’s Punch Bowl Falls, which dates back over 450 million years. Crafted by glacial waters and adorned with colourful stratified rock layers, this 108.25-foot natural wonder stands as a testament to time.
Often referred to as Horseshoe Falls, its cliff-face mirrors the shape of its grander counterpart in Niagara Falls. Not just a natural marvel, Devil’s Punch Bowl has also graced the screens of movies and TV shows – Silent Hill fans might recognise this spot!
Pro Tip:
Make sure to stick to marked designated trails and respect closure signs. Many rare plants inhabit these surroundings, so staying on the designated path helps preserve the Devil’s Punch Bowl’s delicate ecosystem.
Beamer Falls
Address: 28 Quarry Rd, Grimsby, ON L3M 4E7
Website: Beamer Memorial | Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Instagram: Beamer Falls Conservation Area on Instagram
Hours: Mon-Sun: 8 AM–8 PM
Contact Details: (905) 788-3135
Admission: Free
Beamer Falls in the Beamer Falls Conservation Area is renowned for its tranquil beauty, and you only need to walk upstream to witness the lower falls. While trails aren’t maintained during winter, the parking lot and sidewalks receive attention ‘as-required.’
Between March 1 and May 1, you can catch the majestic migration of hawks, eagles, and falcons. The Lookout Trail, with three wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms, offers views of the Forty Mile Creek Valley, the Niagara Escarpment, and Lake Ontario.
Pro Tip:
Beamer Falls is hailed as the ultimate vantage point in the Niagara Peninsula to witness the spectacular annual spring hawk migration. Grab your binoculars for a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Billy Monkley Cascade
Address: Mt Albion Trail, Hamilton, ON L8W 2A4
Website: Billy Monkley Cascade – City of Waterfalls
Instagram: Billy Monkley Cascade, Hamilton on Instagram
Hours: Mon-Sun: 8 AM–8 PM
Contact Details: (905) 714-078
Admission: Free
Billy Monkley Cascade is a hidden gem located in the confines of the Billy Monkley Bird Sanctuary. This cascade, discovered by Lorraine Booker in the summer of 2008, stands at a modest 10 feet (3 metres) in height and spans 21 feet (6.4 meters) wide.
Note that it’s tucked away amidst trees and shrubs, so it might be a tad hard to find. This lively, simple cascade invites year-round exploration with your family and friends – you can even bring a lovely picnic, but make sure to clean up afterwards!
For other family-friendly destinations in Toronto, you can check out this list.
Pro Tip:
We highly recommend bringing your favourite book and finding a log near the falls to have a private waterfall viewing all to yourself – you can even bring a light snack! It’s the perfect spot for a moment of self-care and quiet me-time.
Hilton Falls
Address: 4985 Campbellville Rd, Milton, ON L7P 0G3
Website: Hilton Falls – Conservation Hilton
Instagram: Hilton Falls, Milton, Ontario on Instagram
Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM–7 PM
Contact Details: (905) 854-0262
Admission:
- Adult (15-64): $12
- Senior (65 and over): $9.75
- Child (5-14): $8.75
- Child Under 5: Free
Hilton Falls offers a captivating winter wonderland in Milton with its frozen beauty. A brisk 20-minute hike along the Hilton Falls trail unveils the stunning sight of the waterfall, surrounded by the remnants of an ancient mill.
Bikers and hikers can explore various trails, families can bond around a campfire on Beaver Dam Trail, and horseback riding enthusiasts can enjoy the Hilton Falls Trail! If you’re looking for other day trips near Toronto, you can check out our guide here.
Pro Tip:
Save money by booking online, as tickets purchased on the website are more affordable than those bought at the gate. For example, adult tickets (15-64) cost $12 at the gate, but online they are only $10.50.
