While we fill our minds with ideas of what we plan to do in the summer months, there is always the question of what to do once our initial summer lists are exhausted. When those moments of boredom befall you, maybe you’ll find this guide to southwestern Ontario’s lesser-known waterfalls useful. If you are down for a daytrip, then maybe a drive up the road will hold a new experience you never thought was so close to home.

What could one possibly do at the falls? Besides being swept up in the natural beauty of nature’s design, there are beautiful views of neighbouring towns and cities that can be seen atop some of the destinations mentioned below:

Webster’s Falls

Fallsview Road, Hamilton, Ontario

One of the more popular and larger falls of the Hamilton region, Webster’s Falls commands the attention of tourists domestic and foreign alike. The falls stand 22 metres high, cresting at about 24 metres. Webster’s is considered a classical waterfall, expelling a high volume of water during its peak season. Webster’s is located along the Spencer Gorge, and is one of two major falls residing there. The area is a very popular one, so for the best experience try to plan a trip during slower foot traffic times. At the foot of the falls is a kind of lagoon, where visitors have taken it upon themselves to take a little dip after hiking the trail to the site. There are also multiple viewing platforms, one adjacent the fall’s descent, and another allowing visitors to watch the water rush the edge.

Tew Falls

Fallsview Road, Hamilton, Ontario

Tew is the second grand waterfall of the Spencer Gorge Conservation area. It stands at an astounding 41 metres high, with easy accessibility. Unlike its neighbour, Webster’s Falls, Tew is what is referred to as a ribbon waterfall. It appears the same way it sounds, as a slim stream of water that runs down an escarpment onto a plateau. The view from the top of the waterfall is beautiful, as the water rushes over the edge, creating a curtain of water that hides part of the escarpment wall. There is also a very large, panoramic viewing platform that provides gorgeous views of the falls, park and neighbouring city of Hamilton.

Devil’s Punchbowl Falls

Ridge Road, Stoney Creek, Ontario

Although it isn’t the largest waterfall of the region, Devil’s Punchbowl commands attention for breathtaking views seen from its apex, as well as views of the beautifully coloured rock hidden behind the on-again, offagain ribbon waterfall. The Punchbowl stands 37 metres high, and has easy accessibility, although rainfall intensity greatly influences its effectiveness.

Smokey Hollow Falls (a.k.a. Great Falls, Waterdown Falls and Grindstone Falls)

Waterdown, Ontario

A beautiful little waterfall, standing at about 20 metres high. One can find themselves hypnotized by the rush of the water, supplied by Grindstone Creek. The water falls from the creek’s source, colliding with another ledge of rock underneath and ricochets off of it, falling again to the gorge basin as it continues on its way down the Grindstone Creek. Near the top of the falls, the rocks are arranged in such a way that it looks like a condensed staircase to the upper part of the creek. There is a viewing platform beside the falls for visitors to rest from their hike to the location.