Great Falls, Hamilton

Name: Great Falls
Address: Mill Street South, Hamilton, L7R 3X5, Canada
Telephone: +1 905-525-2181

#20 among attractions in Hamilton

Natural attraction, Waterfall, Nature and wildlife, Park

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Facts and practical information

Great Falls, also known as Waterdown Falls, is a natural spectacle nestled within the city of Hamilton, Canada, renowned for its abundant collection of waterfalls. As one of the over 100 waterfalls that grace the Hamilton area, Great Falls stands out with its picturesque surroundings and the serene ambiance it offers to visitors and locals alike.

The waterfall is a part of the Grindstone Creek, cascading over the Niagara Escarpment with a classical curtain form. It features a vertical drop of approximately 10 meters (33 feet) and a crest width of 5 meters (16 feet), making it a modest but charming feature in the region's diverse landscape. The escarpment itself is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, highlighting the ecological significance of the area.

Great Falls is readily accessible throughout the year, offering a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area surrounding the waterfall is well-maintained with marked trails, making it an ideal location for hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching.

The waterfall's proximity to the Bruce Trail—the oldest and longest marked hiking trail in Canada—adds to its appeal for adventurers looking to explore the scenic vistas of southern Ontario. The Bruce Trail provides a continuous, marked path along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, spanning over 890 kilometers (550 miles).

Visitors to Great Falls can enjoy the view from a designated platform, ensuring safety and an unobstructed perspective of this natural wonder. During the winter months, the falls transform into a stunning icy sculpture, offering a different kind of beauty and attracting those interested in winter hiking and photography.

Great Falls is not only a site of natural beauty but also a part of the area's cultural heritage. The waterfall and its surroundings have been preserved to maintain the integrity of the landscape, ensuring that this tranquil destination can be enjoyed by future generations.

Width: 16 ftHeight: 33 ftElevation: 640 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°19'51"N, 79°53'15"W

Address

Mill Street SouthWaterdownHamilton L7R 3X5 Canada

Contact

+1 905-525-2181

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Hamilton

Day trips

Great Falls – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Mapleview Shopping Centre, Borer's Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens, Bayfront Park.

3.4 miE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Mapleview Shopping Centre, Burlington
87 min walk • Mapleview Mall, or simply Mapleview, is a two-storey shopping mall located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. It is located at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Fairview Street, south of the Queen Elizabeth Way. The name of the mall comes from the two streets in which it is located. It is owned by Ivanhoé Cambridge.
3.5 miSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Borer's Falls, Hamilton
91 min walk • Nestled in the verdant city of Hamilton, Canada, Borer's Falls stands as a tranquil testament to the natural beauty inherent in the region. This captivating waterfall, part of the Niagara Escarpment, is an enchanting sight for both locals and tourists alike.
2.5 miS
Botanical garden, Park
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
63 min walk • Royal Botanical Gardens is headquartered in Burlington owning extensive environmental protection areas, historic sites and culturally relevant gardens in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
4.2 miS
Park
Bayfront Park, Hamilton
107 min walk • Nestled on the western shores of Lake Ontario, Bayfront Park is a verdant oasis in the heart of Hamilton, Canada. This beautifully landscaped park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
4.1 miS
Park, Beach
Pier 4 Park, Hamilton
105 min walk • Pier 4 Park, a verdant oasis nestled along the waterfront of Hamilton, Canada, offers residents and visitors alike a serene escape from the urban bustle. The park, which is a tag: park, is a prime example of urban revitalization, transforming a once industrial pier...
4 miS
Cemetery
Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton
102 min walk • Hamilton Cemetery on York Boulevard in Hamilton, Ontario is the oldest, public burial ground in the city of Hamilton. It is located on Burlington Heights, a high sand- and gravel isthmus that separates Hamilton's harbor on the east from Cootes Paradise on the west.
4.2 miSE
Docked naval destroyer with guided tours
HMCS Haida, Hamilton
106 min walk • HMCS Haida is a Tribal-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1943 to 1963, participating in World War II and the Korean War. She was named for the Haida people.
~900 ftS
Waterfall
Grindstone Cascade, Hamilton
5 min walk • The city of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada is home to more than 100 waterfalls and cascades, most of which are on or near the Bruce Trail as it winds through the Niagara Escarpment. Ontario's internationally recognized Niagara Escarpment provides perfect geological conditions for waterfalls to occur, from Tobermory to Niagara Falls.
~1390 ftNW
Museum, Art museum
True North Gallery, Hamilton
7 min walk • True North Gallery, founded in 2016 by Geoff and Brooke Kulawick, is an art museum and gallery in downtown Waterdown, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to showcasing visual art by professional musicians, it claims to be the only art gallery of its kind. It is located at the head office of True North Records and Linus Entertainment.
4 miS
Yacht club, Sailing
Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Hamilton
103 min walk • The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at the west end of Lake Ontario, and has been in existence since 1888. When the yacht club first opened, it was located on the Burlington Canal, along the beach strip that separates Burlington Bay from Lake Ontario. It later moved to the foot of Bay Street.
3.2 miSW
Waterfall
Lower Hopkins Cascade, Hamilton
81 min walk • The city of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada is home to more than 100 waterfalls and cascades, most of which are on or near the Bruce Trail as it winds through the Niagara Escarpment. Ontario's internationally recognized Niagara Escarpment provides perfect geological conditions for waterfalls to occur, from Tobermory to Niagara Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Great Falls?

Nearby attractions include Boundary Falls, Hamilton (1 min walk), Grindstone Cascade, Hamilton (5 min walk), True North Gallery, Hamilton (7 min walk).