Best Hiking Trails in Ontario With Waterfalls: Our Picks

Wandering through Ontario’s wilderness brings surprises at every turn. Among the province’s varied landscapes, few things are as rewarding as stumbling upon a cascading waterfall while hiking. Ontario’s network of trails, carved through forests, cliffs, and river valleys, offers up a treasure trove of waterfall adventures among its many hiking spots. Whether you’re searching for awe-inspiring drops, quiet moss-covered trickles, or family-friendly rambles, you’ll find it here.

Let’s look at some of the most memorable trails where you’ll be greeted by the thunder and mist of Ontario’s waterfalls, along with some practical tips to make your journey more enjoyable.

Ontario’s Waterfall Wonders

Ontario is blessed with hundreds of waterfalls. While Hamilton — nicknamed “The City of Waterfalls” — draws many visitors, there are spectacular falls tucked all across the province. Some are hidden gems, others sit near bustling towns, and a few require a firm commitment to a wild trek. Below, each destination offers its own unique character and challenge.

Webster’s Falls & Tews Falls: Hamilton’s Icons

No discussion of waterfall hikes in Ontario feels complete without mentioning the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area in Dundas, a charming suburb of Hamilton. Within this conservation area, two iconic waterfalls are waiting:

• Webster’s Falls is Ontario’s largest curtain waterfall at 22 metres high and almost as wide. Its picturesque stone bridge and surrounding picnic areas create the classic postcard scene.

• Tews Falls is a slender, dramatic plunge dropping 41 metres, rivaling Niagara Falls in height but leaving all the drama to a single, narrow rush.

Both falls can be accessed via connecting trails through lush Carolinian forests. The network offers several short-to-moderate hikes, each with excellent vantage points.

The Bruce Trail’s Waterfall Sections

Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, the Bruce Trail, stretches almost 900 km across Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment. It hugs cliff edges, plunges into valleys, and crosses a number of waterfall-rich areas. Some highlights:

Waterfall	Closest Access Point	Type	Trail Difficulty
Sherman Falls	Ancaster, Hamilton	Curtain	Easy
Tiffany Falls	Ancaster, Hamilton	Ribbon/Plunge	Easy (short walk)
Inglis Falls	Owen Sound	Cascade	Moderate
Hilton Falls	Milton	Plunge	Moderate

Sherman and Tiffany Falls are both tucked into tranquil ravines, making them ideal for quiet, scenic outings. Inglis Falls, just south of Owen Sound, crashes down 18 metres over rugged limestone and is surrounded by an accessible trail system with numerous lookouts. Near Milton, Hilton Falls makes its home among mossy rocks and towering evergreens, easily reachable via the Hilton Falls Conservation Area trails.

Kakabeka Falls: The “Niagara of the North”

Located west of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls is the province’s second tallest. At 40 metres tall, the Kaministiquia River sends torrents down into a dramatic gorge. The park offers several trails (like the Mountain Portage Trail, a figure-eight loop with interpretive panels) that skirt the rim and weave through boreal forest, affording spectacular views from multiple angles.

This is a must-visit for hikers venturing to northern Ontario, and the trail system here makes for an accessible adventure for a broad range of skill levels.

High Falls: Muskoka’s Untamed Beauty

The Muskoka region offers some of the best hiking trails in Ontario with waterfalls, dotted with lakes, rivers, and — hidden among them — tumbling waterfalls. High Falls in Bracebridge earns its name, dropping a series of dramatic steps over the Muskoka River. Several short trails wind through mature pines and lead right up to the falls.

A stop at High Falls is the perfect excuse to explore Muskoka’s other natural attractions, where the vast beauty of nature unfolds at every turn, or continue your trek along the Trans Canada Trail segments that cross through this picturesque region.

Ball’s Falls: Niagara’s Historic Gem

Nestled within a conservation area in Lincoln, Ball’s Falls features two cascades: the Upper Falls (a 27-metre plunge) and the Lower Falls (dropping 10 metres). The surrounding forested valley is crisscrossed by easy-to-walk trails, and the historic townsite, now a museum village, adds rich human history to the day.

Favourite Hidden Gems

While the above falls capture much of the attention, there are less-visited spots well worth the journey:

• DeCew Falls near St. Catharines features a striking plunge beside a historic mill; it’s just off the Bruce Trail and best for the sure-footed.

• Hogg’s Falls near Flesherton, a deep-woods favourite, creates idyllic picnic opportunities and is rarely crowded.

• Fitzgerald’s Falls near Waterdown offers a quiet, forested walk with dramatic lookout points.

• Eugenia Falls in Grey County, once the site of a 19th-century gold rush, now wows visitors with its high gorge walls and thundering water.

Each of these is best experienced early in spring or after rainfall, when water flow is strongest.

Seasonal Tips for Waterfall Hikes

Ontario’s waterfalls transform with the seasons. Early spring is prime time, with snowmelt turning even modest streams into torrents, and the surrounding woods alive with trillium and songbirds. Summer brings welcome shade and the chance to wade or picnic, while fall infuses the forests with colour. In winter, some falls freeze into otherworldly sculptures, though trail access can be more technically challenging.

Keep these seasonal shifts in mind when planning:

• Spring: Expect mud and higher water, bring waterproof boots.

• Summer: Trails are busiest; shade and water are your friends.

• Fall: Fabulous foliage, cool temperatures, and less bug activity.

• Winter: Ice cleats or microspikes are vital; double-check fall area access as some trails close due to hazardous conditions.

What To Pack For A Waterfall Hike

Preparation is half the joy of an outdoor day. Besides the usual hiking essentials like good boots, snacks, and layered clothing, having the right gear can make the difference between a mediocre stroll and a memorable trek.

Here are a few recommendations:

Essentials

• Map or GPS (smartphone with downloaded offline maps is handy)

• Sturdy, broken-in footwear with good grip

• Weather-appropriate clothes (think waterproof shells during muddy seasons)

• Extra socks (there’s always a puddle waiting to surprise you)

• Snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray

Smart Gear Choices

For convenience and peace of mind, be sure to bring along these items for a worry-free hike (links below are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you):

• Mini First Aid Kit: Compact, lightweight, and covers scrapes, minor injuries, and blisters.

• Collapsible Water Bottle: Space-saving, easy to stash when empty, and keeps you hydrated through longer stretches.

• Trekking Poles: Excellent for rockier or slippery sections near falls, and help reduce knee strain.

• Headlamp: Whether you start before sunrise or linger until dusk chasing the perfect photo, this compact light ensures you’re never in the dark.

• Hiking Backpack: Ideally with a hydration sleeve and comfortable straps, so you can focus on the view instead of your shoulders.

Safety Notes and Etiquette

Trails near waterfalls can present slippery rocks, sudden drop-offs, and flashier riverbanks, especially after rain. A few reminders for a safe visit:

• Stay on marked trails and behind safety fences

• Supervise pets and children at viewpoints

• Pack out what you bring in, and leave natural features undisturbed

• Consider quieter hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and to have a more reflective outing

Many conservation areas and provincial parks have day use fees, particularly in peak seasons. These fees help maintain the trails, bridges, and essential safety infrastructure — supporting the experience for everyone.

The Best Hiking Trails in Ontario with Waterfalls Await

With every new season, Ontario’s waterfall trails invite both newcomers and seasoned hikers. Each cascade has its own rhythm, from thunderous spring spates to gentle autumn trickles. In every region, these trails reveal secret wild places, history, and the sheer thrill of discovering a roaring waterfall after a satisfying hike. With a sense of adventure, a well-packed bag, and an appreciation for scenic views, there’s no telling what hidden beauty you might find next.