Falling For Hamilton

Everyone knows of Hamilton’s reputation as an industrial port town.  But first impressions are not always what they seem.  Little is it known that Hamilton is “The Waterfall Capital of the World” – a pretty amazing claim to fame for the city.  In 2001, the new city of Hamilton was formed with the amalgamation of the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth and its six municipalities: Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek.  To date, there have been a total of 100 waterfalls found in the GHA (Greater Hamilton Area).  Most of these falls can be found on or near the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail.

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest hiking trail and runs from Niagara to Tobermory.  The Bruce Trail provided public access to the Niagara Escarpment, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  The Trail spans more than 890 km with an additional 400 km of accessible side trails.  Of the 100 waterfalls in Hamilton, 20 remain inaccessible to the public as they either sit on private property or are or too dangerous to access.

The Bruce Trail

TIP: Download The Bruce Trail App to your iPhone for easy planning, tracking and logging of your expeditions.  (Note: Android app version to launch in the Fall of 2015.)

Webster’s Falls, located at the Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Fall Conservation Area in the west end of Hamilton, reaches 22 metres in height.  Webster’s in the largest of all the waterfalls in the region and is most widely known in Hamilton.  Extensive trails at Spencer Gorge allow for visitors from near and far to observe the natural beauty that Hamilton has to offer.

Webster's Falls, Spencer Gorge

Billy Green Falls, Stoney Creek

Billy Green Falls, otherwise known as Battlefield Falls, is located in Stoney Creek (my neck of the woods).  Battlefield Park and Museum, which I have mentioned previously in the blog post “Historical Hamilton”, lies downstream from Battlefield Creek on which the waterfall sits and is 17 metres in height.  I thought I might include mention of this particular waterfall today as it is St. Patrick’s Day.  Each year, the City of Waterfalls Group organizes a waterfall illumination at Billy Green Falls in honour of St. Patrick’s Day.  The falls are lit up from behind the waterfall, in what colour you might ask…GREEN!  This is a low-key community effort in which residents are encouraged to get together and sport some green.  Tonight’s lightshow is scheduled to start at 8 pm.

TIP: If planning to head over to Billy Green Falls for the St. Patty’s illumination, remember to bring a monetary or food donation.  These will be collected and donated to local foodbank efforts.  And be sure to dress warmly!

If you are anything like me, you relish any opportunity to be outside.  Hiking is a favourite pastime of mine and is made more than easy in my hometown.  Whatever the season, there is more than enough to check out along the trails…just make sure that you follow proper Bruce Trail guidelines and etiquette then you’re there!  Who knew that all this was at Hamilton’s doorstep.  But now that you do…get out there!

See you on the trails!

Larysa

For more information of the Bruce Trail and Conservation efforts, visit: www.brucetrail.org