How to enjoy the fall colours this Thanksgiving and season

HAMILTON, ON - The fall spectacle of colours, at Hamilton’s waterfalls, is almost upon us and the City of Hamilton wants to make your visit as safe as possible.

In a few short weeks, the leaves will start to turn their glorious colours, at various locations of the City of Hamilton’s waterfalls and Hamilton Conservation Authority waterfalls (Websters, Tew, Dundas Peak, Devil’s Punchbowl and Albion Falls) which is a much-anticipated natural event by hikers and residents alike.

As a reminder, the City has a special parking enforcement area in effect until Friday, November 15, 2019 in Dundas and Greensville. The new City of Hamilton parking signs are visible at entry points to the Special Enforcement Area. This is to let people know that parking violations will result in a significantly higher penalty within this area.

The special parking enforcement area, with a penalty of $250, is a pilot program launched by the City this year. The increased penalty is a way to promote and encourage visitors to use the convenient and centralized parking area at Christie Lake Conservation Area with shuttle service on weekends and holidays.

This allows for everyone to enjoy the waterfalls safely without causing public safety, traffic and throughway concerns, especially for emergency vehicles. Parking Enforcement and ticketing will be carried out by Parking Control Officers. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be enforcing at those waterfalls, that are signed, to stay on the marked trails.

Visitors can park at Christie Lake Conservation Area then take the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) shuttle bus to the falls. Once they arrive, there are numerous safe viewing areas for photos and enjoyment by all. Note: Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle buses.

The HCA shuttle service runs on weekends and holiday Mondays until Sunday October 27, 2019 leaving Christie Lake and travelling to the Spencer Gorge. There is no on-site parking available at Spencer Gorge during shuttle operations, with the exception of limited accessible parking, at Webster Falls.

The cost for the shuttle is included in the regular area entry fee to Christie Lake Conservation Area. This is $10 per car for parking and $5 per person. HCA pass holders, using the shuttle from Christie Lake, will receive admission to the shuttle and Spencer Gorge for the driver and passengers of their vehicle, to a maximum of six persons.

For more information about the shuttle, visit: HCA shuttle service

For more information on local waterfalls, visit: tourismhamilton.com/hamilton-waterfalls-guide

Some tips for visiting the Hamilton waterfalls

• Remain on paths, exercising caution by staying well back from slopes and edges
• Utilize the safe, viewing areas for photos
• Keep children and pets close by and do not climb or go around fencing
• Respect the neighbours by staying off private property
• Stay on designated trails and obey closure signs as there are many rare plants that can be easily damaged or destroyed as waterfalls are located in environmentally-sensitive areas
• Do not cross active Canadian National rail tracks to access waterfall areas;  crossing CN rail tracks is prohibited and illegal
• Park in designated parking areas only