Warmer weather calls for public to exercise caution in waterfall areas & avoid illegal parking
HAMILTON, ON - As the warmer spring weather approaches and brings more visitors to the city’s beautiful waterfalls, the City of Hamilton is reminding the public to enjoy these areas safely and responsibly and to park in designated areas.
Tips for the public
- When visiting Hamilton waterfalls please stick to paths, exercise extreme caution, and stay well back from slopes, edges and other fall or slipping hazards
- Keep children and pets close, and do not climb or otherwise bypass fencing
- Respect neighbouring land owners and stay off private property
- Waterfalls are located in environmentally sensitive areas – please stay on marked designated trails and obey closure signs; there are many rare plants that can be easily damaged or destroyed
- Do not cross active CN rail tracks to access waterfall areas and vistas. Crossing rail tracks is prohibited and illegal
- Park in designated parking areas only
Last season, many vehicles were found parking adjacent to waterfalls and in surrounding neighbourhoods, leading to increased traffic congestion and safety issues. Illegally parked cars can prevent emergency vehicles and crews from accessing waterfall areas for a rescue.
Vehicles not parked in designated areas will be ticketed as part of an ongoing proactive parking enforcement program.
Parking for the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is at Christie Lake Conservation area, located at 1000 Highway 5 West in Dundas. Running on weekends and Holiday Mondays from May 12 to October 28 (weather permitting), a shuttle service will be available to transport visitors to the waterfalls. The shuttle will provide drop off at Greensville Optimist Park (access to Webster Falls) and Tew Falls (access to Dundas Peak).
The cost for the shuttle is included in the regular parking fee and entry fee to Christie Lake Conservation Area, $10 per car for parking and $5 per person wristband admission. HCA passholders 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 6.
Additional Resources
- Hamilton is home to more than 100 waterfalls, and with one of the highest number of waterfalls of any urban area of its size, has been called the Waterfall Capital of the World. For more info and tips on the safe enjoyment of waterfalls - Tourism Hamilton
- Details about the shuttle operation, including what visitors can bring with them and other frequently asked questions Hamilton Conservation Authority
- Video: More safety tips for local waterfalls