This two-day itinerary begins and ends in Ancaster, with travels through the Dundas Valley Conservation Area and visits to several historical sites. The Dundas Valley is one of Southern Ontario’s natural treasures and designated the most significant natural area in Hamilton. This 700-kilometre long biosphere contains more endangered species than any other part of Canada, and its Carolina forest is found nowhere else in the country. It is the ideal place for hikers and nature lovers to discover the Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment.

Follow the itinerary to discover the Escarpment’s lush mixed forests and to view six different waterfalls, from big to small and from ribbon and classical cascades to terraced waterfalls. A visit to the Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre provides further insight into the story of the Niagara Escarpment. More stories are discovered at visits to historical sites and landmarks associated with prominent Canadian families and at the cultural heritage centre of Fieldcote Museum. Throughout this two-day escape, visitors can take advantage of Ancaster’s many hospitality options including spas, boutique hotels, and destination dining.


Itinerary Highlights

  • Suggested Itinerary: 2 days, 1 night
  • Trails Included: Heritage Trail, Bruce Trail, Dundas Valley Conservation Area Main Loop
  • Trail Types: road pavement, groomed trails, semi-groomed trails, packed earth
  • Waterfalls Included: Canterbury Falls, Little Canterbury Falls, Sherman Falls, Tiffany Falls, Hermitage Cascade
  • Points of Interest: Niagara Escarpment, The Hermitage, Griffin House National Historic Site, Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, Saint Andrew Presbyterian Cemetery

Download the detailed itinerary to guide your through this two-day trip!

Download Itinerary


Niagara Escarpment Waterfall Trip Series

Courtesy of its location along the Niagara Escarpment, a landmark ridge that runs through Southern Ontario, Hamilton and its environs are home to over 100 waterfalls. Hikers have endless options for single and multi-day hikes that put these stunners front and centre. If you’d like to explore more of these natural works of art, we’ve got a series of Niagara Escarpment waterfall trip itineraries to guide you in your discovery:

For more trip ideas featuring the waterfalls of Hamilton Halton Brant click here, and visit Tourism Hamilton’s Waterfall Guides on their website.

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December 8 - 15

Santa’s Polar Progressive Express

Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery

1468 HWY 8, Winona, ON, L8E 5K9

Dates: December 8th & 15th 2024 Times: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm or 2:30pm

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

December 8

Elf Club: A Children’s Cooking Workshop

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Ages: 6 to 12 years Cost: $70.00 for 1...

December 21

Ornament Craft with Rivers and Meadows

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

35 YORK BOULEVARD

Date & Time: Sat, Dec 21st, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm FREE Admission

Now thru December 22

Dundurn Castle Christmas Evening Tours

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Dates: December 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ages: All Cost: $45.00 per person....

Now thru December 31

Introductory Flight Lesson

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Cost: $152.55 including HST

December 7 - 14

Wreath Workshop with iFiori

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

35 YORK BOULEVARD

Date & Times: Saturday, Dec 7th - 1:00pm to 3:00pm Saturday, Dec 14th - 1:00...

Now thru December 13

Art Crawl on James North

James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2L2, Canada

Dates & Times: Second Friday of Every Month, 5:00pm till 8:00pm Free Event

Now thru December 31

Music Bingo at Flux

Flux Brewing Company

185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0

Date & Time: January 17th (1st bingo night of the year) $5 cover to join

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

Now thru December 31

Sightseeing Flights

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Prices: vary by flight length

Now thru January 5

Ride the RBG Express

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Dates: Available December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Date exceptions: December 25, 26, January...

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