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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