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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Now thru December 6

The Mead Explorer Class

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Date: Multiple dates through the year Time: 1:00pm Cost: $94.99

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

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Team-Building Art Experiences

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Serving Southern Ontario and scheduled to suit your team requirements — in studio, on or...

September 25

RBG After Dark: So Long Summer

Royal Botanical Gardens

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

Date & Time: September 25, 2025 from 6:30pm - 10:30pm Tickets: $25 (+hst) per person...

Now thru November 4

Rural Routes and River Retreat

Woodstock and Paris, ON

Dates: The 3-day package is available Sunday to Tuesday on select dates May 4 through...

August 21

RBG After Dark: Hot Summer Sizzle

Royal Botanical Gardens

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

Date & Time: August 21, 2025 from 6:30pm - 10:30pm Tickets: $25 (+hst) per person...

Now thru December 31

Music Bingo at Flux

Flux Brewing Company

185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0

Date & Time: January 15th and every 2nd Wednesday of the week, 6:00pm to 8:00pm...

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Yoga and the Bees

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Dates: June 22nd, July 20th from 11:00am - 12:00pm

June 22, 2025

Cholera and Industrial Heritage Cemetery Tour

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology – National Historic Site

The Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd., Hamilton

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Cost: FREE Ages: All

Now thru June 29

David Collier’s Family Daze

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 5G9

Now thru December 31

All Natural Skincare Workshop

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Dates and Times: March 1st - 1:30pm to 3:30pm March 20th - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

July 19

Summer Paint & Sip

Ridge Road Estate Winery

1205 Ridge Road, Vinemount, ON, L8J 2X5

Date & Time: July 19, 2025 from 11:30am - 1:30pm Tickets: $95 (+tax) per person

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