Top Things to do in Dundas
The 8 Best Nature & Parks in Dundas, Hamilton
Discover the best top things to do in Dundas, Canada including Dundas Driving Park, Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Christie Lake Conservation Area, Tews Falls, Borer's Falls Conservation Area, Urquhart Butterfly Garden, Webster Falls, Crooks Hollow Conservation Area.
Restaurants in Dundas
1. Dundas Driving Park
2. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 362 reviews
From the escarpment brow, noted for its panoramas, to the forested depths of the gorge below, the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area exhibits the physical features which have made the Niagara Escarpment one of Ontario's most spectacular geological formations. This significant natural area contains two beautiful waterfalls: Webster and Tew Falls. Webster is a magnificent tiered waterfall and Tew, which towers at 41 metres, is only a few metres shorter than Niagara Falls. Both offer spectacular vistas of the gorge.
Reviewed By silverbrook - London, Canada
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is a very busy part of the Hamilton Conservation Authority's parks that gives you access to two different and beautiful waterfalls (Tew's Falls and Webster's Falls) as well as some spectacular views of the gorge and surrounding area from Dundas Peak. Because this area has become so popular and to help preserve the park, HCA has mandated that on weekends and holidays visitors must utilize shuttle buses that will transport guests from parking areas at nearby Christie Lake Conservation Area to Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. There is a $10 fee for parking as well as a $5 per person fee to enter. Once you are parked at Christie Lake Conservation Area, you need to get a wristband from a little hut near the shuttle bus stops so you can hop on. You can also pick up a map of the Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area. There are two stops on the shuttle - one that gives you access to Tew's Falls and Dundas Peak and a second stop that gives you access to Webster's Falls. Considering the sheer volumes of people that were visiting the area when our group came up for a hike, I must say that this shuttle transportation ran fairly smoothly and justified the meager $5 cost to ride. I cannot image where all of the people would have parked or how much of a traffic jam would have been caused if people had tried to park in the falls parking areas or on surrounding streets - it would be chaotic and dangerous. There are also hefty fines for those who choose to take their chances and park there anyways and skip the shuttles. The scenery in Spencer Gorge Conservation Area was spectacular mid-fall when we made it up to hike in the area. The amount of people also visiting was bitter-sweet - it was nice to see so many people outside enjoying nature, but it was also kind of sad because many of the paths felt more like sidewalks in Toronto, rather than a stroll through nature. I found almost everyone was polite and took turns on the observation decks as well as at the other vantage points so that it was usually just a short wait before you could step up and enjoy an unimpeded view of the falls or the gorge. I found the pathways to be well marked, fairly well kept and wide enough to allow for hikers in both directions. There were areas that were fenced off for safety along the paths and near the falls, sometimes obstructing clear views of the falls in their entirety, such as with Webster's Falls. I was surprised to see the lack of barriers at Dundas Peak. There was a little stone structure a couple of feet high at the top, but people could, and did, easily step around to stand or sit precariously on the edge of the cliff. The views from this vantage point were absolutely stunning, but again you had to wait for a few minutes to try to get a shot without several other heads also enjoying the same views. If you were to visit during the off-season or through the week, you might have better luck with the area not being quite as busy.
3. Christie Lake Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By cynthiaB983 - Hamilton, Canada
My favourite birthday was here. A canoe ride on the little lake and a walk in the woods where a bevy of white butterflies fluttered around us. We picnicked in one of the pavilions. The rest room was clean. It was perfect.
4. Tews Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 232 reviews
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the overwhelming popularity of Dundas Peak & Tew Falls and Webster Falls, HCA has instituted online reservable parking in 2-hour time slots. From Sept. 19 – Nov. 15, 2020, all visitors, including HCA passholders, will be required to make a reservation prior to their visit. This change to a mandatory reservation will manage visitor numbers and will assist with physical distancing and provide a safe and enjoyable visit. It will also allow visitors to travel with the peace of mind, knowing that their parking space is held for them. No access will be permitted into the area until September 19. Reservations may be be made up to a week prior to your visit. Reservations are made for 2-hour blocks, starting at 9 AM, 12 PM and 3 PM. Arrival times will be staggered in 15 minute intervals. This system will be in place seven days a week, both weekdays and weekends, until November 15, 2020.
Reviewed By silverbrook - London, Canada
Tew's Falls is a ribbon waterfall in the Hamilton area that is 41 metres in height, making it the tallest waterfall in Hamilton and shorter than Niagara Falls by 11 metres. It is located in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which is part of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. On weekends from Easter to Halloween, to see these falls, you must take the waterfalls shuttle from a parking area at Christie Lake. The cost for this is $10 for parking and $5 per person. The shuttles run every 15-30 min or so and drop you off a short walk from one of the observation platforms. There are two main observation platforms that allow you to see the entire waterfall and take some great photos. Because of the beauty of the area, it can be quite busy and we saw a bridal party having a photo shoot on one of the platforms during our visit. The path from the shuttle stop to the first observation platform is an easy hike and approximately 150 meters away. The next platform is not too much farther up the trail and also has some great views of the falls. You can follow the trail on a moderate half hour hike all the way to Dundas Peak for some amazing view of Hamilton and Dundas and surrounding area. In the off season and through the week, you can find parking a little closer to the falls themselves and not have to take the shuttle from Christie Lake. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit for those who enjoy the fall colours, but these falls would be lovely any time of year.
5. Borer's Falls Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By cynthiaB983 - Hamilton, Canada
Breath taking scenery and a lovely walk on the grounds.. A special place for making memories, locals go there often and visitors who come for the first time are astounded by the natural beauty this part of Dundas has to offer.
6. Urquhart Butterfly Garden
7. Webster Falls
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 22 reviews
From the escarpment brow, noted for its panoramas, to the forested depths of the gorge below, the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area exhibits the physical features which have made the Niagara Escarpment one of Ontario’s most spectacular geological formations. This significant natural area contains two beautiful waterfalls: Webster and Tew Falls. Webster is a magnificent tiered waterfall and Tew, which towers at 41 metres, is only a few metres shorter than Niagara Falls. Both offer spectacular vistas of the gorge. Please note that a reservation system is in place from September 19 to November 15, 2020. The Spencer Adventure Trail will not link Christie Lake Conservation Area to Spencer Gorge Conservation Area during this time period. Trail access will be closed until November 15.
Reviewed By Canadienne608 - Hamilton, Canada
Pro: This waterfall is by far the most beautiful of all of the waterfalls in this area. When it was open, my family and I would come here all the time for a respite from the summer heat. You can also take a cooling dip as well. Con: The residents who live nearby are very rude and unfriendly, especially if you are not a white person. There is nasty middle aged woman (in the house right opposite the parking lot) who seems to love yelling at cars and visitors who pass by. If you are a minority, expect her to yell racist obscenities at you and how you are trespassing on her land, and that she was going to call the police if you just pause before the parking lot to read the public signs. Last time we came here, she called us “f——- Asians.” Bring a camera so you can videotape her in case she tries to pull a “Central Park Karen” on you.
8. Crooks Hollow Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By X5836FOrobertp - Hamilton, Canada
a relaxing walk from the parking lot .stick to the trail as it can be muddy and there is a beaver knocking down trees
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