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How to Spend a Day in Hamilton, Ontario

How to Spend a Day in Hamilton, Ontario

Planning a 1 day trip to Hamilton, Ontario?

I went hiking in Hamilton for the first time with my friends two weeks ago, and I had no idea there were so many fun things to do in the area.

We spent the entire day exploring, and encountered 4 different hikes and waterfalls in Hamilton.

Here’s how we spent our 1 day trip exploring Hamilton’s best waterfalls and hikes!

If you’re looking to spend a little extra time in the city, I’ve also got a full blog post on the perfect Hamilton weekend road trip.

Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!

More things to do in Hamilton

If you’re planning a visit to Hamilton, here are some posts you might find helpful:


1 day itinerary in Hamilton

Webster Falls

We started off our 1 day trip in Hamilton at Webster Falls.

Sneakers should be fine for most of the easy waterfall hikes in Hamilton, but it doesn’t hurt to wear hiking shoes if you have them!

Columbia Newton hiking shoes are my favourite – they’re comfortable and great for any type of hike!

We were able to hike down to the base of the falls at the time, but as of 2021, it is illegal to hike down for safety reasons.

LOCATION: Dundas, ON | Website

Webster Falls in Hamilton, Ontario
Webster Falls in Hamilton, Ontario

Dundas Peak

We then went to Dundas Peak and took some pretty amazing shots.

The roundtrip hike is around an hour, and it’s pretty simple for most people to do.

Sitting on the edge of that rock is probably one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done in my life, but it was so worth it.

The view was incredible, and I can imagine how much more beautiful it would be during the fall with all the foliage!

LOCATION: Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON | Website

Dundas Peak in Hamilton, Ontario
Dundas Peak in Hamilton, Ontario
Dundas Peak in Hamilton, Ontario

Tew Falls

We also checked out Tew Falls, a tall waterfall that was really cool to see.

You can only see it from the top, but it’s still a nice little stop!

LOCATION: 581 Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON

Tew Falls in Hamilton, Ontario

Chedoke Falls

We got lost trying to find Chedoke Falls, and we ended up following a father and his two kids to the falls (with their permission).

On the way, we passed by Lower Chedoke Falls.

It was a long hike and by far the most difficult one, but it was totally worth it.

2021 update: Chedoke Falls is illegal to hike and it is highly contaminated by fecal matter.

LOCATION: 474- 1G7, 480 Scenic Dr, Hamilton, ON

Chedoke Falls in Hamilton, Ontario
Passing by Lower Chedoke Falls.
Hiking in Hamilton, Ontario
Chedoke Falls in Hamilton, Ontario
Beautiful Chedoke Falls up close!
Chedoke Falls in Hamilton, Ontario
A rope swing hanging in a nearby tree by Chedoke Falls.

Tiffany Falls

I actually didn’t know about Tiffany Falls at the time that we visited, but I’ve been several times since, and it’s a super easy-to-access waterfall that’s gorgeous to see!

LOCATION: 900 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON | Website


Albion Falls

We planned on checking out Albion Falls after Chedoke Falls, but we were exhausted by the evening and just wanted to get pizza and go home.

Albion Falls does look really awesome, so I’d recommend waking up earlier in the day to give yourself more time to explore it as well.

LOCATION: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON | Website


Dinner at Chicago Style Pizza Shack

We went to the Chicago Style Pizza Shack for dinner and got the No Self Respect pizza, which was all meat – my kinda pizza.

It was amazing, and a great treat after such a long day of hiking.

If you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations, I’ve got a blog post all about the best Hamilton restaurants!

Hamilton is foodie central, and there are so many incredible places to eat and drink in the city.

LOCATION: 534 Upper Sherman Ave, Hamilton, ON | Website

Chicago Style Pizza Shack in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton is a gorgeous Ontario city surrounded by incredible waterfalls and scenery, and we had a lot of fun on our little 1 day itinerary in Hamilton.

Have you visited any of these hikes or waterfalls? How would you spend 1 day exploring Hamilton? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!

More things to do in Hamilton

If you’re planning a visit to Hamilton, here are some posts you might find helpful:

Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, TikTokTwitter, Facebook, and Pinterest if you aren’t already!

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Jessica Lam | Toronto lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel blogger | Diary of a Toronto Girl, a Canadian lifestyle blog


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How to spend the perfect day exploring waterfalls and nature in Hamilton, Ontario!
  1. Gorgeous photos! Love what I’ve seen of your blog, looking forward to following.

  2. Jessica Lam says:

    Thanks Sadie! You have yourself a wonderful night.

  3. Ilakkiya says:

    These are great places to check out when in Hamilton. I’ve never been to the Chedoke Falls and now I’m bummed that its contaminated. I hope they figure that out – mother nature must be hurting. I loved Dundas peak and the falls. Those are some awesome spots!

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