Best Nature Preserve Hamilton Near Me

4worldlovers:
*Given popularity of these waterfalls, consider planning your visit during off-peak times (early morning or weekdays) and avoid parking on roadways if parking lots are full.


This hidden gem is nestled in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area in the city’s eastern neighbourhood of Stoney Creek. Felker’s Falls flows over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment revealing a tall and impressive ribbon waterfall as well as significant geological rock formations in the bedrock gorge. It’s also close to other nearby waterfalls worth exploring.


Those who live in the neighbourhood are lucky to have this hidden gem nestled right in their backyard, but it’s easy for any waterfall seeker to access and enjoy from above.

To get to the top (and the accessible trail), park on Ackland Street. Walk across the field, behind the wooden fence to access the waterfall.

The Peter Street trail (accessed from Ackland Street) is a wheelchair-accessible loop that leads into the conservation area and the viewing platform for Felker’s Falls.

Felker’s Falls is part of the East Mountain Trail Loop, which leads visitors interested in seeing more than one waterfall in a tidy little circle that hits Albion Falls, Buttermilk Falls and Glendale Falls (distance one-way is around four kilometres or one hour).

Also nearby is the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (around three kilometres or 35 minute walk). There’s no waterfalls here, but it’s worth a visit for the fascinating landscape which includes mini underground caves.

While you’re in Stoney Creek, experience 19th century life at Battlefield House Museum & Park, a living history museum with 32 acres of parkland and a famous monument.

After working up an appetite, head to Concession Street, (about a 15 minute drive) for a bite.

Refuel with a sugar rush at Candi Werx, a unique candy, chocolate and novelty store.

Caribbean & Canadian Restaurant serves up generous portions of some of the best Caribbean classics in Hamilton.

The Dirty South is a must visit for their famous fried chicken waffles and pulled pork tacos.

Local tip: take your snacks to nearby Sam Lawerence Park to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the lower city.

Please consider these tips to help keep you safe while respecting the environment and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Waterfalls are located in environmentally sensitive areas – please stay on marked designated trails and obey closure signs; there are many rare plants that can be easily damaged or destroyed.

Do not cross active CN rail tracks to access waterfall areas and vistas. Crossing rail tracks is prohibited and illegal.

Stick to marked paths and stay well back from slopes, edges and other fall or slipping hazards.

4worldlovers: The McMaster Research and Conservation Corridor is an ecological link between the Dundas Valley and Cootes Paradise, measuring approximately 1074 acres. Starting from the area around Sherman Falls and continuing all the way until Cootes Drive and McMaster University. The conservation corridor eco-link gets its name from McMaster University’s connection to the land within the corridors borders. More than half the land, 550 acres (51.2%), found within the ecological corridor is either currently owned by McMaster University or was previously owned by McMaster. Currently, 667 acres (62.1%) of the land within the ecological corridor is protected in some way; through ownership by McMaster University 370 acres (34.5%) or the Hamilton Conservation Authority 297 acres (27.6%).

The McMaster Research and Conservation Corridor is made up of both land and creek connections (two major tributaries being, Ancaster Creek and Sulphur Springs Creek), with only 4 ecological barriers being present along the corridor. All four ecological barriers are roads and include Old Ancaster Road, Lower Lions Club Road, Osler Drive, and Cootes Drive. Other negative ecological impacts on the corridor include invasive species, land encroachment and dumping, water quality impairments, and watercourse obstructions to fish movement. There is currently residential development and roads bordering almost the entire perimeter of the corridor, which poses issues to animal migration/movement.

Partners include McMaster University, the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, and private landowners within and adjacent to the corridor.

4worldlovers: Almost 3,031 hectares of Hamilton Conservation Authority owned and managed property is made up of natural conservation areas, and plays a major role in the ecology and health of the HCA’s watershed.

HCA’s natural areas cost about $1,800 per ha per year to maintain (about $5 million in 2010 dollars) and our admission fees go back into our areas.

Our natural areas include Beverly Swamp, Borer’s Falls, Crooks’ Hollow, Devil’s Punchbowl, Eramosa Karst, Felker’s Falls, Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve, Iroquoia Heights, Lower Spencer, Meadowlands, Mount Albion, Tiffany Falls, Vinemount and Vinemount Wetland, as well as trails such as the Chippewa and Hamilton to Branford Rail Trail and sections of Christie Lake, Dundas Valley, Confederation Beach Park, Spencer Gorge and Westfield Heritage Village.