These fall hikes through picturesque trails in Ontario lead to cascading waterfalls

Usually we say don’t go chasing waterfalls but we can’t help it when it comes to the ones Ontario is known to have. There are plenty of waterfalls scattered across the province but in order to enjoy them, we have to embark on a few short hikes. We’ve compiled a list of some fall hikes through stunning trails that lead to waterfalls. So if you’re not sure what to do on your next outdoor adventure, we got you covered.
Agawa Falls
Now this is a hiking trip! Embark on a 12 km long trail through mixed-wood forest and the Agawa Canyon along the Towab Trail.
Agawa Falls in Lake Superior Provincial Park is a sight to behold as it cascades down 25 metres. It’ll then take you another 12 km back so get ready to walk.
Destination Ontario recommends making this an overnight backpacking trip – if you’re up for the outdoor adventure.
Make sure to get your day-use permit as it is needed to embark on this hike. These can be purchased at the Agawa or Red Rock Visitor Centres.
Where: Algoma, Ontario
Balls Falls
Yeah, we know this one has a funny name but once we all get past that, it’s actually an incredible spot to visit! Add this to your list of fall hikes.
First of all, you can hike here from Rockway Falls. So you can probably squeeze in both on the same day. And secondly, its rushing waters and surrounding foliage is truly a sight to be seen.
Where: 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln
Beamers Falls
If you’re looking for a great hike, stunning views, and some waterfalls then Beamers Falls is for you.
What’s also extra cool about this hike is that it has three wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms.
You’ll come for the sweet hike and stay for the gentle rolling waterfall and amazing views. Oh, and it has the oldest forested ecosystem in Eastern North America!
Where: Grimsby, Ontario
Bridal Veils Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is located on Manitoulin Island, located in northern Ontario on Lake Huron, about a six-hour drive from Toronto.
The gorgeous falls tower at 35 feet high, with a natural pool with a spa-like experience where you can swim right under the cascading waters. Though not ideal in the fall season, you can see them in all its glory along its one-kilometre round-trip hike.
Where: Manitoulin Island
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
There are three main trails you can tackle — the Main Loop Trail, Bruce Trail, and the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail.
These trails will take you past ruins and several waterfalls like Canterbury Falls, Sherman Falls, Lower Little Falls, and Tiffany Falls.
Where: 650 Governors Road, Dundas
Inglis Falls
Fall hikes are calling you to Inglis Falls! According to Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, the falls’ were created by the Sydenham River meeting the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. And the erosive power of the water had “carved a deep gorge at the base of the falls.”
In order to see the falls at one of the viewpoints, you must take the main trail.
The view is absolutely stunning and a peaceful experience if you’re hoping to get away from the busy city life.
However, it is important to note that access to the base of the falls is absolutely prohibited and you can only see the falls from afar.
Where: 237785 Inglis Falls Road, Owen Sound ON
Onaping High Falls
Fall hikes await along the A.Y. Jackson Trail! This short, 3 km hiking trail that offers a scenic view of High Falls that cascades into the Sudbury Basin, according to Ontario Trails.
Though there are technically three trails – they all interconnect. According to Discover Sudbury, the lookout point is named after one of Canada’s Group of Seven artists, A.Y Jackson who was captivated by the falls. Not only was it their favourite but also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
“The hike to the falls is an easy one-kilometre trip on wide, flat terrain on crushed gravel and exposed bedrock,” shares Destination Ontario.
“There’s an option to extend the hike beyond the falls via the two-kilometre forest loop on the way back.”
Where: 45 km northwest of downtown Sudbury on Hwy. 144
Sherman Falls
This stunner waterfall is a 17-metre-high curtain that you don’t wanna miss. It’s close to two other falls on this list, the Canterbury Falls and Tiffany Falls.
So you can hit all three while you’re in the area! “To walk to the falls from the parking lot, head back down Artaban Road, turn left on Lions Club Road and just before Old Dundas Road, turn right on the Bruce Trail,” shares Tourism Hamilton.
Where: Sherman Falls, Old Dundas Road, Hamilton
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
Check out Tiffany Falls, a magical lesser-known gem less than an hour from Toronto.
From its parking lot, you’ll embark on a short trail that takes about 10 minutes to complete — unless you stop for photos of course, which you’ll really want to do!
This forested trail has a series of scenic bridges and gently flowing streams which you can even dip your toes into on a warm day.
Once you’ve meandered to the end of the nature path, you’ll be greeted by the majestic 21-metre cascade of Tiffany Falls.
Where: 900 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
Webster Falls
This Hamilton spot is a classic for waterfall enthusiasts, how can you say no to those picturesque falls?
You can stop by here for stunning views of the 22-metre curtain falls and it’s not far from the gorgeous Dundas Valley. So we recommend adding a little hike to your afternoon here.
Where: Webster Falls, Hamilton, Ontario
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