14 waterfalls near Toronto you need to check out this summer (PHOTOS)

When most people think of waterfalls near Toronto, chances are they instantly picture the world famous trio of falls that make up Niagara Falls.

But believe it or not, Toronto is a quick drive away from hundreds of picturesque waterfalls that are worthy of a visit this summer.

We’re not sure what TLC was going on about, but definitely, do go chasing these waterfalls that are a lot closer to the city than you might think.

Hilton Falls, Milton, ON

While this waterfall isn’t the biggest on the list, it’s still mighty! This is a gem of a waterfall is 10-metres and always produces beautiful pictures. Surrounded by numerous hiking trails, this beautiful location is a stunning reward at the end of an afternoon hike.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km

DeCew Falls, St. Catherines, ON

Located 1.5 hours from Toronto (on a good traffic day), you’ll find DeCew Falls, which boasts upper and lower falls that are perfect for exploring. The upper DeCew falls is a 22-metre plunge waterfall while the lower is a smaller 8-metre cascade variety, both of which are stunning in their own way. Especially in your Instagram feed.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 115 km

Webster Falls, Hamilton, ON

Webster Falls is one of two waterfalls located in the Spencer Gorge Conservation, with Tews Falls being the other. Webster is a magnificent tiered waterfall that stretches 22 metres high and approximately 30 metres wide. What’s great about Webster Falls is it’s open year-round and it’s easy to get to.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 75 km 

Tews Falls, Hamilton, ON

Tews Falls is the second waterfall located in the  Spencer’s Gorge Conservation. Spanning 41-metres tall and 10-metres wide, this ribbon waterfall happens to be the largest waterfall in Hamilton. Connected to the Bruce Trail, Tews Falls is surrounded by numerous hiking trails and picnic spots, making it the perfect destination for an afternoon escape from the city.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 75 km

Borer’s Falls, Dundas, ON

Borer’s Falls is one of thirteen waterfalls located in Hamilton. Located in the Borer’s Falls Conservation Area in Dundas, Borer’s Falls is a 15-metre high curtain style waterfall with year-round flow. In addition to the scenic views, visitors can also enjoy tubing and kayaking through the nearby Grand River rapids.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km

Albion Falls, Hamilton, ON

This cascading 19-metre waterfall is a popular watering hole during the warmer months. The falls run into the Niagara Escarpment in Red Hill Valley with the top of the falls set on Mud Street. When visiting Albion Falls, make sure to obey signs as climbing the rocks surrounding the falls can be very risky.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 75 km

Felker’s Falls, Stoney Creek, ON

Located under two hours from Toronto, Felker’s Falls is a 20-metre ribbon waterfall, surrounded by scenic vantage points and trails, including the Peter Street Trail, a wheelchair accessible loop trail which winds through the conservation area.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 75 km

Inglis Falls, Owen Sound, ON

While Owen Sound is a bit of a trek from Toronto, over three hours to be exact, Inglis Falls is definitely worth the trip. Known for being the most popular waterfall in Owen Sound, Inglis Falls is an 18-metre high cascade waterfall, created by the Sydenham River meeting the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 185 km

Devil’s Punch Bowl, Stoney Creek, ON

Quite easily the most unique waterfall on this list is the Devil’s Punch Bow. Located in Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area, the area contains two separate falls, upper and lower Punch Bowl Falls. The Lower Falls is a 5.5-metre classic waterfall, while the upper falls is a 33.8-metre ribbon waterfall, which is truly a sight to see.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km

Sherman Falls, Ancaster, ON

This 17-metre high curtain waterfall runs along the Bruce Trail and flows over the Niagara Escarpment. Often referred to as “Angel Falls” and “Fairy Falls” the waterfall free-flow has two drops, creating a picturesque twin streamed waterfall. Mystical and quaint, indeed.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 75 km

Chedoke Falls, Hamilton, ON

While Hamilton is quite literally home to more than 100 waterfalls, one of the most spectacular among them are the Chedoke Falls atop the Niagara Escarpment. Aside from their natural beauty, part of their appeal lies in the challenge of getting there. There is no road access anywhere near the falls and hiking boots come highly recommended.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km

Sauble Falls, Sauble Beach, ON

If you’re up for a road trip, popular summer town Sauble Beach is home to Sauble Falls which was once used to power a timber mill. While small in comparison to some of the other giants on this list, Sauble Falls is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer’s day.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 223 km

Belfountain Falls, Belfountain, ON

Located in the pristine Belfountain Conservation area, Belfountain Falls is surrounded by lush forests, creating the ultimate escape from the city. There’s also a suspension bridge hanging over the rushing falls, so you can check out the falls from above.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km

Beamers Falls, Grimsby, ON

Located in the Beamer Falls Conservatory Area you’ll find Beamers Falls, two picturesque falls and a precipitous gorge that are quite easy to locate. To reach the lower falls, visitors can simply hike upstream. To reach the upper falls, look for signs for The Lookout Trail, which provides wheelchair accessible viewing platforms where visitors can take in the stunning sights.

Distance from Toronto: Approximately 90 km

See also

• There's a lavender festival happening in Prince Edward County this summer (PHOTOS)
• The Niagara Falls shoreline boardwalk you need to visit this summer
• 9 of the best waterparks in Ontario you need to visit this summer (MAP)