A Quick Guide to Dundas Peak

Dundas Peak, located in Hamilton, is possibly the most picturesque spot to capture the magnificent fall colors lighting the forest in hues of greed, orange, yellow, and red. It’s exactly what you think it is – colorful fall photos in the making. Let’s get it!

Be warned that you may not want to leave once you arrive here, but I’m confident the crowds will eventually scare you away (COVID 101). The coveted peak is a small space with an illuminating view.

a man with a black backpack walking on a trail with green and yellow trees

Getting to Dundas Peak

After you enter the parking area, grab yourself a parking ticket – throw it in the car, and start walking towards the park board. The coolest part about Dundas Peak is that it is located near two waterfalls – one is a few minutes walk from the parking, while the other is a short drive away. The graceful Tew’s falls will welcome you within ten minutes of starting your hike. The peak is a relatively easy walk from the falls, but of course, I recommend runners. The last thing you want is a sprained ankle (I might be speaking from experience).

a board with trails marked in Dundas Peak

Hiking to the peak

After a brisk walk paired with some mild panting, we made it to the peak in about 25-30 minutes. The terrain seemed reasonably flat for most of the hike (to be fair, a week prior, I completed a 7.5-hour hike and barely survived – haha). Once you see the graffiti wall and hear all the chatter – you’ll know you’ve made it.

a grey wall with black and green graffiti

Tips for your visit

We recommend going early on a weekday to avoid having to share the space with too many people. However, due to COVID, we’ve gathered that you need reservations to visit this time of year. So, be sure to check out the Hamilton Conservation website beforehand to avoid disappointment.

waterfalls above a cliff with greenery around it

There are narrow entry points to the cliffs for those adrenaline-inducing pictures – use at your own risk. No picture is worth your life (nervously laughing, as I think about the silly things I’ve done). Once you’ve gotten your fix of Dundas Peak – drive to the other end and make an appearance at the thunderous Webster’s Falls (reservations required).

UPDATE: We heard there are now barriers up alongside the cliffs, so you may not be able to get up close and personal to the edge but you’ll still be able to nab some beautiful photos!