Hamilton Waterfall Destination Master Plan

Hamilton’s Waterfalls: A Plan for a Sustainable Future

Hamilton’s waterfalls are among our city’s most loved natural treasures and with their growing popularity, we want to make sure they remain beautiful, safe, and accessible for everyone for generations to come. The Waterfall Destination Master Plan will help us make a plan to reduce the impacts of over-tourism on local communities, manage visitor demand, protect the environment, and welcome visitors.

Why Are We Doing This Project?

Hamilton’s waterfalls attract thousands of visitors each year (many from outside our city) and their popularity continues to grow. But that success has also brought challenges. Some sites and nearby neighbourhoods are feeling the strain of over-tourism, leading to concerns like heavy traffic, garbage, limited parking, emergency incidents, and wear and tear on trails and natural areas. The Waterfall Destination Master Plan will create a coordinated approach to manage these pressures while enhancing the visitor experience and protecting what makes these places so special.

What Will The Master Plan Do?

The plan will include recommendations for both short- and long-term solutions:

• Short term solutions will look at ways to immediately reduce negative impacts from over-tourism, improve the safe and environmentally-friendly enjoyment of Hamilton’s waterfalls. Examples could include improved communication and trip-planning, visitor use management (i.e. reservation systems), signage and wayfinding, storytelling and education, etc.
• Long-term solutions will look to improve visitor use and capacity management and overall improved experience. Examples could include infrastructure (i.e. viewing platform), expanded trails, lighting and safety features, bike/car parking improvements, etc.

How You Can Get Involved?

We want to hear from everyone who enjoys Hamilton’s waterfalls. Your input will help us shape a plan that reflects your experiences and ideas. You can:

• Identify waterfalls or trails that need attention
• Share your favourite sites and what makes them special
• Tell us about any challenges you’ve faced visiting waterfalls
• Suggest solutions to improve the experience for everyone

Your ideas will help protect and enhance Hamilton’s waterfalls for years to come.