Dundas Peak: How To Visit This Amazing Lookout

Visiting the Dundas Peak: Then and Now

I have so many memories of exploring the trails and waterfalls of Dundas while growing up there. We'd sway from makeshift rope swings at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, flying through the air and rolling into piles of leaves.

I remember taking class hiking trips to Webster's Falls right from my middle school, formerly known as Dundas District (now known as the District Lofts, as the school was transformed into condo units).

Nowadays, I live in another small town about 40 minutes from Dundas, but I find myself continually returning to the Valley Town. Dundas is where I'll always feel most at home. Is there a place in the world that gives you that feeling?

Before the days of the Internet and forums and social media and blogs, the Dundas Peak (just known as "The Peak" to us) and its waterfalls were our little secret.

Now, I'm overjoyed that so many people from around the world visit my hometown because it's one of the most beautiful places I've witnessed.

While the Dundas Peak trail is more popular than ever, I'm proud that this space that I find so important can be shared by so many.

Planning Your Visit to the Dundas Peak

Dundas Peak, Tews Falls, Websters Falls now have an online reservation system, operated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. All three points of interest are part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area.

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is a very popular spot, so this helps keep the crowds under control and avoids disappointment for any visitors out of town who could be turned away otherwise.

From the May long weekend, you are required to make a reservation on weekends and holidays.

From the end of September to November, Websters Falls and Dundas Peak reservations will be required seven days a week. You can make your reservations here.

Dundas Peak/Tews Falls and Webster's Falls Are Not Connected

Although the Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area is home to two waterfalls and a lookout, they are treated as two separate places to visit.

As the Dundas Peak, Tew's Falls, and Webster's Falls are no longer linked by one singular hiking trail, you will have to park in two different places to easily access both.

The parking lot for Webster's Falls is at 28 Fallsview Road, Dundas. The parking lot for Tews Falls and the Dundas Peak is at 590 Harvest Road, Dundas

You can book time at either spot for a maximum of two hours each, or you can book your time at both spots for a maximum of four hours total.

There is a reservation fee, a vehicle fee, and a fee for each person to enter. If you are the owner of a Hamilton Conservation Authority pass, you will receive free admission but must pay the reservation fee.

Fence Around the Peak

Please note that there is a large, black fence around the edge of the Dundas Peak. You can no longer go to the edge of the cliffs to take photos or admire the views.

You will have to keep behind the fence that lines the entire Peak. It's so unfortunate that there is now a fence there.

This area has truly changed over the years, and I feel as though this is the largest (and worst) transformation.

Dundas Peak Parking (Is There Free Parking at Dundas Peak?)

Back in the day, I used to park for free at Webster's Falls, Tews Falls, and the Dundas Peak. Websters Falls and Tews Falls are two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hamilton.

Hamilton's tourism campaign promoting the city as the waterfall capital of the world was a resounding success (I've also called it the frozen waterfall capital of the world).

With a huge influx of visitors, the Hamilton Conservation Authority now charges a parking fee to manage the crowds and maintain the area.

From November to May, you don't need a reservation to park at the lots, but you must pay the parking fee. Parking is on a first come, first serve basis.

From May to November, reservations are required on all weekends. And from the end of September to November, reservations are needed every day. There are two separate parking lots for Dundas Peak and Webster's Falls.

From the parking lot for the Dundas Peak and Tews Falls, follow a 1.8km trail to reach Tews Falls first and then the Peak.

For Websters Falls, you can witness the beauty of Websters Falls from a couple of vantage points, as well as enjoy the picnic tables and pavilions.

Dundas Peak Free Parking

If you're looking for Dundas Peak free parking, you'll be hard pressed to find it. At the top of the escarpment, every side street is marked with no parking signs.

Don't park on these streets as you'll surely get a ticket or towed. Please don't try to park anywhere in Greensville other than the designated lots.

There are loads of places to park down below the escarpment in the town of Dundas that are free.

However, it is now illegal to hike from the base of the escarpment and up through the forest to the Dundas Peak. This involves crossing the CN Rail tracks, which is trespassing.

This also means that there are no legal ways to reach the base of Websters Falls or Tews Falls as you'd have to cross the CN Rail tracks to reach those forest trails.

This area is heavily monitored and I don't recommend that any of my readers go trespassing and risk getting tickets.

Alternative to the Dundas Peak Lookout (That's 100% Free!)

If you are looking for a 100% free place to park and check out the scenery, I have a bit of a secret spot to share with you.

It's essentially the Dundas Peak Lookout without going to the actual site of the Dundas Peak.

I recommend going to the Sydenham Lookout as an alternative. From the town of Dundas, drive up the Sydenham Hill (on Sydenham Road).

Towards the top of the Sydenham Hill, you'll notice a small space to park at the side of the road. There's room for a handful of cars there.

From the Sydenham Lookout, you can admire all of the same views as at the Dundas Peak Lookout for free! You don't need to pay to park and there's no hiking involved. This is a secret from a local, and I'm happy to share it with you.

Tews Falls, the Dundas Peak Waterfall

The easiest and most popular Dundas Peak trail hike starts at Tews Falls and follows the Tews Falls Lookout Trail (also known as the Spencer Adventure Trail) to the Dundas Peak.

You'll witness the panoramic views of the valley, the stunning Spencer Gorge, and the geological wonders of the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve).

Right away, you'll reach Tews Falls, a waterfall that's 41 metres high, just a few metres short of Niagara Falls.

I recommend checking Tews Falls out during the spring and fall months, as the waterfall can nearly dry up in the summer. If you can visit in the autumn just after a rainfall, Tews Falls will shine with the most magnificence.

How to Hike to the Dundas Peak

From Tews Falls, continue hiking to the Dundas Peak. It's a relatively easy, gentle ascent to the top of the escarpment.

You'll start by climbing a staircase. Then, admire the shady trees all around you, with small glimpses of the Spencer Gorge and beyond.

This hike is lovely all year long, although I'm partial to the autumn. Don't venture off the trail.

Follow the blue markers until you reach the Peak. It's technically called the "Dundas Lookout Side Trail", although it's only a few steps to the lookout itself.

Dundas Peak Lookout

Please note that this area will look differently now from the photos you'll see here. There is now a four foot black fence around the edge of the Dundas Peak.

You won't be able to get close to the edge or take photos at the edge. You'll still be able to admire the view from behind the fence.

The iconic rock wall, spraypainted with graffiti, is no longer there. I'll share a photo of it for old time's sake.

It was one of the first places I took Justin when we started dating. Back in those days, there were never many other people around and we usually had it to ourselves.

Nowadays, it's a very different space with people taking turns snapping photographs of each other, as well as an unlimited amount of selfies.

Just like everyone else, I was pleased to capture pictures at the Dundas Peak for my own Instagram. While we can wistfully dream of earlier times when the Dundas Peak was left undiscovered by the masses, I'm happy to inspire others to visit this sensational scenery.

You won't be able to take photos at the edge of the Dundas Peak like I did for many years. For safety reasons, there is now a big fence around it. Please do not try to climb over the fence or find an alternate way. It's extremely dangerous to do so.

Over the years, many people have fallen over the edge. There were risky rope rescues by the Hamilton fire department, and you're putting lots of other people in danger if you fall. Plus, you might have serious injuries or not survive.

Reaching Webster's Falls from Tews Falls

Webster's Falls and Tews Falls are both spectacular waterfalls and relatively close to one another. Once upon a time, we used to be able to hike from one to the next with ease along the Bruce Trail.

Unfortunately, many visitors were disrespectful to the nearby landowners who generously allowed the trail to wind through their private property.

From scandalous photo shoots to trespassing and intruding around their yard, the property owners revoked the rights for hikers to pass through their land. You're currently unable to hike between Webster's Falls and Tews Falls.

Nowadays, park at Tews Falls to hike the Dundas Peak trail to see the lookout and the waterfall. Then, you can move your car to the parking lot at the parking lot for Webster's Falls.

Hiking to the Bottom of Websters Falls

To make matters even more confusing, there isn't any way to reach the bottom of Websters Falls from the top of it. There used to be a staircase, but it was removed to preserve the ecology of the land.

Please do not attempt to hike to the base of Webster's Falls. Maybe one day we'll be able to enjoy it again, but until then, please follow the rules of the park.

If you enter the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area to see Webster's Falls from the top of the escarpment (at Fallsview Road), you'll catch stunning views of the waterfall cascading over the edge.

The official HCA website asks that you do not climb any fences or edges of the gorge to climb to the bottom of the falls.

Unfortunately, there is no longer a way to hike to the base of Webster's Falls or Tews Falls. There are fences that will block your way if you try to access the hiking trails from down below.

I really hope that they open this back up in the future. Hiking to the base of Webster's Falls was one of the best features of this conservation area.

Webster's Falls is the winter is equally as beautiful as all the other seasons. When you visit the Tews Falls, Webster's Falls, and the Dundas Peak in the winter, you won't find many other visitors there with you.

It's probably the only time of year when you'll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

Get out there and see the Spencer Gorge, Dundas Peak, Websters Falls and Tews Falls during any season. I recommend going on a weekday during the fall for the gorgeous autumn colours.

If you'd like to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning where you'll be sharing the trail with mostly locals walking their dogs.

Even when I visited on a weekday afternoon, it wasn't terribly crowded. The peak fall colours can happen anywhere from the end of September to mid October. They might peak later in October if the summer heat continues for longer than anticipated.

Is the Dundas Peak Haunted?

Dundas Peak is home to one of the most haunted hiking trails and conservation areas in Ontario.

When some hikers were taking a picture at the edge of the cliffs, they spotted something creepy in one of their photographs. A spooky, thin person without a face appeared on an rocky outcropping where it isn't possible for people to walk.

No matter how hard they tried, the hikers couldn't achieve a similar picture. With that said, there are some stories of hauntings in the area, specifically a train crash that took place on the tracks just below the Dundas Peak.

Have you had any haunted sightings in the Spencer Gorge area?

Getting to the Dundas Peak

The easiest way to reach the Dundas Peak/Tews Falls or Websters Falls is by driving there. Most people drive there or carpool to get there. You can park in the designated parking lots.

It is possible to reach the Dundas Peak by public transit, but it isn't as easy. The HSR number 5 bus only goes towards the end of King Street in Dundas.

From there, you need to get up the hill to Greensville. At this point, I suggest taking an Uber to the designated parking lots, depending on which spot you're visiting.