Reservations a must for autumn visits to Webster’s Falls in Hamilton

Stopping by one of Hamilton’s many waterfalls is a must-see for people looking to take in the fall colours. However, a reservation system has been in place since 2020.

It wasn’t a bright fall day by any means, but it was still perfect for checking out Webster’s Falls and the changing leaves.

“It’s gorgeous. We just saw Tew Falls. I was expecting a similar thing, but this is way different,” says Sina Eradati.

“It’s marvellous. I’m enjoying it. I can stand here all day long and enjoy the view,” says Marziye Bidar.

However, people can’t stand there all day long and enjoy the view.

Visitors have to book a two-hour timeslot on the Hamilton Conservation Authority website.

But that didn’t stop a couple from Iran who moved to Toronto a year ago from visiting Webster’s Falls for the first time.

“In my country there are some waterfalls … smaller ones, but this one with these colourful trees it’s something else,” says Bidar.

Most of the people CHCH spoke with appreciated the reservation system because it guaranteed them a place to park, and kept the crowds to a minimum.

“Not too busy, I like the park, I like the leaves changing colour, I like this nature … it’s really nice,” says a visitor.

“I think it’s essential … you don’t want everyone to flood in at once because it’s not an enjoyable experience for anybody. It’s good to have certain time blocks to spread it out. If you really want to come to the falls book your reservation. It’s easy,” says another visitor.

That said, some Hamilton taxpayers said they don’t feel the roughly $40 for a family of four is right.

“Honestly, I don’t think citizens should have to [pay], especially now that the trail has been fenced off where you really can’t go down to the bottom of the river. It’s just an upper walking trail which is nice, but to have to make citizens pay, I don’t think they should,” says one local.

“I wish there wasn’t a reservation so we could be more flexible with the times that we could come in, and it’s not that busy,” says another Hamiltonian.

The reservation system seemed to run smoothly and the parking lot at Webster’s Falls wasn’t overly busy this Thanksgiving Monday.

Many visitors said it was great way to spend the fall holiday with family.