Romar Falls
Ontario • 7 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Romar Falls
Romar Falls, listed by City of Waterfalls as Romar Cascade, is a small cascade in a ravine on the Niagara Escarpment above Dundas in Hamilton, Ontario. Its crest is about 1.2 m (4 ft) wide and it drops an estimated 7 m (23 ft). It is about a two-minute walk along the Bruce Trail from the end of Romar Road at the top of Sydenham Hill. Flow is best in spring and after rain.
The Setting
Romar Falls sits at 202 metres in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 7 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Romar Falls flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 252-539 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 23-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Tew's Falls (41 m) lies 2.4 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Webster's Falls (22 m, 2.6 km) and Borer's Falls (15 m, 1.9 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the end of Romar Road, walk about two minutes along the Escarpment Trail, which is also the Bruce Trail, to the first ravine, just before a wooden bridge over a second ravine. Follow that first ravine about 10 m to the cascade.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 7 metres over layered sedimentary rock. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Romar Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on most of the Bruce Trail, and this Hamilton stretch is not on the Bruce Trail Conservancy's list of no-dog areas.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Romar Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring for peak flow and robust water levels; fall for foliage and cooler temperatures. Summer can be pleasant but flow may be lower. Winter offers ice formations but can be hazardous (slippery, access problems).
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Potential hazards include slippery and unstable rock near the falls, steep or unmarked trails, seasonal ice, and variable water flow. Private property boundaries may be nearby, trespassing can be a legal and safety risk. Check weather and recent trip reports before visiting; avoid visiting alone if route is poorly documented. Watch for ticks and practice insect protection in spring-summer. If uncertain about access or conditions, consult local conservation authorities or recent visitor reports.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Spencer Creek, 1.9 km away, not on Romar Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.7 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
6.08 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge SPENCER CREEK AT DUNDAS (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
6/10Sat
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
1.0 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
1.0 m³/s
6/10Tue
Moderate
0.9 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
0.9 m³/s
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hamilton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive to the end of Romar Road at the top of Sydenham Hill in Dundas (Hamilton), where the Bruce Trail passes. The cascade is in the first ravine along the trail, about a two-minute walk.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No official parking lot is documented at the end of Romar Road. Follow posted parking signs and do not block driveways.
Elevation
202 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.278213° N, -79.949167° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
1) Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, rocks near the falls are slippery. 2) Bring water and dress for changing weather; cell service may be spotty. 3) Respect private property and posted signs; do not create new social trails. 4) Avoid climbing on wet rocks or getting too close to edges. 5) Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. 6) If uncertain about access, consult local conservation authority maps (e.g., Hamilton Conservation Authority) or recent trip reports before visiting.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Lost Forest Park & Camping Resort
11.7 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The general Hamilton area includes well-known attractions such as the Bruce Trail, Spencer Gorge (Webster's Falls and Tews Falls), and Dundas Valley Conservation Area. Confirm exact distances and routes before combining visits.
Wildlife
Typical southern Ontario woodland and riparian species: songbirds, raptors, white-tailed deer, raccoons, small mammals, and occasionally waterfowl. Be aware of ticks in warm months and snakes sunning on rocks.
Cities near Romar Falls
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