The World Around Us

Webster’s Falls

Country: Canada by Marlowe

29-07-2013

Webster's Falls, as seen from above

Webster’s Falls, as seen from above

Our first little outing in Canada since we’ve returned was a great day at the nearby but never-before-visited Webster’s Falls. We saw the falls with Tulan, Renaldo, Elizabeth Elmo and Silly (the latter two being dogs). Mark, who has just returned from volunteering in Egypt, also joined.

Webster’s Falls

The falls are part of the larger Spencer Gorge / Webster’s Falls Conservation Area in Hamilton, Ontario. The area is known for its many falls with Webster’s being the grandest as a 22-metre tall solid sheet of falling water. Though you can’t get very close to the falls, it was quite impressive nonetheless.

Elizabeth with Silly and Elmo in front of the falls

Elizabeth with Silly and Elmo in front of Tiffany Falls

Since the conservation area is part of the Bruce Trail, there was plenty of hiking to do. However, a long excursion with the dogs was going to be difficult so we moseyed around for a few hours in the more manicured areas. After lunch, we were determined to see more falls, so we drove over to Tiffany Falls in nearby Ancaster.

Tiffany Falls

Tiffany Falls is a metre short of Webster’s in height. Whereas Webster’s is a heavy gush of water, Tiffany’s output is far thinner; known as a ribbon fall. There’s a long path that leads up to the foot of the falls and an observation deck close to the falls themselves. Beyond that, if you’re sure-footed and willing to get wet you can walk right up and touch the falls themselves. Other visitors were already doing this.

Marlowe (in white) behind Tiffany Falls

Marlowe (in white) behind Tiffany Falls

Behind the falls

One of us noticed a space on the right side of the falls where one could pass behind the falls on a rocky outcrop. So I did. Now you might not think, watching from the other side, you wouldn’t get too wet doing this. But passing behind a waterfall is more like taking a strong shower in your clothes. Soaked and having a hard time breathing, I stopped halfway in a calmer spot where I could catch my breath. This niche seemed a space removed from the falls entirely; it was almost dry and for all the fury of the falls, the air there was eerily still. Stranger yet was how drops of water hovered in the air like pollen from a flower; trapped in a vortex you couldn’t feel.

Mark, Renaldo and Marlowe soaked from their foray behind the falls

Mark, Renaldo and Marlowe soaked from their foray behind the falls

Of course I had to tell the others and Mark and Renaldo soon took the plunge too with similar results. Unfortunately, we were unable to convince the others to try it out. I can’t imagine why.

The Spencer Gorge / Webster’s Falls Conservation experience is a good time for anyone who enjoys hiking, scenery and walking behind waterfalls. Ontario has a lot to offer nature-lovers!