b'RIGHT IN OUROWN BACKYARD!With most international travel still on hold, and many of us really needing to gosomewhere, I thought it might be fun to do a little exploring and visit somefantastic waterfalls in Southern Ontario. Some of my favourites and not in anyparticular order are within an hour or so of Durham. The Niagara escarpment is known for its spectacular falls, and spring is theJONATHAN VAN BILSEN best time of year to visit them, as the water runs very fast.First off, I would suggest a decent pair of hiking boots, as some of these destinations are a bit off the beaten path. Many however, are quite accessible, and if the weather is nice, you will not be disappointed. Oh, and dont forget to bring your camera.Tiffany Falls - AncasterI will start with Tiffany Falls, one of the most elegant waterfalls I have seen. Best of all, it is easily accessed from Wilson Street in Ancaster. It is 21 metres (68 feet) high and is just a few minutes walk from the road. There is even a viewing platform to make this very easy.There is a creek above the waterfalls to visit Washboard Falls, but I would not recommend it, as the climb is treacherous and you can damage the plant life. If the weather changes, you may get stuck there and have to be rescued.Albion Falls - HamiltonNext on my list at 19 metres (62 feet) is Albion Falls, one of the most majestic waterfalls in Hamilton thanks to the steep cliff face and tree coverage. The large boulders on the bottom add to its majesty. In summer, many people visit Albion Falls and bask in the sun on the boulders.In 2017 the City of Hamilton closed access to Albion falls due in part to the number of fatal and nonfatal injuries being suffered by visitors and emergency rescue workers. It has had more rescues than any other waterfalls in Hamilton. In April of last year, the city revealed initial plans for a world-class platform, so visitors will once again be able to get an upfront viewing experience.Albion Fallsows year round into Red Hill Creek, and is joined by a tributary from Buttermilk Falls. It twists, turns and meanders before ending in Lake Ontario.Webster Falls - DundasOne of my personal favourites is Webster Falls; the second of two waterfalls that makes its home in Dundas Spencers Gorge.At 22 meters (72 feet) Websters Falls is far from the tallest, but it is of incredible beauty. The creekover the edge into Spencer Creek and the bridge overows Spencer Creek, before the waterfall adds a lot to the charm of Websters Falls.This waterfall has been a favourite for many people to visit for day picnics with family and friends. Hiking in from the bottom can be a bit of a chore, but a fun hike nonetheless.Ragged Falls - HuntsvilleIfyouheadnorth,abouthalfanhouroutsideofHuntsville,youwillcome upon the Oxtongue River and Ragged Falls. The trail is only 1 km long but it of-fers a great view of the falls. Its proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park makes this protected waterway almost an Algonquin appendage, but its a park in its own right, and for good reason. Oxtongue River - Ragged Falls contains many features of local signi cance. The small plunge basin at Gravel Falls demonstrates the powerful, erosive force of glacial melt-water. Ragged Falls has been named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario. The rapids are amazing and certainly a pho-tographers dream. Grindstone Creek appears to have a lot more water than many of the other waterfall producing creeks in the area, making it really worth the trip.Please turn to page 56FOCUS - MAY 202155'