Spencer Gorge requires advance reservations as of Sept. 17

The Hamilton Conservation Authority will require advance reservations seven days per week to visit the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, beginning Sept. 17, to accommodate the fall colour season.

The reservation system was originally instituted in 2020 after troves of fall colour-seeking visitors to the Spencer Gorge - which includes the Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster's Falls - caused traffic chaos in Greensville.

HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?

To make a reservation, visit hcareservations.ca.

Bookings are rain or shine and can be made up to a week in advance and up to midnight the day prior to your visit.

WHAT DOES A RESERVATION COST?

Admission fees are $10.50 per car and $5 per passenger, plus a $10 reservation free. HCA membership pass holders will receive free admission, but must pay a reservation free to book.

WHAT DOES A RESERVATION GET ME?

A reservation guarantees a two-hour block to visit the gorge. However, separate reservations are required for each area, so visitors must choose either the Dundas Peak and Tews Falls hike experience or the Webster's Fall hike experience.

WHY DO I NEED A RESERVATION?

Visitors without an advance reservation will not be permitted entry and no walk-up or drive-up entry will be admitted without an advance reservation.

Municipal parking bylaw enforcement staff will be patrolling neighbourhoods surrounding the areas to enforce parking restrictions, including towaway zones. Due to the previous traffic woes, a special bylaw enforcement area has been instituted in the Greensville area and parking tickets in special enforcement areas carry a $250 fine.

WHAT ARE THE RULES AT SPENCER GORGE?

Follow directional arrows on loop trails.

No drones are permitted.

Remain on marked trails.

Stay behind fences and barriers.

Pets are permitted, but must be leashed at all times.

Pack out what you pack in, do not litter.