Devil's Punch Bowl

Devil’s Punchbowl is a ribbon waterfall 37 metres (121 feet) in height with a width of 3 metres (10 feet). The Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area is located in Stoney Creek and actually contains two separate falls. the Upper Falls is the classical shape, while the Lower is the ribbon type. Known at one time as Horseshoe Falls, it is the third highest waterfall in Hamilton.

The Devil’s Punchbowl does dry up every so often and has water flowing after rainfalls and during the winter snow melt. Often when water is flowing, it is a trickle- however, this is still an impressive sight, as this thin ribbon waterfall falls 37 metres before making contact with anything.
It is a beautiful area to picnc and explore especially from down below, the rock formations are really amazing.

This is one of the Niagara Escarpment’s most unforgettable sights, it consists of colorful layers of stratified rock. The Devil’s Punchbowl was formed at the end of the last Ice Age by melted ice, which rushed in torrents over the Stoney Creek Escarpment. A number of stories circulate as to how the Devil’s Punch Bowl got its name. One is that it was named for the pails of home brew which, at one time, was bootlegged in the surrounding woods. Another suggests that people who saw the beautiful sight as God’s work, knew that God would not want something named after himself, thus decided to name it after the devil instead. The punchbowl itself reflects the bowl-like shape of the rock formation.

A ten meter high steel cross also stands a top the conservation area. It was erected on Dec. 18, 1966 by a man named William Sinclair who died in 1994. He felt he could bring a little joy and light to the world by building the huge steel cross which has 106 light bulbs. Originally planned to celebrate just Christmas and Easter, the cross is lit up every night of the year since 1991.

There is a viewing platform that provides visitors with a stunning view of Hamilton Harbour, Burlington and on a clear day you can even see the CN Tower in Toronto.

Access is easy from the free parking lot on Ridge Road. The falls is less than 200 metres away and is wheelchair accessible. Getting to the lower falls is more difficult and is not wheelchair accessible.

To get down into the Devil's Punch Bowl, from the free parking lot on Ridge Road, walk towards the back of the lot and to the right where you will see blue side trail markers heading in a zig-zag pattern down the steep incline. The top half of the descent is quite steep, so if this is too intimidating take the Ridge Road Trail down instead. At the bottom of the escarpment, you will come across the main Bruce Trail. Turn left and follow this trail past the Lower Falls and into the Punch Bowl. This is an interesting area to explore as you look up at the high cliff walls surrounding you. Keep on the main trail as there are side trails that attempt to climb the cliff wall. One of these side paths rises steeply to within 6 feet of the rim.  The trail descends further aided by a set of steps downwards. When you arrive at an area with rail tracks to your right, turn left and take the blue side trail up a long sloping hill. Near the top keep left and you will emerge on Ridge Road. Turn left and walk along the side between the road and the escarpment. This will take you back towards the parking lot and past the fruit market and bakery. Turn into the observation area and examine the huge cross and the spectacular views. Return to the parking lot. The Punch Bowl Fruit Market and Bakery just down the road is worth stopping by for some homemade treats after your walk.