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Evening

Golden Hour at Upper Shaver

A short walk to catch the last warm light on the falls, followed by a historic drink nearby.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 90 min

Timeline

  1. 16:24

    Scenic Woods Park

    Start at Scenic Woods Park. It is only a 19-minute walk from the anchor, making it the ideal warm-up spot. The park is open and quiet, giving you time to stretch your legs and head west toward the falls before the crowds arrive.

  2. 16:43

    Upper Shaver/Filman Waterfall

    Walk to Upper Shaver/Filman Waterfall. From Scenic Woods Park, the waterfall is about 29 minutes away to the west. Arrive here with roughly 25 minutes to spare. The sun is setting toward the WSW, casting a final golden glow on the 30-metre crest of Webster's Falls.

  3. 17:09

    Upper Shaver/Filman Waterfall

    Watch the sunset. The light fades quickly after 17:09. Take a moment to appreciate the geological formation of the Niagara Escarpment as the sky changes colour.

  4. 17:54

    The Coach and Lantern

    Head to The Coach and Lantern for a drink. This historic pub, dating from 1823, is located near Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum. It is a 6-minute walk from the museum, which itself is a 45-minute walk from the waterfall. The total walk back is manageable, and the warm interior offers a perfect end to the evening. Check the route, as the path is long.

Local tip

The walk from the waterfall to the pub is long. If you prefer a shorter return, consider checking transport options from the area. Scenic Woods Park is a much closer starting point than the museum area if you want to minimize walking distance before the main event.

Check before you go

  • The sun sets at 17:09 on 15 January. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
  • The walk from Upper Shaver/Filman Waterfall to The Coach and Lantern is substantial (over 50 minutes total). Plan for a long evening walk or check local transport.
  • Opening hours for The Coach and Lantern are not specified in the context. Verify they are open for evening drinks before you go.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Hamilton (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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