General Information

The Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby offers some spectacular waterfalls for you to enjoy creating perfect photo opportunities. One of these is the 45 feet Upper Falls It is also the perfect place to go hawk watching in the spring, due to the strong updrafts of warmer air of the escarpment. It is famous for its migration of raptors. 

Beamer Upper Falls is a ramp waterfall in the shape of a fan with water flowing from the Forty Mile Creek. Water cascades down hundreds of thin rock layers consistently. It is a perfect waterfall to visit at any time, with little micro falls occurring even during low flows due to the river being spread out. It can be viewed from above around the top of the gorge, or by following a trail to the base of the waterfall.

Caution: There are no hand-rails around the side of the gorge therefore you must be careful. The gorge has a steep drop and therefore an accidental fall could result in a serious injury or death. The area around the falls may be slippery and wet therefore take care when walking around.

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Hours of Operation

Open Year-Round    8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Directions

From Toronto: 

QEW exit 71, Grimsby (Christie Street)

South on Christie Street towards Escarpment. At downtown traffic lights, Christie Street becomes Mountain Street

Mountain Street South to top of the Escarpment

Right (west) on Ridge Road West and keep right to stay on this road

Right (north) on Quarry Road and drive until you see a sign for Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

From Fort Erie / Buffalo:

QEW exit 71, Grimsby (Christie Street)

South on Christie Street towards Escarpment. At downtown traffic lights, Christie Street becomes Mountain Street

Mountain Street South to top of the Escarpment

Right (west) on Ridge Road West and keep right to stay on this road

Right (north) on Quarry Road and drive until you see a sign for Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

There are three parking areas: one on right side of the road before you cross the bridge over the creek –where you can see both falls easily and get up close to Upper Falls. The Official parking area is across from the bridge, or you can carry on along Quarry Road for 100 metres to the entrance of Beamer Memorial Conservation Area on your right.

Historical

The waterfalls formed after the creation of the Niagara Escarpment 450 million years ago. Sediments from a tropical sea bed compressed into the rocks limstone and shale. Through progressive glacial action, water flow and the elements the shale began to weather causing dramatic land formations.

Beamer Falls was created after glacial ice sheets advanced and retreated carving a deep channel into sedimentary rock. Approximately 13,000 years ago spring melt water from the glacier eroded the channel causing the deep gorge and therefore the Beamer Falls to develop.

Ecological

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in which Upper Beamer Falls is located is made up of 53 hectres of escarpment land and mature wood lot.

Many tree species can be found around the Falls. These include oaks, hickories, maples, hemlocks, white cedar, sugar maple and ash. There is also an abandoned quarry in the area, providing a home for many am

Between March 1 and May 1 each year birds of prey such as hawks, eagles and falcons migrate to the area. This is due to the area’s topography, which allows for perfect raptor gliding: Strong warm updrafts develop off of Lake Ontario and impact the escarpment cliffs. These are combined with Ethermals from nearby wind farms. Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures are often spotted each year.

The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch are a group of birdwatchers that monitor the annual spring migration each year. Since 1990, they have aimed to educate people on hawks and their migration and to promote the enjoyment of hawkwatching, as well as to preserve raptors in the Ontario Region.

On Good Friday of each year, an Open House is held in which the public can learn more about the migration taking place in the park. 

Recreational

After viewing the waterfalls explore the rest of the conservation area. Hikers, joggers and walkers can follow one of the many trails including the Bruce Trail.

The Lookout Trail provides three wheelchair accessible viewing platforms for visitors to take in the stunning views of the Forty Mile Creek Valley, the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. A picnic area is available so bring your lunch and make a day of it.

If you visit during the spring, do not forget your binoculars and watch for birds of prey during the annual migration. Hawks, eagle and falcons are often spotted during this time.

Adjacent Land Uses

The Town of Grimsby is located at the bottom of the Escarpment, 300 feet below.

Further Information

Accessible Niagara lists Upper Beamer Falls in its Outdoor activities/sports page.

Go Waterfalling Upper Beamer Falls

Ontario Trails Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Trail

Online Niagara Beamer Conservation

This page was prepared by Rachel Marsh in December 2009.  The photo of Upper Beamer Falls was submitted by David McBride in January 2012.