Ancaster Sulphur Spring, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

## Overview The Ancaster Sulphur Spring is a historic natural mineral spring located along Sulphur Springs Road in the Ancaster area of Hamilton, Ontario, nestled within the scenic Niagara Escarpment. Managed by Ancaster Parks and Recreation, this sulphur spring carries a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. In 1800, a mineral spa was built at the Sulphur Springs Hotel, fed directly by this very spring. The hotel became a popular destination, drawing visitors who sought out the water's reputed curative properties. Unfortunately, two devastating fires led to the hotel's permanent closure in 1910. The ruins and surrounding landscape still echo that bygone era, and the nearby Hermitage ruins — a related heritage site — add to the area's historical atmosphere. For more on the fascinating local history, including tales of the Hermitage, visit [Haunted Hamilton's writeup on the Hermitage](http://www.hauntedhamilton.com/local_hermitage.html). The sulphur spring itself has a distinctive mineral smell and taste characteristic of sulphur-rich water. While the spring is **not designated as a drinking water source**, some visitors do sample it. A separate drinking water source — the Ancaster Wells — is located a short drive further up Sulphur Springs Road at 1109 Sulphur Springs Road. The Ancaster Wells consist of two continuously flowing spouts, reported to draw from two different underground sources. Visitors have noted that one spout has water quality information posted on its side. Glass bottles are strongly recommended for collecting water, as the sulphur content has been reported to corrode other materials over time. ## Directions The spring is located in the conservation area along Sulphur Springs Road, accessible from the Ancaster neighbourhood above the Hamilton escarpment. 1. **From the QEW:** Exit at Hamilton 403 and follow the LINC (Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway) route up the mountain. 2. **Take the Fiddler's Green Road exit** (signposted). Continue for approximately two blocks until Fiddler's Green Road ends at a T-intersection. 3. **Turn right**, then **immediately turn left onto Lover's Lane**. Continue straight as the road transitions into Sulphur Springs Road. 4. You are now driving through the conservation region, with access to the **Bruce Trail** for hiking. On your right, you'll pass a **trail parking area** and a **small heritage museum** (there is also an outhouse here). 5. **Just past the museum, turn right** to continue on Sulphur Springs Road. 6. Follow the dirt road uphill. At the **top of the hill**, you'll find the **Ancaster Sulphur Spring** — recognizable by its distinctive sulphur smell. The stream around it is lined with jewelweed. 7. To reach the **Ancaster Wells** (the drinking water source), continue uphill past the sulphur spring and down another hill. Look for a **small rectangular building** with parking for about five cars, a driveway, and a streetlight — the only one for miles around. Two spouts flow continuously here. **Nearest address for GPS navigation:** 820 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, ON. The Ancaster Wells are located near 1109 Sulphur Springs Road. ## What to Expect The Ancaster Sulphur Spring is accessible year-round and is always open. The spring flows continuously, and the surrounding area is lush with vegetation, including abundant jewelweed along the stream. Wildlife is commonly spotted — visitors have reported seeing birds drinking directly from the spring. The setting is deeply scenic, situated within the Niagara Escarpment conservation lands with direct access to the famous **Bruce Trail**, one of Canada's premier long-distance hiking paths. The nearby heritage museum provides historical context, and the area's forested landscape makes for a peaceful visit in any season. At the **Ancaster Wells** further up the road, two spouts flow from what are believed to be two separate underground sources. One spout has posted water quality information. Visitors have historically collected water here and reported positive experiences — one contributor noted the water revived struggling houseplants and improved sprouting times for mung beans. That said, as with any natural water source, the water has not been independently verified as safe for consumption. **Tips for your visit:** - **Bring glass bottles** for water collection. The sulphur content has been reported to degrade plastic and other materials. - Parking at the sulphur spring area is limited; the Ancaster Wells site has space for roughly five vehicles. - The Bruce Trail trailhead and heritage museum are worth a stop if you have extra time. - The area is remote with minimal lighting — the streetlight at the Ancaster Wells is the only one for a considerable distance.