By Gord Bowes, News staff

Interest in the city’s 100-plus cascades continues to grow.

And this year will be the biggest yet for tourists coming to Hamilton to see those natural wonders, predicts the man behind the City of Waterfalls campaign.

“Over the winter months we have recorded over a 400-per-cent increase in the traffic on our website,” says Hamilton booster Chris Ecklund

Every year the Internet buzz grows and the number of people checking out the waterfalls increases. But the statistics suggest this will be the best summer yet, says Ecklund.

“We're going to have more tourists coming to Hamilton than we've ever seen in our history.”

Last week, Ecklund organized one of his regular picnics and walks at Albion Falls to take advantage of the warm weather. He said he talked to over a dozen people he had not met before.

Jason Adams of Ancaster brought his four children out after seeing a notice about it on Facebook

He first heard of the City of Waterfalls campaign after seeing the centrepiece motor coach adorned with photos of some of the falls.

“It’s a nice family outing,” he said of the walks. “It's a good way to get out and see the beauty of the city."

Vern Erickson, a hike leader with the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club, said it's a noble goal to change the image of Steeltown.

“It deserves the title,” he said. “There’s over a hundred waterfalls here — I’ve seen most of them.”

As the City of Waterfalls campaign gears up for another season, Ecklund is looking for volunteers. Anyone who is passionate about waterfalls, hiking, photographs or waterfall illuminations is invited to take part.

For more information, see www.cityofwaterfalls.ca.