Explore Kakabeka Falls
0.5 Miles
Chillin, Camping, Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
Take in spectacular views of Kakabeka Falls, which has been deemed "The Niagara of the North"; so nicknamed for being the second largest waterfall in Ontario. The park provides a short, easily accessible boardwalk surrounding the falls that gives way to many vantage points for photography. The falls are located within 20 miles of the city of Thunder Bay.
Located a short distance from the entrance of Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Kakabeka Falls plunges 131 feet over sheer cliffs and is part of the Kaministiquia River. The gorge in which the falls cascade over host some of the oldest fossils in existence. The area was used centuries ago by Voyaguers, in which they used the Kaministiquia River as a major route into the northwest.
The Boardwalk trail, which is accessible from the main parking lot within the park, gives way to stunning views of the falls from various points around the falls. The trail is very short (.5 mile) and provides viewing platforms on both sides of the falls.
There are several other hiking trails within the park to explore as well. The Mountain Portage Trail retraces part of the Voyaguers historic portage around Kakabeka Falls and provides wonderful views of the gorge, river and the falls. Just beyond the Mountain Portage Trail, take the Little Falls Trail to view Little Falls, or wander through the towering aspen forest on the Popular Point Trail.
If you wish to stay a day or two, the park also provides three campgrounds excellent for tenting and RV's. The small town of Kakabeka Falls is within minutes of the park, as well as Thunder Bay being only 20 miles away.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Reviews
Overall rating:
Worth seeing but keep it brief
In and of itself, Kakabeka Falls is stunning; it's hypnotizing to watch the water tumble across the rocks. Definitely worth seeing. Drawback is that it's pretty urban. Paved trail, railed viewing platforms, that kind of thing. More of a brief stop on a road trip than an adventure destination.
