Thunder Bay, Ontario, is 18.64 miles (30 kilometres) west of Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge includes Kakabeka, Ontario. The Kaministiquia River slashes and feeds over the 40-meter-high rock wall, revealing 1.6-billion-year-old fossils.
Kakabeka Falls, sometimes known as the Niagara of the North, is Ontario’s second-largest waterfall. From the boardwalk, you can see the falls and the gorge. There are several amenities to utilize and enjoy at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.
The waterfall may also hold the distinction of being the largest waterfall that empties into Lake Superior. As a result, Kakabeka Falls has been dubbed the “Niagara of the North,” especially because its volume and size surpassed other high-volume Canadian waterfalls (e.g. the Chute Montmorency in Quebec).
Beautiful designated routes, ranging in difficulty, are available at Kakabeka Falls. Take one of the many trails for a walk, jog, or bike ride. Keep your eyes and ears out for one of the many birds found in the region while out on the trails. When they forage for salmon, Bald Eagles are common around the gorge of the falls.
Take a plunge at the Kaministiquia River’s little sandy beach, located upstream from the falls. The swimming area and the gradual drop off are designated with buoys. Listen for the Black Cap Chickadee and see if you can hear any songbirds.
This park preserves geological, cultural, and natural assets in addition to the stunning water show. Some of the oldest fossils in the world may be found in the rocks at the waterfall’s base and along the gorge, dating back 1.6 billion years!
The spawning ground for the endangered Lake Sturgeon, Canada’s largest freshwater fish, is at the waterfall’s base. You can get a bird’s-eye view of the falls from the promenade that wraps around the top of the falls, whether you’re touring the park on foot or cross-country skiing. It’s a great area to pause and snap some fantastic photos.
After a day of swimming and trekking, return to one of the pleasant campgrounds suitable for both vehicle and group camping. Enjoy Kakabeka Falls’ views and noises.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park In Ontario.
The Ojibwa were the first to see the falls. In Ojibway, “Kakabeka” means “thundering waters” or “sheer cliff.”
Glaciers carved the gorge of Kakabeka Falls 8000 years ago, during the Precambrian period. The 2nd largest waterfall in Ontario, Kakabeka Falls, is located in Thunder Bay and is accessible all year.
Along the falls, there are boardwalks and viewing platforms where you may take in the breathtaking views of the Kaministiquia River. At the bottom of the falls, the Kaministiquia River has carved deep into the rocks, revealing 1.6 million-year-old fossils!
Around these lovely falls, there are many activities to partake in. Whispering Hills, Riverside, and Fern’s Edge are all great places to camp. You may enjoy all of the activities in the region, whether you are camping for the night or sightseeing for the day.
Bring your bikes and ride along the 4km Poplar Point route; while there are no trails expressly designed for riding, most roads leading are paved for touring.
Why you should visit Kakabeka falls
Easy to get to
Kakabeka Falls, like many other waterfalls in Northwest Ontario, is readily available. It is, in reality, located directly off Highway 11/17. You get out of your car, park, and the first vista of the waterfalls is just 100 feet (or less!) away.
Thunder Bay is only 32 kilometres (20 miles) west of Kakabeka Falls.
The falls are not for profit.
Kakabeka Falls is in a wilderness environment because it is located within the Provincial Park. The few souvenirs available in the Ontario Parks Shop in the Viewing Platform are the closest to commercialization. On both sides of the Kaministiquia River, boardwalks and observation platforms provide magnificent views.
The Natural Heritage Education Program focuses on the Visitor Centre, where you can get park information, participate in informative programs, and chat with a Forester during the summer months.
You can watch the waterfalls from a viewing platform, but you can also see the gorge across the river. The Kam River has carved a gorge through the rock layers, exposing 2 billion-year-old spirits and stories.
Falls Trail and observation platforms are both easily accessible.
The Boardwalk Trail starts at the parking lot and goes around the falls. From the pedestrian bridge, the view is breathtaking. There are viewing stations throughout the trail that is wheelchair accessible.
The Mountain Portage Walk is a 1.25-kilometer trail near the Visitor Center and partially follows the portage that early travellers took to pass around Kakabeka Falls.
The falls, gorge, and river can all be seen from the hike. The trail is gravel, but it is flat and wide, so pushing a stroller should be easy if you have small children.
The Mountain Portage Trail separates into two trails: Little Falls and Mountain Portage. The walk follows a creek to a lesser waterfall before meandering along the riverbank.
The falls can be seen from a number of viewpoints.
The falls can be seen from various locations thanks to the boardwalks and viewing platforms. The first viewing decks after crossing the bridge are favourite spots to see the falls.
You can see the water as it approaches the cliff’s brink. This site is a little rockier, with greater rock diversity. Further ahead, you could see the waterfalls and gorges loop around each other simultaneously.
It’s a steal!
You can see the waterfalls, Ontario’s second-highest waterfalls, open all year for a few dollars an hour. The waterfall may be readily toured with about an hour of parking. I’m not sure whether there are any additional gorgeous and economic attractions.
If you want to remain longer than a day at the falls, the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park provides a campground. You can reserve a campground by calling 1-888-668-7275 or by going online. There’s no need to make a reservation if you see the waterfalls; pull in and receive a parking pass.
Plan a visit to Kakabeka Falls the next time you’re near Thunder Bay on the Trans-Canada Highway; it’s a spectacular sight. You can also have a picnic, use the restroom, and stretch your legs in the park.
Kakabeka Falls Hiking
When you head out on one of the nature trails around Kakabeka Falls, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the picturesque views and stunning landscape. The falls will be visible from viewing platforms along the road, and guests will be able to take photos to remember their visit.
The 750-meter Boardwalk Trail is easily accessible from the main parking area. It’s a short walk, wheelchair accessible, and the pedestrian bridge provides fantastic views of the falls from both sides of the river.
The Mountain Portage Trail, which is also wheelchair accessible, is 1.25 kilometers long and is classed as easy.
The Little Falls Trail is a 2.5-kilometer loop rated intermediate to strenuous. It splits from Mountain Portage Trail and descends steeply into the gorge below.
Poplar Point Trail, as well as the linked Beaver Meadows and River Terrace Paths, are intermediate loop trails that allow winter visitors to explore the area on cross-country skis.
Poplar Point Trail is 4 kilometres long, while Beaver Meadows and River Terrace are 4.5 kilometres and 3.5 kilometres long.
Kakabeka Falls Camping
Several campgrounds in the region offer various sorts of camping if you have more time to visit Kakabeka Falls and are seeking places to camp.
Electrical hookups and pull-through campsites are available at Whispering Hills Campground. Laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers are all available. The sanitation trailer station is placed near the campground’s entryway.
Nature walks and river swimming are available to campers. Popular Point Trail, maintained for cross-country skiing and is a winter sports destination, is also close to the campground.
Riverside and Fern’s Edge Campgrounds include more modest camping options and some trailer pull-through sites. Pleasure stations and restrooms are available at these campsites.
The campgrounds at Kakabeka Falls are seasonal, so prepare ahead if you want to travel during the off-season, usually from May to October.
Is There Anything Else To Do?
Kakabeka Falls tourists can enjoy gorgeous nature treks, breathtaking views of the falls, and wildlife watching. If you’re looking for a place to stay for a few days in the area, Thunder Bay has a number of fantastic options.
Fort William Historical Park is one of North America’s largest living-history sites. Visitors can learn about life in Fort William during the fur trade 200 years ago through informative displays and activities.
This is all we have for you on Kakabeka Falls. Falls like Kakabeka is best enjoyed with your own eyes, one cannot describe its beauty in words. So, plan a trip and visit the falls as soon as possible.
Have fun!
