Visit Kakabeka Falls Outside Thunder Bay In The Fall
On our road trip home from Vancouver to Toronto, we were happy we enjoyed some time at the Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay in Ontario. The thundering falls were stunning from several different vantage points. And we learned many reasons to return to Kakabeka Falls one day.
A Road Trip Stop At The Falls
On our road trip from Toronto to Vancouver across Canada, we planned a stop in Thunder Bay. When we planned the drive, we put many waterfalls as stopping points on our map. We definitely had Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park on our plans to visit when we reached Thunder Bay.
We visited the highest waterfalls in Ontario at Niagara Falls in Canada many times. And we visited the highest waterfall in Quebec at Montmorency Falls. When we learned Kakabeka Falls were the second highest waterfalls open year-round in Ontario, we knew we had to add these waterfalls to our list of waterfalls in Northern Ontario. It was nicknamed “the Niagara of the North”.
On the trip west, we only had one night in Thunder Bay. When we headed out in the morning en-route to our stay in Winnipeg, we forgot to check for local stops in the area. We were about an hour outside of Thunder Bay when we looked and discovered that Kakabeka Falls was behind us. So we planned to stop on our road trip back to Toronto later in the fall.
On our return trip from the west coast, we raced the bad weather from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay. We arrived at the turnoff to Kakabeka Falls on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 11/17) with the snowstorm still behind us. We were only about 32km (20 miles) west of Thunder Bay. So we did not pass on a quick stop at Kakabeka Falls.
Visiting The Empty Park
It was mid-week and a storm approached. So we were not surprised when the parking lot empty was empty. It was a good thing we found a parking machine and paid our entrance fee. We saw no staff on the site when we visited.
We walked to the park map and determined the route to the falls. But we soon found that many of the paths were closed for the season.
The Kakabeka Falls have not been commercialized. We found the Visitors Centre with the Ontario Parks Store that sold a few souvenirs. But that was closed too. This meant the Natural Heritage Education Program was not operating the interpretive programs delivered by a Naturalist.
It was great to visit the Kakabeka Falls with no crowds. But our visit was a reminder that not all facilities were open year round at Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay.
First View Of Kakabeka Falls Outside Thunder Bay
From the parking lot we found the Boardwalk Trail. This easy trail was short, flat and wheelchair accessible. We headed to the observation deck for our first view of the stunning Kakabeka Falls. The name “Kakabeka” came from the Ojibwe word gakaabikaa or “waterfall over a cliff”.
We were delighted with our first view as the falls thundered down 40 metres (120 feet). We moved a few times to get views of the different waterfalls. And slowed down the flows with our cameras.
From this side we got a view down into the gorge. The Kaministiquia River cut this gorge through the rock layers almost 2 billion years ago.
Our first view of the Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay were stunning.
Views Across The Pedestrian Bridge
From the Boardwalk Trail we crossed the pedestrian bridge. We got a view out over the falls. And back up the Kaministiquia River.
We found a wooden boardwalk on the other side. But much of it was closed at this time of year. But at points we looked out and got another perspective on the Kakabeka Falls. We saw the viewpoint we started on. And got a great look at the sides of the rocky gorge.
We walked along the trees on our way back to the pedestrian bridge and got a close-up view of Kakabeka Falls from the side. The face of the falls and gorge were composed primarily of unstable shale which continued to erode. From this side we got a much closer view of this rock structure.
We were happy we got another perspective view on the Kakabeka Falls. It was great that we found the falls running with force in the Fall. But we imagined a visit after the Spring thaw would give us a more spectacular view. A great reason to head back to the Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay.
Plan To Do Some Hiking
We needed to move on before the storm caught up with us. But we were interested to discover that the park had about 18km (11 miles) of hiking paths.
The Mountain Portage Trail started near the Visitors Centre. The 1.25km trail was even wheelchair accessible. So an easy hike for most people. The trail provided views of the river and gorge below. It was part of the portage trail early travellers used to bypass Kakabeka Falls. The Little Falls Trail branched off from the Mountain Portage Trail. This 2.5km trail look looked a bit more difficult. There was a steep descent into the gorge below.
In the winter there were also groomed cross-country ski trails available. There were three loop trails – Beaver Meadows (4.5km), Poplar Point Trail (4 km) and River Terrace (3.5 km).
Hiking and cross-country skiing were great reasons to head back to Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay for another visit one day. If we were campers, there were even camp sites available!
A Fun Stop At Kakabeka Falls Outside Thunder Bay
We headed back to the car and arrived in Thunder Bay before the storm hit. We were glad we planned 2 nights in Thunder Bay while we waited out the storm on our return road trip from Vancouver to Toronto. And we were delighted we managed to spend some time at Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay.
We enjoyed our first view of the falls. But know there are many reasons to head back again.
Have you visited Kakabeka Falls outside Thunder Bay? What was your favourite viewpoint?
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I’m curious if those falls freeze during the winter. I remember going on a field trip in highschool to someplace upstate NY. I remember there were small falls that froze. They were really pretty with hints of blue and pink in the ice.
We have not been to these falls in the winter. But we have been to waterfalls closer to home that did freeze in the winter. Very cool to see the frozen waters.
So beautiful! I love all the information about the falls. I would love a road trip through this part of the world. Waterfalls are so magical!
We were so glad we got to visit Kakabeka Falls. A real treat in this part of Ontario.
These falls looks fabulous. I’d love to visit and hear them roar! How natural and wild – love it.
We definitely heard the waterfalls roar. Great to visit when it was very quiet so we could enjoy the nature.
We do the same thing; Plan road trips with as many waterfall stops as we can find along the way! It is a great way to explore in Canada isn’t it!?
Kakabeka Falls looks incredible! I love that you got to see different views of it. It is pretty amazing that you had the facilities all to yourselves (although I can see why you’d want to go back when more trails are open!)
It was indeed great that we had Kakabeka Falls to ourself on this trip. It let us explore at a nice slow pace. We missed this stop on our road trip out to BC. So we were really happy we stopped on the way back.
Kakabeka Falls really look amazing! I love these cascade style waterfalls. I would try to take advantage of the 18 km of hiking trails through the park.
We definitely want to go back in better weather and explore the hiking paths.
The Falls look magnificent. You are so lucky to visit them when not many people are around. Hiking around the area would be beautiful too.
We were so glad we made it to Kakabeka Falls and explored before the weather hit.
Oh what a sight! I’ve been to TB several times for work, but never ventured outside the city and really wish I had. This park and falls is spectacular- at any season I can imagine it would look incredible. The best part is, I know how “quiet” these hidden gems are in northern Ontario and not overrun with tourists, just like this one. Great find Linda!
We were glad we tried a second time to visit Kakabeka Falls. Well worth a trip outside of Thunder Bay.
I have never heard of this place before. Being a person who loves outdoors especially hiking, I really liked this place and the pictures you have posted. Looks like it is a hidden gem devoid of crowd, at least that is what I understand from these pictures
Kakabeka Falls were definitely a great spot to enjoy without crowds. A benefit of visiting off season in Northern Ontario.
Different season offers a different view and feel. We definitely gotta visit one place more than one time which I wish I could. Haha.. I enjoy going to the waterfall, too! And reading your article reminds me that I have been so long never visited one. I should plan for one soon!
We do indeed loving visiting in more than one season. Good to catch the Kakabeka Falls on our visit to Thunder Bay.
Wow this looks stunning. It’s easy to forget how much water shapes our lansdcape and being reminded of it when you get to the cascading waterfalls you can see how stunning and powerful it is. I didn’t know the Kaministiquia river was there 2 billion years ago. If rivers could talk…
Nature is certainly an amazing way to get a glimpse of history and how time changes the world we live in.
We love waterfalls and go chasing them on every trip. Kakabeka falls sounds awesome – the fact that it is not commercialised and so lesser crowds is actually good news. Your images have captured the best of the falls from different perspectives. It is good to know there are several hiking trails in this location. I am heading here the next time we are near this area in Canada. 🙂
I hope you do get to visit Kakabeka Falls. It was great to explore the whole site with little people.
It’s cool that you were still able to see the Kakabeka Falls despite most of the areas are closed. It looks really beautiful. You did wonderful shots and love the one with the stairs/bridge. We look forward to visiting them too if we have the chance to be in the area.
We were glad we got to the Kakabeka Falls before the weather hit. A lovely spot to explore.
It is interesting to know that Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario, and learning other facts about it. The waterfall looks amazing and thunderous. It sounds like a destination that I would enjoy with a little bit of hike. It is funny how they called the empty park with that name.
We definitely want to go back and try some of the hikes in the area.
I can see why you wanted to go back and check the falls out–they’re beautiful! It looks lovely even though you didn’t have the nicest weather. Now you’ll have to go back and do some of the hikes!
We will certainly head back to Kakabeka Falls for a return visit.
I literally just got home last week from Ontario and am so bummed I didn’t know about these falls before hand! This look amazing and I will definitely use it as an excuse to go back! Thanks for sharing!
So sorry you missed Kakabeka Falls when you visited Ontario. Hope you enjoyed all the rest you saw. A great reason to go back.
It’s so nice when there are no other people around. I found a similar waterfalls closed when I visited out of season in Slovenia, but I still went and had an incredible experience being there on my own. Kakabeka Falls looks so beautiful, and I like that you got to see it from so many different angles. If I would ever get there I will make sure to do some hiking in the area as well, it’s great that there are plenty of trails around, for each fitness level.
It was great that the paths on both sides were open. Loved wandering on both sides for different perspectives.
The Falls are awesome. You and your husband captured them beautifully.
It was great to visit when we got such amazing views of the falls.
The falls look incredible. Funny how you really only hear about Niagara in Canada when there is so many more options. I love that these amazing falls aren’t crowded. Thank you so much for sharing. Would love to go hiking here one day!
We did not really know about these falls when we headed north in Ontario. A great discovery for us!
We hope to make the drive the other way (from Vancouver to Ontario) when my husband retires. We will have to add this stop to our road trip!
You can check out our route from Toronto to Vancouver that has posted. We did much the same route when we travelled back from Vancouver to Toronto. Great stops along the way.
Looks like a great place, especially for photographers. You were right to try different shutter speeds – I don’t think there is a single ‘correct’ speed for moving water, you have to try them all. For me, the best of these is the one above where you wrote ‘From this side we got a view down into the gorge.’ But on another day, with different water flow or light, it would probably be different again. That’s just personal preference. It looks like you made the most of it.
We shot hundreds of photos so it was hard to choose the ones to post. But great discoveries from both sides of the falls.
A road trip from Vancouver to Toronto seems pretty exciting as it’s a long way, so stops for a rest, stretching legs, and admiring nature are great ideas. It’s great to know that Kakabeka Falls has not been commercialized, and there were no crowds during your visit. I like the meaning of the name “waterfall over a cliff.” I also like the view of the gorge; it’s pretty impressive and photogenic. Also, the Kaministiquia River looks exciting; I think it must look stunning in the fall. It’s great that there are 11 miles of hiking paths. It’s the perfect idea for a day or weekend trip.
We love to find interesting stops when we do road trips. We really wanted to stop at Kakabeka Falls and were glad we successfully raced the weather to get there. Much to explore when we get back to that area again.
My Canada file is getting really full! Adding this one…thanks as always!
Always glad to add new Canada spots to your list.
Love find places like this on road trips. These falls look rather impressive – added to my Canada road trip bucket list.
It is always great finding waterfalls in our travels.
I had never heard of these falls but would definitely add them to my itinerary for a road trip like this. They look spectacular. It’s a shame you couldn’t explore further due to the imminent storms but with all those hiking trails, it looks like one for the list next time (3rd time lucky!)
We definitely loved the stop at Kakabeka Falls and will head back when we have more time to explore.
This is nature at its best! I’ve pinned it for future reference as I’d love to visit someday!
A great discovery and much less touristy. I am sure you would love visiting.
Falls look stunning..and I love that they have such stable wooden paths and pathways
It was a great first visit to Kakabeka Falls in the Autumn.
Canada has the most beautiful waterfalls! Thanks for sharing this one with us!
We sure do love chasing waterfalls on our travels in Canada.
I have never been to Vancouver or Ontario. Kakabeka falls looks stunning and the empty park is sooo beautiful. Would love to visit one day.
I hope you do get to visit Canada one day and can explore the different part of this country. So many great stops when you head out on road trips.
I loved that you had the park to yourself! I can almost hear the roar of Kakabeka Falls when I look at the picture – what an incredible natural scene. And, the view from across the boardwalk is such a stark contrast, being so placid and still. To think this gorge was cut almost 2 billion years ago by the Kaministiquia River is just mind-blowing! Hope to visit here sometime and see this beauty for myself.
We love when we get to see waterfalls from different spots. And have them to ourselves to enjoy!
You go to so many places in Canada that I never heard about! I need to cross the border more often!
I hope you do get to visit Canada more often. Much to see in the great outdoors.
I’m from Ontario and have never heard of these falls! I need to explore the Thunder Bay area more when I return back home.
I hope you do get to see the Kakabeka Falls. They were so much better than I expected. And I had not heard of them either until we got close to planning for Thunder Bay.