15+ Waterfalls to Visit in and Around Ottawa

Ottawa is surrounded by some of Ontario’s most stunning waterfalls.

Although most of the province’s famous falls are located in the south, there are still some worthwhile waterfalls to visit on a journey into nature, such as the notable Rideau Falls and the beautiful Chutes Coulonge.

Rideau Falls

The Rideau Falls, located in Rideau Falls Park, are two powerful and significant waterfalls situated in the Ottawa area, with a history of usage dating back to the 1800s. It is surrounded by some of the province’s most notable landmarks. Parking is available at the park.

Address: 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa (Directions)
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Prince of Wales Falls/ Hogs Back Falls

Also known as the Hog’s Back Falls, these beautiful urban waterfalls are downstream from a peaceful lake and city park. Although artificially made, they certainly complement the Rideau River. Parking available at Hog’s Back Park.

Address: 600 Hogs Back Rd, Ottawa (Directions)
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Princess Louise Falls

Princess Louise Falls is part of a river system surrounded by much-loved walking trails. It is definitely one of Orleans’ best-kept nature secrets, and is a perfect spot if you’re looking for peace and serenity.
Address: St Joseph Blvd, Ottawa (Directions)

Kingston Mills ( Cataraqui) Falls

This cascading waterfall, located on the Cataraqui River, is largely beautiful, the water tumbling over igneous rocks and ranging in speed depending on the season. It is located just outside the former Capital – Kingston, and is close to the Kingston Mills Locks on the Rideau Canal. Go for a walking tour and discover the history of the locks.
Address: 513 Kingston Mills Rd, Kingston (Directions)
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Fourth Chute Falls

This little wonder is located right by the famous Bonnechere Caves. With trails, flat rocks, and plenty of space to marvel at the area, Fourth Chute Falls is ideal for photographers and hikers.

Address: North Algona Wilberforce (Directions)
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Luskville Falls

Flowing over the Eardley Escarpment is the Luskville Falls, an amazing natural habitat for flora and fauna in Gatineau Park. There is a trail that leads up the escarpment for some incredible views.
Address: Pontiac (Directions)
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Second Chute

Second Chute Falls is a long cascade located below a dam. It is known for being dry most of the year, but its interesting bedrock channel is often explored along with its surroundings that include the historic McDougall Mill.
Address: Bonnechere River, Renfrew, Renfrew County (Directions)

Chutes Coulonge

The Chutes Coulonge is right by the Parc des Chutes Coulonge, a recreation park and historical exhibition area where you can enjoy history, culture, and the great outdoors. The area is intensely beautiful, and has a creek and plenty of greenery.
Address: 100 Promenade Du-Parc-des-Chutes, Mansfield-et-Pontefract (Directions)
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Chutes de Plaisance

The Chutes de Plaisance is set on a historic site, and is complete for a family outing with a scenic lookout, observation areas, and a hiking trail. The falls were important to the 19th century North Nation Mills village, and have a 63-metre vertical drop!
Address: 100 Malo Rd, Plaisance (Quebec) (Directions)
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Foresters Falls

Foresters Falls is hidden away in a quaint and rugged place northeast of Cobden. The waterfall located on McNaughton’s Creek was the reason the Foresters Falls area was developed in the 1840s.
Address: McNaughton’s Creek, Forester Falls (Directions)
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Grants Creek Falls

Grants Creek Falls encompasses a couple of waterfalls found along a canoe route along a creek in Grant’s Creek Provincial Park. Around the falls, you’ll find plenty of wildlife and a chance to swim.
Address: Grant’s Creek Provincial Park (Directions)
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Appleton Rapids

Right in the heart of the settlement of Appleton are wide cascading rapids that are popular for fishing. This relaxed setting is rural and quiet, perfect for a quick stroll.
Address: Mississippi Mills (Directions)
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Bonnechere Falls (First Chute)

The Bonnechere Falls is a stunning, rugged waterfall that is highly accessible. This section of the river contains the First Chute Waterfall, a 10m high waterfall that falls down a gorge at a 45-degree angle.
Address: 2318 Thomson Rd, Horton (Directions)
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Chaudiere Falls

The Chaudiere Falls are likely the most famous set of cascades and waterfalls in the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area. From here, you can experience the views of the Ottawa River and spend time at a historically significant site.
Address: 4 Booth Street, Ottawa (Directions)
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Meech Creek Ruins & Falls

Located in Gatineau Park, you can see Meech Creek tumbling down the valley – a remainder of the old dam/generator station beside the ruins of an old fertilizer plant. Hike a 3.25-kilometre round-trip trail from  O’Brien Beach to get to Carbide Willson Ruins and Falls.

Address: O’Brien,  Chemin du Lac-Meech (Directions)

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Pakenham Falls

The Pakenham Falls are not exactly a waterfall, but rather a tumble of the Mississippi River across sedimentary bedrock and limestone. The surroundings are highly significant, as you’ll find a 1900s 5-span masonry bridge upstream from the falls.
Address: 2465 Kinburn Side Rd, Pakenham (Directions)

Blakeney Rapids

Blakeney Rapids is another waterfall located in the Mississippi Mills area, and passes by a pleasant network of footbridges and trails that allow visitors to get a close look at the waterfall and its surroundings.

Address: Almonte (Directions)
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Grand Falls

Right in the centre of Almonte, you’ll find the indescribable Grand Falls, another must-stop on the Mississippi River. The top of the falls is formed artificially, but it doesn’t take away from the wonderful old-time feel of the atmosphere.
Address: Mississippi River, Almonte, Lanark County (Directions)

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