Sudbury 
It is incredible to think of how Ontario looked, and the forms of its landscapes, 10 000 or more years ago. At one point, for example, the Great Lakes were frozen masses of ice which eventually melted to form the freshwater lakes we know them as today. Areas close to but off the shores of the Great Lakes also saw immense glacial coverage, recession, and changes over time.
To the east of Lake Superior sits what was once a large glacial valley, but it was formed around 10,000 years ago. There are still remnants all across Ontario and areas east of Lake Superior that show incredible evidence of these natural occurrences from eons ago.
Witness the true power of glacial erosion at one of Ontario’s smaller but still impressive day-use parks with a stop at Potholes Provincial Park. This remote park, hidden off Highway 101 in the central region of Ontario, is an excellent place to learn about this rich natural history, as well as a scenic place for a nature walk or a picnic.
Discover the Potholes
The short trail out to the best views of the Kinniwabi River Potholes may still take an hour or two to complete. This is because across the <1km or so of trail will be dozens upon dozens of photos, viewing, and learning opportunities.
The trail has interpretive signage that offers insights into the formation and origin of the pothole formations, as well as the area’s wildlife, and the importance of the plants that grow on top of the rocks.
The park’s Potholes Trail, which begins from the parking lot and washrooms, leads through lush boreal forest before revealing the first of three major stops on the trail. Travel across rocky surfaces before reaching a boardwalk bridge over a waterfall. More of the forest greenery pops up around the rocky forest floor to add to the beautiful scenery.
Birding in the Boreal Forest
The forests that surround Highway ON-101, Potholes Provincial Park, and the Kinniwabi River, are home to 100s of different species of songbirds. These birds nest around the trees during the summer months, and could include various types of warblers, flycatchers, chickadees, Canada Jays, thrushes, or sparrows. Watch and listen for many other types of forest birds including woodpeckers or grouse, and larger birds like eagles, owls, loons, or gulls.
The boreal forest around Algoma County is also home to larger but more elusive wildlife like black bears, red foxes, and moose.
Picnics at Pothole Provincial Park
The parking lot has a small picnic area to offer visitors with tables under the shade and shelter of trees, and a set of vault toilets. Those travelling from the east on 101 will be able to stock up on picnic foods and drinks in the town of Chapleau, where there are a handful of local eateries and shops like the Chapleau Hub, La Bienvenue Restaurant and Pub, or Dominion Family Restaurant. Those arriving at the Potholes from the west have many options for picnic eats or sweets around Wawa. Find these local spots on Mission Road or Broadway Avenue.
Places to Stay around Algoma & The Potholes
Highway 101, which leads to Potholes Provincial Park from the east or west, cuts right through Algoma County in central Ontario. The region has a large and wonderful selection of accommodations with everything from camping and cabins to hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts.
- Enjoy simple and cozy cabins for any type of weekend adventure, with nearby options like Kamp Kinniwabi or Air-Dale Fishing & Hunting. There are a few more options to the northwest of the Potholes and around Hawk Lake, with cabins or lodge rooms at the Hidden River Lodge, or campsites and cabins with the Lakeside RV Resort.
- The city of Wawa, on the shores of the lake of the same name, is also close to the shores of Lake Superior. With this, the area provides numerous waterfront accommodation options within a 30-60 minute drive of Potholes Provincial Park.
Planning your trip – Potholes Provincial Park
What: The potholes of Ontario’s Potholes Provincial Park are along the Kinniwabi River near Highway 101. These unique geological features are the result of glacial erosion, which appears as “potholes” in the river. Some of the potholes or pools are small, while others are large enough to create small waterfalls. The park protects an area around the trail, with most of those parts not open or accessible to the public.
You can park just off Highway 101 to access the walking trail that follows the Kinniwabi River. There are privy toilets at the trailhead, but keep in mind there’s no potable water available in the park
Location and how to get there: 50km east of Wawa via ON-101; 36km west of Shoals Provincial Park; turn south from the highway (Map Location)
Best time to go: day use open Victoria Day Weekend to Late September – May 16, 2025 to September 21, 2025
How much: free
For more information:
