Sudbury 
One of Ontario’s most stunning natural attractions is only a 20-minute drive from Thunder Bay! Many consider Niagara Falls to be the top natural attraction to see in Ontario. However, this province is massive; Ontario is filled with hundreds more natural attractions, including more raging and tall waterfalls.
© Destination Ontario
Kakabeka Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Ontario, is a result of the Kaministiquia River carving its way through the rocks over one million years and counting. Aside from creating beautiful fall views and a lovely setting for a fall camping trip, the Kakabeka Falls is also a naturally and culturally significant area.
This is a year-round day park for day use visitors, enabling views of the falls with snow-covered trees and frozen ponds around the falls. Popular winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (groomed trails).
Please note that fishing is not permitted in the Provincial Park. And that comes from the waterfall and river’s natural significance: endangered lake sturgeon use the areas at the base of the falls as their annual spawning grounds.
Getting to Kakabeka Falls & More Hiking Trails
It is possible to see this enormous waterfall from the top of the falls, right before the drop, and from the bottom of the falls. Kakabeka Falls are surrounded by lush mixed forests to help create a beautiful backdrop for the fall season.
- The Boardwalk Trail runs over the river from the Park Office to the Riverside Campground. From here, view the power of Kakabeka Falls and the Kaministiquia River before it plunges 40m down over the rocks. The Village Trail connects to the Boardwalk Trail and leads to viewing platforms that are at the height of the top of the waterfall.
- A second trail leads further down the waterfall from the Visitor’s Centre and Park Store/Gift Shop. The Mountain Portage creates a 1.1km loop to provide more stunning views of Kakabeka Falls.
- Hike about 0.5km on the Mountain Portage Trail to reach the Little Falls Trail. This will add a 2.5km loop to the hike and lead to the Little Kakabeka Falls.
- Along the trails are the sounds of several types of songbirds. The Provincial Park is a birding hot spot and will offer up many opportunities to see larger birds like bald eagles during the fall season.
Riverside Camping
While only one of the three campgrounds at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Parks is dubbed the Riverside Campground, each of the three is a short walk from the river and waterfall.
- The Riverside Campground is of course the closest among the three to the Kaministiquia River and Kakabeka Falls. It is closely connected to Fern’s Edge Campground. Both are more rustic campgrounds with no services at the site.
- For electrical hookup, camp with the Whispering Hills campground, also the only to offer barrier-free comfort stations.
Picnic by the Beach
At the top of the falls and further along the Kaministiquia River is a small beach and picnic area. During the fall, this beach is a perfect picnic setting with sheltered areas and tables. Reach the area via the Hydro Dam Road. The area also offers a pet exercise space for dogs to run and roam off-leash. Grab all your picnic essentials from the Provincial Park store, the local Farmers’ Market, or the handful of restaurants in the Village. The beach is open in the summers for swimming with a marked swimming area and buoys.
- Kakabeka Falls offers a little bit of everything when it comes to local dining options. Choose between sweets and coffee drinks from Metropolitan Moose Beanery & Café, sit down at the Eddy Restaurant, or have a patio drink at the Stanley Tavern.
- Find the freshest picnic foods from the local Kakabeka Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday until the end of September.
Cycle the Park & Poplar Point Trail
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park’s Poplar Point trails is the only one which permits cycling. It is a 4km loop, while cyclists can also enjoy the paved park roads for a fall ride. Cycling among the park’s three campgrounds, around Kakabeka Village, and up to the Provincial Park beach is an excellent way to enjoy the colourful fall scenery! The Poplar Point loop encompasses the Whispering Hills Campground and connects to
Planning your Trip – Kakabeka Falls
Credit: Thomson/© Destination Ontario
What: Kakabeka Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Ontario, next to Niagara, and stands 40m tall on the Kaministiquia River. The Provincial Park covers land on both sides of the river, with trails connecting all parts of the park. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park offers day-use activities and overnight tent or RV camping.
Best time to go: camping is open May-October (Thanksgiving Weekend); day use open year-round
Winter Getaway to Kakabeka Falls: Spectacular Frozen Falls, Ice Skating Trail & More
Cost: $6.50 to $18.00 – Day use permit
Location and how to get there: 30km west of Thunder Bay on Highway ON-17/11, or Oliver Road
For more information:
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
