Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is named for the magnificent waterfall that takes the centre stage. With the nickname, “Niagara of the North”, it’s the second highest waterfall in Ontario. The waterfall is easily accessible right from the main parking, just off the Trans Canada Highway, 30 minutes west of Thunder Bay.
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It’s one of the best places to go hiking near Thunder Bay as there’s even more to this park beyond the amazing waterfall. Unlike some of the provincial parks and natural spaces in northwest Ontario, you can see Kakabeka Falls all year long. Visit in the summer and the winter for two entirely different experiences. It’s a must visit natural place in northern Ontario.
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All About Kakabeka Falls
Kakabeka Falls is a 40 metre tall split waterfall that plunges down to the Kaministiquia River. It’s also the largest waterfall that drains into Lake Superior. You will be wowed by the sheer power of this impressive waterfall, and it’s absolutely a must see waterfall in Ontario.
The Kaministiquia River has carved out the rocks at the base of the falls to reveal 1.6 million year old fossils. Furthermore, the cliffs of the gorge surrounding Kakabeka Falls continue to erode. The fragile shale makes it impossible to visit the base of Kakabeka Falls. While you can’t go to the bottom of the falls, there are excellent views of the falls all around. Enjoy multiple viewpoints on both sides of the waterfall.
Kakabeka Falls is steps away from the parking lot where you can view the top of the falls from a wooden boardwalk. Then, there’s a pedestrian bridge across the Kam River that takes you to the other side of Kakabeka Falls to another wooden boardwalk platform. This is a wheelchair accessible platform, too. I love how the viewing decks allow you to see Kakabeka Falls from multiple angles and perspectives on both sides of the river.
The Ontario Parks website reports that endangered Lake Sturgeon spawn at the base of the falls every spring and fall. Spring might be one of the best times of year to visit because the waterfall might be flowing at its greatest intensity. However, I visited in August and Kakabeka Falls was still quite powerful. In the winter, it’s one of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls. And of course, the fall foliage is very stunning in autumn.
Hiking at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Beyond visiting the Boardwalk Trail and the waterfall, I urge you to go hiking at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. So many people visit the park for the waterfall and get right back in the car after they’ve seen it. There are beautiful nature trails at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park and you even get the opportunity to view another pretty waterfall.
Mountain Portage Trail
The Mountain Portage Trail is a 1.25km loop that is wheelchair accessible. It is a relatively flat, gravel path that connects to the Little Falls Trail. I’d rate the Mountain Portage Trail loop as a beginner, easy trail, while the Little Falls Trail is moderate or intermediate.
The Mountain Portage Trail follows the historic route of the Voyageurs. This canoe route connected Lake Superior with Lake of the Woods and the West. It was first recorded in 1688 by French explorer, Jacques de Noyon. While it was abandoned for a shorter route for some time, the shorter route came under American control in 1783. The Mountain Portage was picked up again in 1803 by fur traders, explorers and soldiers.
Stay on the Mountain Portage Trail if you’re pushing a stroller or you are looking for something easy. I do recommend that you embark around the Little Falls Trail as you will be able to see another waterfall and pretty scenery around the river.
Little Falls Trail
The Little Falls Trail offers so much gorgeous scenery. Don’t skip this hike! There are some inclines and declines that can be a little challenging, but it’s nothing too crazy. It’s rated as moderate to difficult on the Ontario Parks site, but I’d rate it as a solid moderate trail.
The trail picks up at a point on the Mountain Portage Trail and loops back around to the Mountain Portage Trail, too. You will descend down into the river valley. I hiked here in a counter-clockwise direction. There is a very steep incline at the end of the hike. You can hike in a clockwise direction so it is a steep decline, but I felt it would be less slippery and easier to tackle if it were uphill instead of downhill.
At about the halfway point of the trail, you’ll come across the gently flowing Little Falls. It’s quite a beautiful waterfall in its own right, even if it’s overshadowed by the incredible Kakabeka Falls. It’s a little bit out of the way to visit, so there’s a good chance that you’ll have it all to yourself.
Poplar Point Trail
The Poplar Point Trail is a 4km loop trail. It’s outside of the Whispering Hills Campground. You can go cross-country skiing here in the winter and walk or cycle here in the summer. I didn’t get the chance to experience this one, but you should check it out if you’re spending more time at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park or camping here.
Kakabeka Falls in Winter
It is possible to visit Kakabeka Falls in the winter, and I highly recommend it. The waterfall freezes over and it’s quite the spectacle. You will need to really bundle up. The frigid air off the waterfall makes it even chillier down on the viewing platforms. I took my hand out of my mitten for seconds while snapping photos and my fingers were freezing!
In the winter, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park offers 15km of groomed cross-country skiing trails that are perfect for both beginner and intermediate skiers. The Mountain Portage Trail and Little Falls Trail are also open for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
Plan Your Visit to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Only after Niagara Falls, Kakabeka Falls is the most brilliant waterfall in Ontario. When you visit Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, you will need to pay a day use fee at the entry gates. If you have an Ontario Parks day pass, you can gain free entry for you and the passengers in your vehicle. I highly recommend picking one up if you plan to visit five or more parks in one year as it quickly pays for itself.
This park has restrooms, a parks store (pick up a Kakabeka Falls sticker for your Ontario Parks passport book here!), and a Discovery Program during July and August. There are campgrounds at the park, and also a small beach and swimming area on the Kaministiquia River upriver of the falls (Kakabeka Falls Beach).
You can go cycling on the 4 km loop trail, the Poplar Point Trail, around many of the paved roads throughout the park. For birders, Kakabeka Falls is a great place to go birdwatching. In autumn, you may spot Bald Eagles in the gorge below the falls, and a variety of songbirds live throughout the park. Any time of year is perfect to view Kakabeka Falls, the second largest waterfall in Ontario.
What to Bring on a Hike
A proper pair of hiking shoes is an absolute must. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen and lots of water, too. My water bottle of choice is the GRAYL Purifier because you can drink ANY water from any source, no matter what. Water from lakes, streams, rivers, public restrooms, you name it. It’s the world’s fastest portable purifier.
Don’t forget to pack some bug spray because there can be biting bugs depending on the time of year. Even if there aren’t any signs, it’s safe to assume that ticks are all over Ontario hiking trails. Protect yourself against ticks by reading our guide to avoiding ticks on the trails.
For amazing deals on hiking products like backpacks, boots, clothing, and gear, check out the Decathlon Canada shop!
More Hikes in Northwestern Ontario
Looking for more trails in northwest Ontario? Here are some hiking guides to help you plan your trip.
- Best hiking trails in and around Thunder Bay
- Eagle Canyon Adventures Near Thunder Bay
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in the Winter
- Top of the Giant Trail
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