There are so many incredible waterfalls in Northern Ontario. In this post you can find over 20 options, with varying amounts of hiking required. I have organised them by their proximity to the Thunder Bay area, but I also mention some in other parts of Northern Ontario. After you get out exploring, let me know which of these Northern Ontario waterfalls is your favourite!!
In Thunder Bay
If you aren’t looking to go far from town, don’t worry, there are some great waterfalls to check out right in town. Some of them are even accessible by public transit. There are also lovely walking trails with all of these falls and they are pretty easy access. But expect to see lots of people and dogs out enjoying the trails with you!
The Cascades
Access: Just under a km from the parking lot along a dirt trail
The Cascades is a popular destination for locals to hangout in the summer. There are about 5.5km of hiking trails here in the conservation area total, but the most direct route to the cases from the parking lot (via the yellow trail) is just under a km. It’s a dirt path with some wooden stairs in the middle. You will need to cross a small steam near the end of the walk, but there are usually stones/logs across it to make it relatively easy.
Along the riverside is tons of rock space which makes for lovely picnic areas, and there are swim spots here too. Additionally, some people have gone cliff jumping here in the past, but depending on the current water levels this can be very dangerous so I wouldn’t really recommend it. Overall, this is a great place to spend a few hours, between the trails, the swimming, the views, and the picnic areas.
Trowbridge Falls
Access: A short walk from the parking lot
Trowbridge Falls is at one end of a huge network of trails in Thunder Bay, connecting to centennial park and the bluffs. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed walk in the forest without having to go to far from town. The falls aren’t huge, but there are a few different levels with open rock space along the river as well. In the summer you can even sit under the falls and let them shower you with water!
The closest access to the falls is to park in the Trowbridge Falls parking lot, from which it is only about a 5-10 minute walk. You will have to walk around the dirt bike hills, cross the bridge, and then turn right There is also a campground here, through which you can access the opposite side of the falls. Alternatively, if you were looking for a longer walk you could park at the Centennial Park parking lot and make your way here.
Sevignys Creek Falls
Access: A short walk from the parking lot
Sevignys Creek Falls is actually very close to Trowbridge falls. However, despite having visited Trowbridge loads of times, I only recently discovered this one. It is definitely worth checking out too though! It is at a point where a perpendicular creek meets the Current River, which is the river that Trowbridge Falls is on.
To get here, park in the Trowbridge Falls parking lot, walk around the dirt bike hills, cross the bridge, but turn left instead of right. Approximately 500 metres up, you will see a skinny path in the bush, on your left, followed by another slightly wider one. Both will take you to see Sevignys Creek Falls across the river. The second is more direct but involves climbing down a few rocks.
On the Outskirts of Thunder Bay
Since Thunder Bay is surrounded by forests and nature, you don’t have to drive too far out of town to take your waterfall viewing up a notch. Whether that means checking out the second highest waterfall in the province (after Niagara Falls of course), or you’re looking for more of a nature hike (as opposed to lovely walk), you still don’t have to go too far. All of these are within a half hour drive or so from downtown.
Kakabeka Falls
Access: A very short walk from the parking lot on a boardwalk
No list of the best waterfalls in Northern Ontario would be complete without the famous Kakabeka Falls front and centre. Commonly called the “Niagara of the North,” Thunder Bay locals like to joke that actually Niagara Falls is the “Kakabeka of the South.” Either way, the second highest waterfall in Ontario does not disappoint. This is absolutely a must see spot on any trip through Thunder Bay.
Note that you have to pay for parking here, which costs $5.25 for two hours. It’s definitely worth it though to see this incredible waterfall, with several different view points on both sides of the Kaministiquia river to see it from. You can also walk along a nice loop trail on the far side which brings you to Little Falls.
There is a campground here as well.
Little Falls
Access: Parking at Kakabeka Falls then walking about 4kms round trip
Also in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Little Falls is the perfect add on to your Kakabeka adventure. This is about a 3.5km loop with the trail head just on the other side of the bridge from the main parking lot. The trail winds it’s way through the forest, and returns along the edge of the Kaministiquia river with various view points along the way. The main trail is mostly flat, but the offshoot loop down to Little Falls has a very steep section.
Cedar Falls
Access: 2km easy trail
Only about a 10 minute drive past Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park you will find Cedar Falls Conservation Area. This is a nice, cascading waterfall along a small river in a lush forest. If you are lucky, depending on the time of year, you might see fish making their way up the river and falls. The trail is out and back, well maintained and pretty flat. You can go at any time of year.
The conservation area requests a $5 parking fee which can be paid online or with cash, based on the honour system.
Silver Falls / Dog Falls
Access: moderately difficult hiking trail, with some steep and occasionally muddy sections. Distance varies depending how far you choose to go.
Silver Falls is actually also on the Kaministiquia river, but quite a ways up (approx. 30kms) from Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. It’s about 15 kms up Silver Falls Road, off of highway 102. You start the hike near an Ontario Power Generation plant, first walking along a very wide path before turning into the forest. From here there is quite a bit of variety, some sections are fairly steep downhill, there’s rocky sections, as well as a section that can get pretty muddy depending on the time of year.
You come out at a beautiful viewpoint of the falls and the river. When I was here last I actually showed up just after two people had just gotten engaged in this spot!! From here, you can walk up further to get right beside the falls, which makes for the perfect picnic spots on the rocks here.
It’s worth noting that the water level of these falls can vary a lot, depending on the nearby dam. But when it is flowing quickly it is so beautiful! It is also a beautiful area all the time, so if you come when it is slower it is still a worthwhile hike.
Mackenzie Falls
Access: Two options. Either parking at the Mackenzie Inn on Lakeshore Drive followed by a moderately difficult hike, or driving up a short dirt road followed by an easier hike.
On the outskirts of Thunder Bay in a different direction, in the municipality of Shuniah, you will find Mackenzie Falls. This might be my favourite waterfall that is this close to town. There are some beautiful cascades followed by a pretty significant waterfall. Due to the topography of the area, it can be a bit tricky to get a good view of the falls when there is a lot of water.
You can easily see where it drops off from the top but there is a small hill situated right beside it. It’s possible to climb up this hill and try to very carefully peak around to see the falls, but if the water level is not too high, it’s much better to climb around the bottom. You have to walk on some rocks that wrap around the edge of the cliff where it meets the river, but then you get an amazing view. And it results in the waterfall feeling that much more specially being tucked away between cliffs.
Directions
To get to the falls you can park by the Mackenzie Inn on Lakeshore Drive and take a trail through the woods to the highway overpass, but this section of the trail is a bit old and not as well maintained as the section section. It can be a little tricky to follow the trail at times, but it is really beautiful and interesting. Alternatively, you can drive up the dirt road that starts in the same place and park in an opening near the highway. Note that you cannot get here directly from the highway and must come via Lakeshore Drive.
Either way, you will then walk under the underpass and continue the trail on the other side. This section of the trail is definitely better maintained, and even if you wander slightly off you should still end up in the same place as long as you keep following along the river!
South of Thunder Bay
Despite all the beautiful waterfalls immediately in Thunder Bay, it can be worth it to drive a bit more for a different adventure. Heading south out of town, all the way to the US border (but not crossing it), will bring you to a gorgeous series of trails with two great waterfalls to check out in the Pigeon River Provincial Park.
High Falls
Access: easy 2.5 km round trip trail.
High Falls is along the Pigeon River, which is the river that runs along the US-Canada Border. You can see this waterfall from either side of the border, and in turn can usually see people enjoying it from across the river. To get there from the Canadian side, drive down highway 61 and park at the Ontario Information Centre.
The hike starts with a board walk, and has quite clear signage along the way. There are also a couple other hikes around here worth doing if you have more time, including one to a beautiful viewpoint.
Middle Falls
Access: hiking or drive up access.
Middle Falls is also on the Pigeon River, not too far from High Falls, so these two can easily be combined in one day. In fact, you can combine the two into one hike if you want, either as an out and back trail, or one way if you have two cars to work with. Otherwise, you can drive along highway 593 to another parking lot for a shorter hike, or even drive up all the way to the falls. Just keep your eyes peeled on the left. You will park need a barrier on the side of the road and walk down 2 minutes.
Northeast of Thunder Bay
Likewise, if you drive out of Thunder Bay northeast instead, towards Nipigon, you can also find some cool waterfall adventures to have. These ones are a little harder to access, requiring driving down a forest service road, or hiking down a steep hill, but if you are up for it then they are definitely worth the effort!
Pearl Creek Cascade
Access: easy trail but can be a little harder to find than others.
Pearl Creek Cascades are small, off the beaten path, waterfalls. They are cute and you will probably have the place to yourself, but I wouldn’t say they should be your top choice on this list. They are located in Pearl Township about 50-60 kms outside of Thunder Bay. You will turn onto 5 Rd S and drive about 4 kms. You will see a trail on your left, but it’s not super obvious so look carefully. Along the property line immediately to the right of the trail are No Trespassing signs, so be sure to be conscientious of that. The trail itself is flat, but, at least when I went, slightly overgrown.
Wolf River Falls
Access: Driving on a FSR and a short but difficult hike down a steep bank.
North of Dorion, you can find Wolf River Falls. This is a very beautiful waterfall, and tends to be quite popular for Instagram photo shoots or Tinder profile pictures and you can stand under the falls here. So refreshing for a hot summer’s day!
To get here you will have to drive on some dirt forest service roads, Fish Hatchery Road to Wolf River Road. For more detailed directions check out this post by Superior Hiking. You will park on the side of the road where the road widens and climb down a steep bank.
Moraine Creek Falls/Talking Falls
Access: Driving on a FSR then driving a 4WD truck or walking down a muddy road, followed by a short hike down a steep hill.
Moraine Creek Falls, also known as Talking Falls, is just North of Wolf River Falls on the same road, so it’s perfect to do both of these on the same day! It’s really beautiful here and a great spot for a picnic!
After about 5 kms from the Wolf River Falls parking spot, you will get to the turn off. From there you can either drive in with a truck or walk in. If you have a car I definitely recommend walking as the road can get pretty rough.
Around Nipigon
If you continue on this way, you will find even more waterfalls around Nipigon, including my number one favourite on this whole list. They certainly make for a bit of a longer day trip, but if you have the whole day and don’t mind a little driving it’s really not THAT far. And it’s definitely worth it if you ask me.
Go-mar Falls
Gomar Falls is definitely in my top 3 favourite waterfalls in Northern Ontario that I have visited so far. I only wish I had found out about it sooner! You take highway 11 heading out of Nipigon and then it’s about a 3 km hike from the starting place. It probably won’t be too busy and it’s honestly so beautiful. Of course, exactly how it looks will depend on the time of year you go, but it is definitely one of the wider waterfalls in the area, cascading off the stepped rocks on the way down.
Mazukama Falls
For Mazukama Falls, you will head out of Nipigon on Highway 17. The pull off for the trail-head is just off highway by Camp 81 Road. There are a couple tall and skinny waterfalls in a row here. The effect of seeing them next to each other adds to the beauty of this area. For me, this was a great place to play under the falls! The trail is a 3 km loop.
While not super close to Gomar Falls, it is close enough that if you are coming from Thunder Bay it could be a good idea to do both in one day. This is what I did.
Kama Cliffs Waterfall
I haven’t actually been to Kama Cliffs Falls myself, though it’s on my to-do list. However, it is also near Nipigon and looks really nice. If you want to visit it check out this information from the Lake Superior Circle Tour website .
Wilson Falls
Not from Kama Falls, you can find Wilson Falls, which seems to be lesser known. It is located off the 81 road and is part of the Jackpine River. I also haven’t been here (on the bucket list) but you can read about it on North Ontario Travel‘s website.
Hoegl Falls (Secret Waterfall)
Hoegly Falls is even less known than Wilson Falls. It is in the Jackfish Area, and you need to be cautious if you want to go here as it is down an old logging road. In fact, I only know about it because my dad had a painting of it by a German prisoner of war. He decided to try to find the waterfall that matched the painting, and was successful!
Here is a pin if you want to try to find it too!
Camp 5 Waterfall
This is a picture of a waterfall in the Jackfish Area from an old tourism pamphlet for Nipigon. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can still find this waterfall today. Here is a pin.
Waterfalls in Other Areas of Northern Ontario
While this list is focuses on the Thunder Bay area, there are beautiful waterfalls all over Northern Ontario. I haven’t yet made it to these ones, but they’re definitely on the bucketlist.
- Mink Falls: Located near Marathon.
- Aguasabon Falls and Gorge: Located near Terrace Bay
- Agawa River Falls: Located Between Wawa and Sault St. Marie.
- Bridal Veil Falls: Bridal Veil Falls is on Manitoulin Island and could be a great thing to pair with the popular Cup and Saucer trail.
- New Post Falls: Located near Cochrane
- Umbata Falls: Located near Marathon
Other Waterfalls in Canada (outside of Northern Ontario) to Check Out
Let me know what you think!
I hope this post about beautiful waterfalls in Northern Ontario was helpful. Let me know in the comments if you visit any of these waterfalls, which is your favourite, or if you know of any other cool waterfalls in Northern Ontario I might have missed!
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very insightful article, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! Glad you found it interesting.