6 Must-See Waterfalls in Northeastern Ontario
Summer and fall are the perfect time to explore the beautiful wilderness of Northern Ontario. Hidden away in communities across the region is a series of stunning waterfalls, all unique in their shape, height and beauty. If you’re planning a road trip through Northerneastern Ontario, be sure to put these amazing waterfalls on your list of stops.
Bridal Veil Falls – Kagawong, Ontario
Bridal Veil Falls, located just outside the village of Kagawong on Manitoulin Island, is a beautiful waterfall, popular among tourists and locals. The falls are easily accessed via a small parking lot along Highway 540, or via a short trail from Kagawong’s waterfront. Fed from Lake Kagawong, the 10.7m tall waterfall has two observation platforms, and a set of stairs that leads you down to the base of the falls, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters below the shimmering cascades. Walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective, and visit during the fall to watch the salmon run as they leap their way up to the base of the falls to spawn.
New Post Falls - Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario
One of the most stunning waterfalls in Ontario is New Post Falls. Located a few km north of Cochrane, Ontario, this tall powerful waterfall has carved an uncharacteristically deep and narrow gorge, with a chasm close to 50 m deep. New Post Falls is a spectacular hidden gem and will give you amazing views of water falling from the towering gorge with few to no people obstructing your view. Revel in the breathtaking views from the top of the falls, or enjoy the views from the bottom as the water plunges to the narrow gorge below, sending mist soaring from its base. Watch for wildlife like moose and wolves, and be sure to stop to admire the unique plant life in the area surrounding the falls. The best way to access the New Post Falls is by boat, with access near the Abitibi Canyon Generating Station. Local outfitters also provide guided tours to the falls, and experienced boaters can paddle up the river to explore this peaceful yet majestic spot.
Duchesnay Falls - North Bay, Ontario
Just outside North Bay, Ontario, Duchesnay Falls starts as a series of low picturesque cascades, leading to a larger set of falls 20 m in height. Hike from the parking lot off the Trans-Canada highway through a beautiful forest and divert from the main trail to catch a view of the water tumbling down the series of falls. Duchesnay Falls is especially beautiful in the fall, and a great place to enjoy the colourful foliage, perfect for fall photography.
Chutes Provincial Park - Massey, Ontario
A quick detour off Hwy 17 near the town of Massey you’ll find Chutes Provincial Park, home to a series of lovely waterfalls along the Aux Sables River. Listen to the roar of the water as it plunges over 6.1 m into the river below from the highest set of falls, and follow Twin Bridges Trail to view three of the Seven Sisters waterfalls, a series of smaller waterfalls over the Aux Sables River. As one of the only Provincial parks in the area, Chutes is a great place for an overnight stop on a road trip through Algoma Country.
Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area – Eau Claire, Ontario
Flowing from the Amable du Fond River, the falls in the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation area are a popular spot with locals, and a truly spectacular sight. The gorge itself is wide and the fierce rushing cascade nestled within steep rock walls is breathtaking. Follow the 1.9 km interpretive trail with views of the rapids leading up to the falls, then stop at the viewing point and enjoy the sight of rushing water as it plummets to the river below. The terrain around the viewpoint can be steep and slippery when wet, so be sure to exercise caution, and stay on the trail at all times. You’ll also find some interesting human history of the area on the trail, including a log slide and dam built on the property in the 1870s for the Mackey Lumber Company. A logger's cabin, found along the trail, was reconstructed in 1989 and is worth a stop for a photo opp.
Onaping Falls – Sudbury, Ontario
The Onaping Falls Waterfall, sometimes known as Onaping High Falls or High Falls, is located in the town of Onaping Falls, just 35 km west of Sudbury, Ontario. A giant meteorite landed in this area, making an impact crater almost 2 billion years ago, and fragments of the meteorite impact can still be seen beside the Onaping Falls parking lot. This impressive waterfall, part of the Sudbury basin and Lake Huron watershed, plunges over 42.7m in several large cascades and is easily viewable from several lookouts; which are also wheelchair-accessible. A short trail climbs alongside the falls allowing you to view them from different vantage points along the way.
