Characterized by it’s wild and rugged beauty, solitude and natural wonders, Northern Ontario is an amazing place to explore. One of the highlights is its spectacular waterfalls. Hidden away in communities across the region are stunning cascades, all unique in their shape, height and beauty. If you’re planning a road trip through Northern Ontario, be sure to put these amazing waterfalls on your list.

Northwestern Ontario

Aguasabon Falls & Gorge - Terrace Bay, Ontario

Tall waterfall falling into rocky chasm surrounded by yellow trees Aguasabon Falls and Gorge Ontario

Only minutes away from the small town of Terrace Bay, the Aguasabon Falls & Gorge is a stunning, must-see attraction along Lake Superior’s North shore. This spectacular 30.5 m waterfall cascades into the Aguasabon Gorge, flowing along a 2.6-billion-year-old rock face. Fierce during the spring melt, and picturesque in the fall surrounded by colourful fall foliage, the Aguasabon falls is definitely a must-see.

A short trail to the falls can be accessed from the Terrace Bay Tourist Information Center, and provides a beautiful view of the falls and Lake Superior in the distance. If you are looking to explore the area further, there are several nearby trails which take you from the falls to the mouth of Lake Superior, Terrace Bay Beach and Danny’s Cove.

Kakabeka Falls - Thunder Bay, Ontario

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Northern Ontario is the majestic Kakabeka Falls, located in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Located just outside Thunder Bay directly off Highway 11, these 40m-high falls are the second highest in Ontario, and are viewable year-round.

A series of trails and a picturesque boardwalk wrap around the top portion of the falls, with observation decks offering excellent views from both sides. Created by the Kaministiquia River (a historic route of the Voyageurs), 1.6-million-year-old fossils can be seen carved out of the Precambrian Shield surrounding the falls, revealing it’s ancient past. Endangered lake sturgeon spawn every spring at the base of the falls, and the view is particularly spectacular in winter when portions of the falls freeze over.

High Falls - Pigeon River Provincial Park, Ontario

One of the few trans-national waterfalls in Ontario, High Falls, located in Pigeon River Provincial Park will give you those mini–Niagara Falls vibes. To access the falls, park at the Visitor’s Centre directly before the Canada-US border, and follow the trail under the highway to begin your hike. The easy 2.5 km loop takes you along an old logging road, where you’ll pass a re-creation of an old logging chute, and chimney site from logging days past. When you arrive at the 28 m high waterfall bordering Ontario and Minnesota, you’ll enjoy vistas of the cascades from a lovely viewing point.

While the American side of the falls is often quite crowded (Grand Portage State Park), you can often have the Canadian platform to yourself, and similar to Niagara Falls, the views from the Canadian side are indeed better.

Mazukama Falls – Nipigon, Ontario

If you’re up for a challenge, the Mazukama Falls located 20 km east of Nipigon in the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area are the falls for you. Classified as a wilderness recreation trail, the 3.1 km Mazukama Falls Loop is rated difficult, so be sure to know your fitness level before attempting the hike. The trail has an elevation gain of more than 120 m, sections with unstable footing, steep climbing, and some creeks that need to be waded. While difficult to access, the 25 m high waterfall and series of smaller falls is worth the trek, and hike itself past fern-covered boulders and under majestic old-growth cedars is beautiful.

For those looking for a longer hike, take the turnoff to Wingtip Lookout known as “Stairway of the Saints” (which makes the total trail climb a 6.7 km loop). The steep but worthwhile climb will reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of Nipigon Bay and the surrounding area.

Algoma Country

Bridal Veil Falls – Agawa Canyon Park, Ontario

When you’re visiting the Sault Ste Marie area, a trip on the Agawa Central Train Tour is a must. The 183 km long train tour to the Agawa Canyon Park is an adventure in itself, and passes over iconic train bridges, pristine secluded lakes, and scenic landscapes only viewable by rail. When the train slows as you arrive at the park, take a peek out the right side to view the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls.

After disembarking at the Agawa Canyon Park, you’ll have free time to explore the area, including three waterfalls, Black Beaver Falls, Otter Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls; although Bridal Veil Falls is certainly the most stunning. Follow the easy well-maintained trail to the falls along the Agawa River to the jaw-dropping 68.5 m high waterfall for some epic photo ops. While popular in the summer, the fall is an especially spectacular time to visit, with multi-coloured leaves framing the towering cascade.

Scenic High Falls - Wawa, Ontario

Only minutes away from downtown Wawa, Ontario, in the Michipicoten First Nation, the Scenic High Falls is one of Wawa’s most unique hidden gems. This beautiful, isolated 23 m high and 38 m wide waterfall is easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway and showcases a wide dramatic flow from the Magpie River. Just a few steps from the parking area you’ll find two main lookouts, and a small picnic area with a covered pavilion for hot summer days. Since the Scenic High Falls are located slightly off the beaten track, you’ll often find that you have the place to yourself. Stop for a cool photo-op and just enjoy the sounds of the falls with a morning coffee.

Chippewa Falls - Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

On your way to Lake Superior Provincial Park, 55 km north of Sault Ste Marie, is Chippewa Falls, easily visible from Highway 17. These falls were memorialized by the Group of Seven Painter A.Y. Jackson in the painting Stream Bed, Lake Superior Country, and are certainly worth a stop. Pull off the highway into the picnic area, where you can enjoy a view of the 7.6 m high falls over lunch, and be sure to walk over the bridge for a postcard-perfect photo. You’ll often see anglers casting a line in the turbulent current at the base of the falls, which can be up to 100 m wide during high flows, and there are several hiking trails to further explore the area. Don’t miss the commemorative plaque depicting the halfway point of the Trans-Canada Highway, and take a selfie to document your road trip through Algoma Country.

Sand River Falls - Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario

The Sand River Falls and the surrounding hiking trails are one of the most popular hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park. They are easily accessed by the Pinguisibi trail, which means “Sand River” in Ojibwe. This travel route was used by the Ojibwe, who lived on the east shore of Lake Superior for at least 2,000 years, to travel between their winter camp inland and their summer camp near the lakeshore.

Follow the easy trail snaking alongside the river and rapids upstream to the beautiful main falls, which cascade 4.6 m down. There are many small offshoot trails leading to the river’s edge where you can watch the current carving its way along the rocky shoreline, as well as many flatter areas of rock to explore near the parking area. If you’re visiting in the summer be sure to plan a trip back in the fall, as the foliage surrounding the trail explodes with colour.

Aubrey Falls - Aubrey Falls Provincial Park, Ontario

If you’re heading on a road trip through Algoma Country, be sure to make a detour off the main road for the scenic drive to the impressive Aubrey Falls in Aubrey Falls Provincial Park. This is one of the largest waterfalls in the Lake Huron Watershed at 53 m high and is made up of 7-10 sections flowing over granite formations. The flow over the falls is dam-controlled, with the water flow diminishing at night and between October and Victoria Day, so visiting in the summer is your best bet to view the falls at maximum flow. Follow the easy 2 km trail to the falls, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the observation area with a falls view.

Northeastern Ontario

New Post Falls - Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario

One of the most stunning waterfalls in Ontario is New Post Falls. Located north of Cochrane, Ontario, this tall, powerful waterfall has carved an uncharacteristically deep and narrow gorge, with a chasm close to 50 m deep. Revel in the breathtaking views from the top of the falls, or feel the mist on your face from the bottom as water plunges deep into the narrow gorge below. Watch for wildlife like moose and wolves, and be sure to stop to admire the unique plant life surrounding the falls.

The best way to get to New Post Falls is by boat, with water access near the Abitibi Canyon Generating Station. Local outfitters provide guided tours in the summer months, while experienced boaters can paddle up the river to the waterfall’s base.

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 10.7 m 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.

Duchesnay Falls - North Bay, Ontario

Just outside of North Bay, Ontario, Duchesnay Falls is a favourite among locals, and visitors travelling north. The waterfall starts as a series of slow 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, then let the sound of water guide you off the main trail to this beautiful series of falls. Duchesnay Falls is especially beautiful in the fall, when it’s backdrops changes to shades of yellow and red.

Chutes Provincial Park - Massey, Ontario

A quick detour off Hwy 17 near the town of Massey, Ontario, you’ll find Chutes Provincial Park, home to a series of lovely waterfalls along the Aux Sables River. Listen to the roar of the fast-moving water as it plunges 6.1 m into the river below from the highest set of falls, then 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 quite wide and the fierce rushing water within its steep rock walls is breathtaking.

To access the falls, 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 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 42.7 m 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.