A Waterfall Road Trip Through Algoma Country, Ontario

Algoma Country is full of pristine wilderness, and the perfect place to get out and enjoy the beauty of Northern Ontario. Tucked away across the region are some amazing waterfalls, from tall cascades to wide powerful flows. If you’re planning a road trip through Algoma Country, be sure to put these six amazing waterfalls on your list.

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.