There’s something magical about waterfalls.
The sound. The peace. The wonder.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite falls from around the province. Take a look and let us know which one captures your imagination!
Northern Ontario
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
The combination of towering pine forests, rugged scenery and beautiful waterfalls and rapids make the Lady Evelyn River a “bucket list” canoe trip for paddlers. The park boasts six major waterfalls: on the North Channel, Franks Falls, Centre Falls and Helen Falls; on the South Channel, Twin Sisters, Bridal Veil and Fat Man’s Falls (the last named for the narrow rock fault the portage goes through around this falls). Plus, sleeping beside waterfalls may give you your best night’s sleep ever!
Chutes Provincial Park
Following the Aux Sables River, the Twin Bridges Trail leads to lookouts at the falls and the Seven Sisters Cataracts. The main falls is easily accessible, with a large viewing deck right above the falls itself. Interpretive panels at the Falls Lookout tell the history of the area. In fall, the changing colours of the forest reflect in the many rock pools and quiet sections of the river.
Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
The rushing Englehart River plunges down white-water rapids, over several cascades and waterfalls in a picturesque valley. A scenic lookout provides a bird’s-eye view of the valley, and trails lead along the river to many of the waterfalls on the river. In fall, the gorge comes alive with the golds, yellows and oranges of the Boreal Forest.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
At 40 m high, Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario. Visitors enjoy excellent year-round views of the falls and gorge from the boardwalk that wraps around the top of the falls.
Missinaibi Provincial Park
A Canadian Heritage River, the Missinaibi River flows 500 km, from its headwaters at the divide between the Great Lakes watershed and Hudson Bay watershed, north to the Moose River and James Bay. This river flows over many rapids and falls as it flows north, but Thunderhouse is the most spectacular. Thunderhouse Falls is an important place for the Indigenous people who have traveled and lived along the river for thousands of years.
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
Hike the trails which lead to panoramic views, and view the cascading waters as they plunge over the rock ledges of Rainbow Falls on their way to Lake Superior.
Pigeon River Provincial Park
Hike along a historic logging road to a spectacular view of High Falls (shared by both Ontario and Minnesota).
Central Ontario
French River Provincial Park
The 1.5 km Recollet Falls Trail follows the edge of the French River Gorge. The short portage around the falls has been walked by generations of First Nations, famous explorers, and hardy voyageurs. The award-winning French River Visitor Centre takes visitors on a journey down the river and through time, telling the stories of the people who have travelled here, in its exhibit hall “Voices of the River.”
Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park
A short trail leads from the parking lot to a lookout over thundering whitewater falls. Gravel Falls demonstrates the powerful, erosive force of glacial meltwater.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
At Stubb’s Falls, the Little East River rushes down a rock chute. Stop here for a pleasant respite and revel in the ambient birdsong and running water.
Algonquin Provincial Park
After a one-hour hike that takes you past a variety of Algonquin habitats, you arrive at High Falls. The modest waterfall of today is marked by the passage of glaciers and huge volumes of water in the form of a pair of smooth chutes, one with water still running down it, and an even bigger, dry one right next that would have ran when waters were much higher long ago.
Southern Ontario
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park
Many of the waterfalls in Ontario Parks can only be accessed by canoeing in the backcountry. Kawartha Highlands has some amazing water features, and the Rathbun Lake to Copper Lake portage runs alongside one of its most impressive waterfalls!
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Visitors love to stroll through the river valley along the Niagara Escarpment. Many stop for a riverside picnic before continuing on to Cataract Falls.
Sauble Falls Provincial Park
This historic falls used to power a timber mill and generating station. Now flanked by immature forest, the falls are the end of the Rankin River canoe route — ideal for novice canoeists. Don’t miss fall spawning runs for rainbow trout and chinook salmon, as the fish jump each ledge of this cascading waterfall on their way upstream.