Did you know that Kakabeka Falls is Ontario’s second tallest waterfall?
Camp, hike, bike, and swim to your heart’s content next to a natural wonder.
The 40 m falls are the crown jewel of the appropriately named Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, a hub of family fun in northern Ontario.
And this year, we’re thrilled to announce improvements to the viewing platforms and boardwalks! Read on to learn how we’ve upgraded your access to these unparalleled views of the falls, and the historic Kaministiquia River and gorge below.
With the park’s convenient location just 30 minutes outside of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls is the perfect basecamp from which to discover one of Ontario’s most dynamic and interesting northern cities.
Here’s why you need to check it out:
Your home base
Kakabeka Falls is the perfect place to stay and explore Thunder Bay and other nearby attractions.
The park offers almost 170 campsites in three campgrounds: Whispering Hills, Riverside and Fern’s Edge.
Coming with your RV? Whispering Hills has electrical hookups with some pull-through campsites, while the other two campgrounds offer more tent camping sites.
Park amenities include comfort stations with flush toilets, laundry facilities, and showers, as well as a trailer sanitation station.
What to do in the park
Who wouldn’t want to hike around a view like this?
Stroll along the park’s boardwalks to get up close and personal with the mighty falls.
Big news: we completed some wonderful improvements on our viewing platforms!
Two of the most popular viewing platforms on the east side of the Kaministiquia River had been constructed in the 1980s and needed some TLC, and another viewing platform on the west side of the river had been temporarily closed in 2020 and was added to this project.
Improvements to our iconic viewing platforms included replacing the footings, supports, steel structures, decking, and handrails.
The viewing platform on the west side of the river was also realigned to move it back from the edge of the cliff while maintaining viewing opportunities from that location.
The platforms also include interpretive signage, providing the history and ecology of the park, as well as the important role that the waterfall plays in the local ecosystem.
This project is part of a $41.7 million investment over two years to upgrade and maintain parks infrastructure and ensure Ontario Parks can continue to ensure a modern and enjoyable parks experience.
Once you’ve checked out our lovely new viewing pods, journey along a historic portage on the Mountain Portage Trail. You won’t want to miss the excellent vantage points to view the falls, gorge, and river. Keep your eyes peeled for Bald Eagles soaring over the river gorge.
Up for a challenge? The 2.5 km Little Falls Trail loop may be for you. Follow a steep descent into the river valley for a view of the picturesque Little Falls.
If you’re a cyclist, take on the Poplar Point Trail. The 4 km loop makes for a great bike ride.
A small beach and picnic area are located in a sheltered area of the Kaministiquia River upriver of the falls. Just a little further down this road is the designated leash-free area for dogs to stretch their legs and swim.
Be sure to stop by the park store at the gatehouse or at the Visitor Centre to purchase park souvenirs and a variety of locally produced items.
Visiting later in the season? The park’s pop of early fall colours make it a great destination for September.
Make sure to check the Fall Colours Report to find the best time to visit. Camping at the park is available through Thanksgiving weekend, so you’ll have plenty of time to experience a classic northern Ontario fall.
Destination: Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is northwestern Ontario’s largest city and contains nearly half the entire region’s population.
And, being only 30 minutes away from Kakabeka Falls, it’s an easy spot to drive to and explore.
Food and shopping
To start, the city’s food scene has absolutely exploded in recent years.
Award-winning chefs have set up shop in the city to take advantage of its unique northern flavours, culinary events, and local craft beers.
Thunder Bay’s offerings include upscale bistros and greasy spoons. It’s known for several unique specialties, including Finnish pancakes and, of course, the city’s most famous food, the Persian!
You can find a restaurant online before you visit or see where your food is produced on a farm tour.
There are also plenty of great shopping opportunities in Thunder Bay. The Bay and Algoma Neighbourhood is packed with shops selling locally made products, along with unique gift items.
Exploring art
One thing that’s sure to surprise is how much art is on display all throughout the city. Thunder Bay is gaining a reputation for art thanks to the large murals painted on the sides of buildings.
Art lovers can’t miss the Thunder Bay Art Gallery or the Definitely Superior Art Gallery. The Ahnisnabae Art Gallery features the work of Roy Thomas and dozens of other Indigenous artists.
Looking to take up a brush yourself? The Creative Company has a gallery and gift shop with Paint Kitz. These kits provide everything you need to create your own masterpiece from your campsite.
Other attractions
Spend the day at Fort William Historical Park to see furs, muskets, medicine, birchbark canoes, and more at an accurate re-creation of the North West Company’s inland headquarters.
Or check out the famous Terry Fox Monument and tourist information centre on Highway 11/17, a tribute to a great Canadian hero.
See a different side of Thunder Bay through a themed tour. A list of tours is available online, with an option for every type of traveler.
The creatively minded can stroll through the waterfront public art walking tour or explore the murals on the urban colours and murals tour.
Outdoor experiences
There’s a reason Thunder Bay is called Ontario’s greatest outdoor city. There are over 100 parks and recreation areas within the city, and even more outside its borders.
Thunder Bay is located directly on the Lake Superior shoreline where you can take stand-up paddleboarding lessons, try urban paddling, or sail away on a harbour cruise with Sail Superior Big Lake Adventure.
Of course, we can’t forget the other world-class provincial parks in the Thunder Bay area.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is just over an hour’s drive east of the city. Adventure buffs can tackle over 100 km of incredible hiking trails with many spectacular geological features.
You’ll fall in love with Pigeon River Provincial Park, under an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay. This day-use park hosts the 28 m High Falls, the 6 m Middle Falls, and scenic views of Lake Superior and the American shoreline.
Enjoy a picnic at Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park before hiking the 1.7 km barrier-free loop trail. See views of a 150 m wide gorge, dropping 100 m down to the canyon floor.
Ready to reserve?
Kakabeka Falls is 30 minutes from Thunder Bay and seven hours from Winnipeg by road, or a 15 hour drive from Toronto.
A flight from Toronto to Thunder Bay is just two hours.