In the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, close to Thunder Bay, there lies a natural wonder called Kakabeka Falls. Kakabeka Falls is Ontario‘s second-highest waterfall at the height of almost 40 meters.
1. Kakabeka Falls: Niagara of the North
The magnificent Kakabeka Falls, located in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, tumble 40 meters into a valley just west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Kakabeka Falls, known as “Niagara of the North,” is the second-highest waterfall in the territory. These waterfalls, however, have a far more natural and uncrowded feel than Niagara Falls.
It is quite amazing to see Kakabeka Falls in person, with water crashing down and bouncing in every direction. You can make a brief stop there because it’s close to the highway, but we suggest staying a few hours to fully appreciate it.
2. The meaning of the name
The Ojibwe term gakaabikaa, which means “waterfall over a cliff,” is the source of the name “Kakabeka.”
3. The Green Mantle Legend
The Ojibwe chief in The Legend of Green Mantle tells his daughter, Princess Green Mantle, to come up with a strategy to defend her people after learning of an impending attack by the Sioux tribe.
According to mythology, Green Mantle, a memorial to the princess who sacrificed her life to save her people, can be seen when gazing into the mist of Kakabeka Falls. Other versions of the story claim that she came upon the Sioux on her own, leaped out of the canoe before the falls, swam to shore, and then fled back to the camp to alert her people.
4. Why is the water at Kakabeka Falls brown?
The spruce bogs that feed the Kaministiqua River upstream discolor the water that flows into the falls.
5. Why should you visit Kakabeka Falls once in your life?
Simple to reach
Kakabeka Falls, like many other waterfalls in Northwest Ontario, is very accessible. In actuality, it is a short distance from Highway 11/17. The first waterfall view is right there, about 100 feet (or less!) from your car once you exit and park. Only 32 kilometers (20 miles) separate Kakabeka Falls from Thunder Bay.
The falls are not used for profit
Kakabeka Falls is a wilderness environment because it is part of a provincial park. The few trinkets available at the Ontario Parks Store in the visitor center are the closest thing to commercialization. On both sides of the Kaministiquia River, there are boardwalks and viewing ledges that provide stunning views.
You can see the gorge across the river as well as the waterfalls from a viewing platform. In order to reveal the ghosts and tales from two billion years ago, the Kam River carved a valley through the rock layers.
Access to trails and viewing platforms is simple
The majority of the trails are open to everyone and suited for them. Of course, it’s also simple to get to the observatory, where you may see the water falling from the falls. The trails’ specifics are listed below.
Stunning waterfall vistas from a variety of viewpoints
It is possible to observe the falls from a variety of locations thanks to the boardwalks and viewing platforms. Just before the water spills over the brink, you can see it. On this side, the terrain is a little rougher, and the rock is more varied. The waterfalls and the gorge could be seen coming together at one point further on.
It’s a great deal!
You can visit the second-highest waterfalls in Ontario that are open all year long for just a few dollars an hour in parking. I’m not sure what other sights can be as stunning to view and so reasonably priced. By only paying for an hour of parking, you can easily tour the waterfall.
6. Kakabeka Falls Hiking
When you embark on one of the nature trails, you’ll have plenty of chances to take in the picturesque sights and breathtaking landscapes that surround Kakabeka Falls. Excellent views of the falls are available from viewing platforms along the route, and visitors can take pictures to remember the experience.
- The Boardwalk Trail: 750 meters long and conveniently located next to the main parking area. The pedestrian bridge provides wonderful views of the falls from both sides of the river and is wheelchair accessible.
- Mountain Portage Trail: The 1.25 km long, easy also handicap accessible. This circle walk provides views of the river and gorge below and is a portion of the portage trail that early explorers used to navigate around Kakabeka Falls.
- Little Falls Trail: The 2.5 km loop of the trail is rated as moderate to challenging. It takes a detour off Mountain Portage Trail and descends precipitously into the gorge below.
Apart from that, three further trails—Poplar Point Trail, Beaver Meadows, and River Terrace Trails, which connect—are easy loops that allow winter visitors to explore the area on cross-country skis. Beaver Meadows, River Terrace, and Poplar Point Trail are each 4 km, 4.5 km, and 3.5 km in length, respectively.
7. Kakabeka Falls Camping
Other campgrounds in the region offer various sorts of camping if you have more time to spend at Kakabeka Falls and are seeking places to camp.
- Whispering Hills Campground: Pull-through campsites and electricity hookups are available. Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities are amenities. Nature walks and river swimming are available to campers. Popular Point Trail, a popular winter destination near the campground and prepared for cross-country skiing, is also close by.
- Riverside and Fern’s Edge Campgrounds: More basic camping choices are available, which also have some pull-through campsites for trailers. These campgrounds offer amenities like comfort stations and bathrooms.
8. When is the best time to camp at Kakabeka Falls?
When considering a trip to Kakabeka Falls during the off-season, which is typically from May to October, keep in mind that the campgrounds there are seasonal.
