Ever since visiting the North Shore of Minnesota and truly enjoying my time there, I have wanted to visit the area further north on the Canadian side. This past weekend, I flew into Thunder Bay, and the first waterfall I headed to was Kakabeka Falls, one of the more widely known in Ontario. At over 130′ tall, it is one of the taller falls around Lake Superior.

Now it’s the end of April, and I’ll first of all point out there was a LOT less water flowing over the falls than I expected. There must have been a lot less snowfall than normal, because the flow at Kakabeka Falls and other falls in the area seemed greatly diminished.  I understand the flow is partially controlled by a dam, but I’ve seen pictures during the weekdays that have more water than this. Oh well…waterfalls are unpredictable!

The falls are impressive, but I’m not sure that they fall into my “Favorites” category. While the falls have good viewpoints, they seems “far away.” I’m not really sure why…Maybe being in the gorge would provide a greater sense of the size. I found Little Falls, Kakabeka Falls’ smaller counterpart, to be more interesting because I could get up close and personal.

Directions:

1. From Thunder Bay, head west on Trans-Canada highway 11/17.
2. About 30 km from Thunder Bay, you’ll come upon the entrance to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park on your left.
3. Park and pay the entrance fee.  It was $5.25 for 2 hours, $6.75 for 4 hours, or $10.50 for a whole day.  I visited both Kakabeka and Little Falls, and it took less than 2 hours.  (A number of Ontario parks have self-pay machines that are automated and ONLY accept 25 cent, $1, and $2 coins, so bring CHANGE…it’s my pet peeve of Ontario parks.)
4. From there, head to the falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 131′
Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip (along Boardwalk Trail)

Kakabeka Falls in late-April 2012

Where in the World is Kakabeka Falls?