Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is a recreation and sightseeing destination located on the banks of the Kaministiquia River southwest of the community of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Thunder Bay is part of the North of Superior region of Northern Ontario, Canada.

The park protects a river gorge eco system, the northern forests, wildlife and flower meadows. The protected eco system is also a geological sensitive area. The cliffs and river gorge are home to some of Canada`s oldest fossils dating back 1.6 billion years ago.

The highlight of the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is the crashing waterfall on the Kaministiquia River. The waterfall drops 40 metres (131 ft.) over a rock cliff into a frothy pool of water. It is the highest waterfall in Northern Ontario and some say the loudest.

Summer activities enjoyed in the park include hiking, sightseeing, camping, biking, picnicking, swimming and wildlife watching. Wildlife sightings in the park include black bear, fox, deer and songbird species like wrens and sparrows.

During the winter months the trails combine to form 15 kilometres of groomed xc ski trails.

The hiking trails follow the river and lead to various lookouts. The crashing white water of the falls often sends mist into the air engulfing the closest lookouts. Be careful it can get slippery. The trails are decorated with information signs which share the details of the local wildlife and eco systems in the park.

The main hiking trails in the park includes the Little Falls Trail, Poplar Point Trail and Mountain Portage Trail.

Mountain Portage Trail (2 km) follows the same steps as the voyageurs when they had to portage around the falls. Since the 1800s the Kaministiquia River was once a travel route for fur trappers, voyageurs and First Nation people for accessing the fur trading fort of Fort William. Poplar Point Trail (3.6 km) visit with fields and woodlands of flora and fauna.

Swimming is enjoyed in the roped off swimming area located above the falls. There is a sandy beach, playground and day use picnic shelter area. At the entrance of the park there is a an information centre with a picnic area, gift store, washrooms and currency exchange. During the summer months the staff provide walking tours and educational programs.

The Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park includes two campgrounds. Campground includes serviced and non serviced campsites. Amenities in the campground include washrooms, park office, change rooms, information centre, laundromat, showers and a sani station.

Explore Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario, North of Superior, Canada