Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls is a natural wonder located within the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park just west of Thunder Bay.

At over 40 metres, Kakabeka Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Ontario and is nicknamed “the Niagara of the North.” A pedestrian bridge welcomes visitors to view each side of the falls and to explore the Kaministiquia River and gorge below.

Catch glimpses of the local wildlife on scenic nature walks. Follow the accessible Boardwalk Trail to the more challenging Little Falls Trail, which descends into the gorge.

Visit the Kakabeka Falls website

Majestic waterfalls below a trail and viewing platform in Northern Ontario. — Kakabeka Falls | Destination Ontario

How to get to Kakabeka Falls

Location: 4853 Highway 11/17, Kakabeka Falls

By car: Kakabeka Falls is located off Highway 11/17, 30 kilometres west of Thunder Bay. Parking is available directly off the highway and next to the visitor centre.

By transit: Ontario Northland buses stop in the village of Kakabeka Falls, within walking distance to the Village Trail that leads to the falls.

Know before you go

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is open year-round. Visitors pay a fee to see the falls. Vehicle permits for two hours, four hours, or a full day can be purchased at the main gate.

Viewing platforms along the way provide excellent views of the falls. Learn about the falls and browse the gift shop at the visitor centre.

Things to do at Kakabeka Falls

Discover more activities and experiences.

Explore the trails

Set out on the nature trails, such as the Boardwalk Trail, Mountain Portage Trail and Little Falls Trail, which provide excellent views of the falls.

Look for wildlife

From deer and moose to bald eagles and blue jays, the area is home to diverse wildlife.

Join the Discovery staff

Get equipment and materials at the Exploration Station and join the Discovery Program in July and August to observe plants and animals around the park.

Swim at the beach

Relax on a small, secluded beach upriver of the falls marked off with buoys. Playground equipment and picnic tables are available.

Sleep in the woods

Campsites at Kakabeka include Whispering Hills, which offers amenities such as electric hookups and showers and Riverside or Fern’s Edge for basic camping options with restrooms.

Enjoy winter sports

During the wintertime, go cross-country skiing on over 15 kilometres of groomed trails, snowshoe past incredible views of the falls or skate on campground lanes.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Seven of the best waterfall hikes in Ontario

Ontario is a province of rivers, lakes and hills—the perfect recipe for waterfalls.

Read moreSeven of the best waterfall hikes in Ontario

Where to eat and drink in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is home to a dynamic culinary scene.

Read moreWhere to eat and drink in Thunder Bay

8 scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon

Ride these scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon and experience the rugged beauty of Northwestern Ontario.

Read more8 scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon

Experience Ontario’s fall fairs

From tractor pulls to giant vegetable contests, food vendors and midway rides, here’s what you’ll find at Ontario’s fall fairs.

Read moreExperience Ontario’s fall fairs

Aerial view of Kakabeka Falls west of Thunder Bay in Ontario. — Kakabeka Falls | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about Kakabeka Falls

The name “Kakabeka” comes from the Ojibwe word “gakaabikaa,” which means “waterfall over a cliff” and features in an Indigenous legend of a princess who led enemies down the river and over the falls to save her village.

Kakabeka Falls is located on the Kaministiquia River, which was a popular route for French fur traders in the 17th century. The water cascades into a gorge created by meltwater after the last glacial maximum. The river has cut deep into the rocks, revealing 1.6 million-year-old fossils at the bottom of the falls.

Last updated: July 10, 2024