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Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

Biking

There are no dedicated bike trails at Kakabeka Falls but most of the campground and main access roads are paved. The Poplar Point Trail is a 4 km loop that is well suited to cycling.

Birding

Various songbirds can be seen and heard throughout the park. Bald Eagles frequent the gorge below the falls particularly in the autumn when the salmon make the run up the river to spawn.

Discovery Program

Join Discovery staff at an Exploration Station during the months of July & August. Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. Be sure to share your observations with park staff and to take the Discovery Ranger Pledge! For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.

Hiking

Boardwalk Trail - 750 metres, linear, easy, wheelchair accessible
Easily accessible from the main parking lot, the boardwalks and pedestrian bridge provide spectacular views of the falls from viewing platforms on both sides of Kakabeka Falls.

Mountain Portage Trail - 1.25 km, loop, easy, wheelchair accessible
This scenic trail is part of the historic portage that early travelers used to traverse around Kakabeka Falls. The trail provides excellent views of the falls, gorge and river.

Little Falls Trail - 2.5 km, loop, moderate – difficult
This trail begins and ends from a point along the Mountain Portage Trail. The trail features a steep descent into the river valley, picturesque Little Falls and a 30 metre ascent following the historic portage.

Poplar Point Trail - 4 km, loop, moderate
Cycle, jog or walk around this wandering loop that circles the outside of the Whispering Hills Campground. Wildlife and songbirds can be spotted along this trail. In the fall the colours of the aspen forest are a special treat. Groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Beaver Meadows and River Terrace Trails - 2 interconnecting loops off of the Poplar Point Trail. Beaver Meadows: 4.5 km moderate. River Terrace: 3.5 km, moderate.
Primarily used as groomed cross-country ski trails. The trails are not maintained in the summer. The Kaministiquia River valley can be viewed from two lookouts on the River Terrace Trail.

Swimming

A small beach is located in a sheltered area of the Kaministiquia River upriver of the falls. The swimming area is marked off with buoys and has a gradual drop-off. Fast currents can occur. If the river volume exceeds 50 cubic meters/second entry in the river is prohibited. Please note: there are no lifeguards posted at the beach. Pets are permitted on the grass areas but are not allowed in the sand or swimming areas. Water levels on the Kaministiquia River are controlled by Ontario Hydro and can fluctuate; please follow all posted safety advisories.

Winter Activities

Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario, and it looks spectacular when the water freezes. Come enjoy the vistas from the boardwalk and the viewing platforms.
Cross-country skiing
The park offers over 15 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails suitable for both beginner and intermediate skiers.
The campground roads in Whispering Hills, Poplar Point, Beaver Meadow, and River Terrace Trails have skate and classic lanes. Entry, parking and fee stations are located off of Luckens Road.
A complete map of the park’s trails is available online.
Snowshoeing
Explore the Mountain Portage Trail, an easy loop with excellent views of the falls, gorge, and river. For more of a challenge, try out the Little Falls Trail.