Hike Kakabeka Falls Boardwalk and Mountain Portage Trail at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

Rating	★★★★★(5/5)
Overall Difficulty	Easy
Navigation Difficulty	Easy
Distance	1.1 miles roundtrip
Time	1 hour
Terrain	Mostly flat
Best Seasons	All
Family Friendly	Yes
Dog Friendly	Yes
Accessible	Yes

Highlights

Second highest waterfall in Ontario
Easy access from Thunder Bay
Learn history about the area

Hike Summary

While you've probably heard of the highest waterfall in Ontario over in Niagara Falls, Ontario's second-highest waterfall provides a much less crowded and more natural experience (mostly because there aren't casinos and hotels adjacent to the falls). I arrived on an early Friday afternoon with cloudy skies (the day before Canada's 150th birthday), and I was impressed by how few people were around. No need to fight hordes of tourists with selfie sticks to take a photo here! This hike is straightforward. When you exit your car, follow the sound of the thundering falls to find the boardwalk. The boardwalk makes a horseshoe shape, and you will hike from one side, cross the bridge, then hike the other side. There are a few optional platforms with stairs -- the mist from the falls makes these slippery, watch your step! The up-close views of the falls like pictured below are absolutely unforgettable.

The second highest waterfall in Ontario: Kakabeka Falls

Retrace your steps to return to the other side. The Mountain Portage Trail starts on the south side of the small parking area by the vistor center. The trail is compacted gravel and lined with wood -- very well constructed as you can see in the image below. I recommend you follow the loop counter-clockwise to save the best part for last.

The Mountain Portage Trail cutting through the pine forest

Educational signs line the trail providing insights into the native heritage and lives of the early settlers in the area. Keep following the trail and don't take any shortcuts! It is easy to miss the best part if you cut corners: the view from the overlook shown below is the main reason to do this hike, giving you an additional angle of the falls and an escape from the crowds. Continue back on the trail after enjoying the view, and the loop will conclude back at the parking lot.

Kakabeka Falls from a distance

Kakabeka Falls is a destination you shouldn't miss if you are ever near Thunder Bay. Connect with me using the social media links below and share your adventures!

Important Information

Dogs are allowed on leash. Both the boardwalk and the Mountain Portage Trail are accessible, which means this is also a perfect place for kids in strollers. You can visit any time of the year, but be sure to bundle up if you visit the frozen falls in winter!

Directions

This park is only about 30 minutes from Thunder Bay. Follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Ontario Highway 11/17) west. Drive through the village of Kakabeka Falls, then turn left shortly after the village into the park -- there should be an Ontario Parks sign here for Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Pay the vehicle fee at the machine, then continue on the park road across the bridge. Turn left after the bridge, following signs for the visitor center.

Google Maps Directions

Parking, Fees, and Facilities

It is important to note that this is a provincial park and does not belong to the Canadian National Parks System, thus any national parks pass you may have is not valid admission here. Parking in Ontario Parks requires a $12.25 (Canadian Dollars) vehicle fee for day use, $111.87 (Canadian Dollars) for an annual pass, or $84.75 (Canadian Dollars) for a summer pass (valid April to November). You may also pay by the hour at this park, and one hour should be sufficient to do the hike described here. The fee is payable at a machine on the drive in that accepts cash and credit/debit (card must have a chip). Parking is in a paved lot adjacent to the visitor center with park information, a shop, and flush toilets and several picnic areas nearby.