Kakabeka Falls: Everything You Need to Know (2025) -

Kakabeka Falls, known as ‘‘Niagara of the North” are located just a 30 km (18 miles) west of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Given where they’re located, they don’t get as crowded as other similar-sized waterfalls, so they’re quite a gem.

They’re the second-highest waterfall in Ontario, at over 131 feet (40 metres) tall, which is only 57 feet (17 m) shorter than Niagara Falls.

The first thing to know about Kakabeka Falls is that they’re a part of an Ontario Provincial Park, so the visiting rules and guidelines adhere to the Ontario Park rules. I’ll outline what you need to know below.

Its rarely busy at Kakabeka Falls, based on the few times that I’ve been. The wooden platform going around the falls allows you to view them from multiple viewpoints, so be prepared to take lots of photos.

So let’s jump in- here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kakabeka Falls.

Visiting Kakabeka Falls: Everything You Need to Know

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

How to Get to Kakabeka Falls

There is no public transit to Kakabeka Falls, so the only way to get here is to drive. They’re located off of Highway 11/17 outside the Kakabeka Falls vilalge and it takes about:

30 minutes to drive from Thunder Bay
Just under an hour’s drive from the U.S border crossing at Grand Portage and Pigeon Bay.

The falls are only steps away from the parking lot, so they’re very accessible and easy to visit!

Kakabeka Falls Opening Hours

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is open year-round, even in the winter. You choose between day use, or overnight camping.

So, even if you’re just parking to drop in and see the falls (which is what most people do) you still need to pay the Ontario Park fee – you can choose:

a full day pass, if you want to really take your time, swimming and hiking in the park
a 4 hour pass, perfect for just a picnic
2 hour pass (perfect if you just want a quick visit, hop out of the parking lot, see the falls and leave)

You can book whichever you want on the Ontario Parks site here.

How much time to Spend at Kakabeka Falls?

If all you want to do is take a look at the waterfall, you can do this quickly – in about half an hour, or less.

The falls are located very close to the parking area, so you could easily do the platform walk around the falls .

However, there are a few other activities to take part in at the Kakabeka Falls National Park.

The visitor centre and a Canadian souvenir gift shop just on the other side of the falls, with information about Kakabeka Falls and the area, and some unique souvenirs you can buy
Hiking in the national park. The Mountain Portage Trail gives you a view of the falls
Camping in the national park
Swimming at the Kakabeka Falls Beach, located just upstream of the falls. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards, and the swimming can sometimes be closed due to the water’s current. However, it is buoyed, there are change room facilities and even a children’s playground

Is Kakabeka Falls kid-friendly?

Kakabeka Falls is very family-friendly. I’ve been here countless times with 1-2 year olds, and they walked on their own. The wooden platform with the railing makes it very safe.

The boardwalk from the parking area to the falls viewing platform is stroller friendly, but the wooden platform that encircles the falls has a few stairs (pictured below.) I’d only bring a stroller if you have a second adult to help you lift the stroller down the stairs. Otherwise, a baby carrier might be your best bet.

Is Kakabeka Falls dog-friendly?

Dogs are welcome at Kakabeka Falls viewing platform and in the park, but there is a strict rule about them being on a leash so that no damage is done to the vegetation or the wildlife in the area.

Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach or swimming area at the park.

Camping in Kakabeka Falls

Since its a provincial park, you arrange camping at Kakabeka Falls on the Ontario Parks website.

It costs less than $50 per night, depending on if you’re camping in an electric or non-electric area.

Here are the 3 campgrounds to choose from:

Riverside campground
Fern’s Edge campground
Whispering Hills (located a bit further from the waterfall area)

There are camping discounts for seniors and for people with an Ontario disability card. Reservations for the camping at Kakabeka Falls can be made on the park website.

Other Things to Do in the Kakabeka Falls Area

If you have kids, there are lots of things to with them in Thunder Bay. Otherwise, the town of Kakabeka Falls village is very small, but there are a few things to do and places to eat close by:

Go for a hike on the Mountain Portage trail, which starts in the village and leads you to the Kakabeka Falls. Its an easy, 1.2 km (0.7 miles) long hike
Hike on Little Falls Trail downstream (3.1 km or 1.9 miles) which will lead you on a scenic route to a smaller waterfall (called Little Falls.) Its considered to be a moderately difficult hike, because of slippery rocks and some steep parts. Wear good shoes.
Grab a bite at The Eddy, a local diner that serves burgers, and other ‘bar’ type food, mostly made from scratch
Stop at the Shake Shoppe in town for a sweet treat

Good To Know About Kakabeka Falls

The Kakabeka Falls are on the Kaministiquia River, just outside the small village of Kakabeka Falls where only about 100 people live.

The name “kakabeka” comes from the Ojibwe word gakaabikaa, which means “waterfall over a cliff.”

The Kaministiquia River was important in Canadian history, because it was used as a popular route for the Voyageurs (French fur traders) in the 17th century.

Kakabeka Falls FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about visiting Kakabeka Falls, and visiting them

Why is the water brown in Kakabeka Falls?

The water in the falls is brown, because thats the colour of the water in the Kaministiquia River, where the water comes from. The Kaministiquia river water is brown because the water gets stained from the buildup of moss, dead plants and other organic material. The decaying plants turn the water brown.

Can you swim at Kakabeka Falls?

There is a swimming area above the falls, with a sandy beach, a small playground and change facilities and it is buoyed to prevent visitors from going too far.

Are there bears in Kakabeka falls?

Yes, there are black bears, and other wildlife such as deer and moose. However, all these animals are timid and you’re not likely to spot them.

What does the name Kakabeka mean in English?

Kakabeka comes from the word gakaabikaa which means “water over a cliff” in Ojibwe.

What is the highest waterfall in Canada?

The highest waterfall in Canada is Della Falls, which is located on Vancouver Island, off the coast of Vancouver. The Della Falls are 1,445 feet (440 metres) tall.

Do I have to pay to see Kakabecka falls?

If you only plan to spend a short time viewing the falls (2 hours or less), then you pay for a 2-hour parking permit of $5.25. For a 4 hour permit, its $7.50 per vehicle. If you want to spend a full day, then its $15.50 per vehicle. There are discounts for seniors and people with disabilities.

Visiting Kakabeka Falls: Final Thoughts

Visiting Kakabeka Falls is a must-do if you’re in the Thunder Bay area, especially if you’re a nature lover. It makes for a nice day out, and it is not usually busy, compared to other waterfalls of this size in Ontario. In fact, each time I’ve been there, there’s usually only been a few other visitors besides us.

One thing I love about Kakabeka Falls, in comparison with other famous Canadian waterfalls such as Niagara or Montmorency Falls in Quebec, is that its not as ‘built up’ in terms of tourism. Its quieter and it feels almost surreal to see waterfalls of this size off the side of the road without too much tourist activities built up around it.

Kakabeka Falls are one of a hand full of waterfalls in the Thunder Bay area. There are beautiful waterfalls all over Ontario, most of which are located in the Hamilton area, which is about an hour south south of Toronto. We’re lucky to have this gem so close to Thunder Bay, and I hope this guide has been helpful for you in planning your trip to see Kakabeka Falls!