Land Access at Waterfalls
This website focuses on waterfalls on publicly accessible land in Ontario. There are hundreds to choose from!
Only a small number of waterfalls are found on private property. For the most part, these aren't included in this website. Learn about exceptions...
This website does not give you permission to access any property.
All land in Ontario is owned by someone, even if it appears to be vacant. One property ends where another begins.
Fortuantely, most waterfalls are on lands owned by the government. This publicly owned land can be found in provincial parks, conservation areas, and municipal property like parks and road allowances.
Many more falls are found on Crown Land. This is the un-owned land in northern Ontario that is managed by the province for use by all. Learn more about land ownership...
We can still be restricted from accessing some public places for safety, conservation or operational reasons.
Sadly, a number of popular waterfalls in Hamilton and Owen Sound now have restrictions that prevent people from exploring the gorge below.
Most of these restrictions were brought on by repeated rope rescues. These are expensive and put EMS staff at great risk. You can be fined $10,000 for this service. Even after these places were closed, people were still trespassing and still getting injured!
Contrary to what some people think, a person can own a natural waterfall. More importantly, they can own the land around a waterfall. Because of this, there are some waterfalls that we can't visit without permission.
Despite your personal beliefs, you just don't have a legal right to cross someone else's property just to see a waterfall. It's their land, not yours! See Trespass to Property Act...
Some landowners don't mind, but many others do. Any one of them can change their mind at any time. So it's impossible to keep track of who allows what, and when.
If there was a rare bird, tree or car on your property, would you want directions being published on social media? This could bring you unwanted damages, mess and nuisance.
Landowners get frustrated when inconsiderate people leave mess or vandalsim on their property. They may also be concerned about security and liability.
The reason this matters is because there ARE some waterfalls on private property that we can visit. eg. Some waterfalls along the Bruce Trail. If landowners hear about problems that are others have experienced, they may want to close their own lands.
Some waterfalls are located on lands that are administered by First Nations. This is private property; these waterfalls are off-limits and not knowingly listed here.
Remember, the relationship between the Crown and First Nations is complex and dynamic. Each First Nation has its own rules and attitude towards visitors. Please do your part to improve this relationship... Call ahead and ask!
It is generally accepted practice to drive through a reserve on a public road. But this is not universal.
The Waterfalls of Ontario project does include a few waterfalls on private lands where it is known that the landowner allows it. Examples include some waterfalls found along the Bruce Trail. Lands along this trail can still be privately owned. Rule-breaking results in breaks in the Bruce Trail.
A few other locations on private prperty have signs that explicitly indicate that visitors are welcome. Note, however, that OFSC snowmobile trail signs allow snowmobiling by permit-holding members. This does not always include hiking.
A very small number of waterfalls on vacant private land are included here. This is only where I have heard from more than one person that access is generally known to be tolerated. This situation is identified right in the waterfall description. I may have chosen to include a waterfall like this if it is a well-known site and I couldn't find evidence of a landowner trying to keep people out. There is no guarantee that we are allowed to visit.
Waterfalls on private property can also be included if they can be seen from the road. We can still view and photograph these places, although only from the road allowance. I'm no lawyer, but I couldn't find a law against viewing or photographing private property from a public place. This doesn't include a place where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a house or back garden.
In northern Ontario, recreational use is tolerated on some lands that are owned by mining or forestry firms, but only where these lands have not yet been developed. A couple of sites listed like this are included. There is no guarantee that we are allowed to visit.
Unfortunately, even this access on such resource roads is being lost. Eg. An official sign on a road to a waterfall near Harmony Beach once said “Enjoy the forest.” But due to mis-use, this access was revoked in 2023 by the landowner (a forestry company).
This website does not give you permission to access any site mentioned here. You are responsible for your actions.
If you see a waterfall in the book that you haven't heard of, or that just seems fishy, please check this website to see if it is still accessible.
Join our Facebook community to share tips, photos and updates. Operating since 2011, this well-moderated, respectful, and informative group is the hub of Ontario's waterfalling community. (Photo by Martin Van Opstal)
