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This is overnight waterfall road trip, leading to a few highlight waterfalls as well as some quiet gems.
The route focuses on the Hwy 11 corridor, between Bracebridge and North Bay. The intent is for the visitor to stay overnight in North Bay and head back south the next day. This city of about 50,000 is a major hub for the area and has everything that the traveller needs.
The highlight of this trip is Duchesnay Falls. It's the last waterfall listed for Day 1, and right at North Bay. If you arrive too late to do it properly on Day 1, it should be the first place you go on Day 2 after leaving your motel!
With one exception, all of the waterfalls are accesed by paved roads. A few require a short hike, but nothing more than about 10 minutes. Much of the route travels through the scenic Almaguin Highlands.
Most of the best falls are included for Day 1. But the "out-and-back" nature of this route offers an insurance policy: if you run out of time on Day 1, you can use Day 2 to pick up anything that you missed.
You could be injured, lost, or die visiting waterfalls. You are responsible for your safety. Learn your Risks and Responsibilities.
You don't have permission to use this website unless you click and agree with the Full DisclaimerThe first waterfall on the route is one of the most impressive. Since water is divereted for hydroelectric power, it it can run low during summer. So you have to manage your expectations if traveling in summer.
Fortunately, the falls are just 100 m from the highway, and there are two other falls on site. Learn more...
This could really be called 'Stop 1b', because it is only a couple of minutes' walk from High Falls. Tucked in the woods, this is real beauty.
Follow the paved laneway back clockwise from High Falls, and watch for a break in the trees. A short trail leads to the footbridge above the falls. Little High Falls is about 100 m downstream. Learn more...
This waterfall is a totally different shape; some newer waterfallers might not consider it a waterfall. But once you walk around this scenic stop, you'll find that rewarding waterfalls come in all shapes and sizes. Learn more...
I think that this is one of the prettiest waterfalls in central Ontario. It's not huge, though it's bigger than it looks. Completely natural, untouched and often deserted, yet just a couple minutes' walk from the parking area.
The road to Learn more...
Burks Falls is included on this road trip because people often ask about it. Truth be told, most of the waterfall is comprised of a dam. There is a bit of bedrock around the edges, but I normally skip this spot.
My last trip reminded me that it is still a scenic spot, and worth the short detour off Hwy 11. Learn more...
One of the smallest falls on this road trip, and admittedly rather "meh" from the road bridge.
But a short 2 minute walk down the river leads to a pleasant rocky overlook over this scenic rapids. Slow down and take a minute; this is a good reminder that small waterfalls can be just rewarding.Learn more...
After Thompson Rapids, the drive takes a break from waterfalls for a bit, and some that are available on day 2.
The Wasi Cascades make for a decent stop. The larger falls downstream is on private property. But several sets of picturesque rapids are less than a minute scramble from the road. Learn more...
This is a favourite for many members of our Facebook Group. There isn't one big falls, but rather a number of small to medium sized falls all in one spot. Your photos will make it look like you visited multiple places!
If you'll be arriving in North Bay too late spend at least an hour here, change your plans and go back in the monrning. In this scenario, you could choose to used limited time for a shorter visit to Chippewa Creek Falls. Learn more...
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