About this waterfall.

About Second Chute

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A low, long cascade below a dam that is often dry. Much of the flow is redirected to the two hydroelectric plants, which take advantage of the site's total head drop of 20 m. The elevation drop in the river is boosted by two water level control dams.

The oldest of the hydroelectric plants, built in 1913, is the large white heritage building on the right bank of the river right beside the cascade. Flows in the river can return during during colder, wetter periods of the year, when there is too much water flor the generating station.

This is one of those sites that can be just as interesting to visit when flows are very low. You can more easily see the chaotic, sculpted bedrock channel. There is no single large drop here, but it's bedrock all the way along the reach. In addition, you will see the concrete remains of former dams that once held back water for milling.

The historic and attractive stone McDougall Mill has a commanding view of the cascade. For a commanding view of the entire scene, be sure to take a quick walk across the Swinging Bridge, which is a foot traffic-only wood-and-cable suspension bridge set just downstream of the rapids.

Parking is available in the lot off Arthur St, found two blocks east of the Hwy 60 bridge. This gives easy access to the swinging bridge. You could also walk across and down a grassy slope towards the river's edge, right around the old mill.

Some Key Facts
Region Eastern
County Renfrew
Near Renfrew
Watercourse Bonnechere River
Watershed / % Lakes 3 / 17%
Ownership Town of Renfrew
Landscape Urban
Size Small
Type Low Cascade
Modification Hydroelectric plant, bridge
Access Easy
Top / Bottom Easy / Difficult
Trail conditions Gravel, grass, footbridge
Hiking Time 2 min
Coordinates 45.4776,-76.6928
Parking
45.4786,-76.6922
Site ID WOO.REN.027
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Finding Second Chute

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Visiting Second Chute


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Waterfalls of Ontario Project

This project has been online since 1999, in print since 2003, and on social since 2011. (See archives: 2003, 2012, 2018). It was the first to inventory and map Ontario's waterfalls for recreational purposes. With your continued help, it grows. Learn more...
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This page last updated on April 20, 2024. Earlier versions can be examined on Archive.org, dating back to 2003.