This is a broad spillway below a dam at Cache Bay Rd. The dam regulates water levels for the nearby hydro station, which is now over 100 years old and generates 8 MW. During lower flows (which occur through much of the year), the falls are almost completely dry. All of the river's flow is fed to the hydro station during these periods. Unfortunately, these periods are common, and combined with the inability to get close to this falls, the site is rated as 1 or 2 stars.
When river flows increase to peak levels, the excess is allowed to rip through the gates and blast out over the exposed rock. The broad shield-shaped bedock outcrop is over 100 m wide. Unfortunately, trying to time when to visit this falls can be difficult. I've been told that it may be flowing in the morning but turned off later that same day.
Some visitors have parked on William St, and walked through to the back of the Legion hall grounds. A tall fence is in place to prevent you from getting close to the river. As discussed, flows can vary quite a bit at this site.
A more panoramic view can be had from the elevated Sturgeon Falls Lookout Park, located on Front St (Trans-Canada Highway), just east of the river. The view isn't great, because the falls are about 300 m in the distance. The driving directions lead to the lookout.
Region | Northeast |
---|---|
County | Nipissing |
Near | Sturgeon Falls |
Watercourse | Sturgeon River |
Watershed / % Lakes | 4 / 18% |
Ownership | Crown Land, private areas |
Landscape | Suburban, open |
Size | Medium |
Type | Low, Broad Cascade with Dam |
Modification | Water level control dam, bridge |
Access | Limited |
Top / Bottom | Prohibited / Easy to view |
Trail conditions | Gravel, Dirt |
Hiking Time | 3 mins |
Coordinates | 46.369,-79.9337 |
Parking | 46.3661,-79.9321 ![]() |
Site ID | WOO.NIP.067 |
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