Northeastern Ontario has one of the highest concentrations of accessible waterfalls in the province, and most of them sit within a short walk of a highway or a backroad. This road trip itinerary connects nine of them across nine communities: Duchesnay Falls in North Bay, Eau Claire Gorge near Mattawa, Pete's Dam in Temiskaming Shores, Grassy High Falls south of Timmins, New Post Falls north of Cochrane, Onaping Falls outside Sudbury, Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park in Englehart, and Chutes Provincial Park in Massey.
Each stop pairs the waterfall with a local place to eat, stay, or camp, so you can build a weekend trip around one section or run the full loop along Highways 11, 17, and 144. Here's what to know before you go, including trail difficulty, road access, and the best season for each set of falls.
If you’re chasing waterfalls, scenic hikes, or quiet nature escapes, you won't want to miss this one. Tucked just outside of the small town of Mattawa, Eau Claire Gorge is one of those places that feels almost too good to be true. With crystal-clear water, sculpted rock formations and fast moving water coursing through a narrow channel, it's easily one of the most unique natural spots in Northeastern Ontario.
One of the best parts of visiting Eau Claire Gorge is how accessible it is. A short trail loops through the forest and leads you to several viewpoints overlooking the gorge. The path is fairly easy and it includes a small section with a boardwalk making it simple to navigate for most visitors. The views at the end feel like something you’d expect after a much bigger trek. It's a perfect quick stop road trip or an easy add-on to a day trip in Mattawa.
Eau Claire Gorge is beautiful to visit year-round, with each season offering a different perspective. Spring creates a powerful, dramatic water flow while summer brings out that lush greenery in the surrounding trail with shaded areas making it peaceful. Fall offers some of the most photogenic conditions of the year with the vibrant autumn colors.
After exploring around Eau Claire Gorge, head into downtown Mattawa for a slower, more relaxed pace. Just a short drive from the trail head, the town offers a quiet riverside setting that feels just perfect. Once in town, stop by Wright’s Bakery & More, a cozy local favourite known for its welcoming atmosphere, fresh baked goods and great lunch options.
If you have extra time, continue your adventure and camp at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. The park might look a little different after the June 2025 storm with lots of sections showing signs of its impact and some sections being closed, it still remains a beautiful place to explore. Despite the changes, the surrounding wilderness continues to offer a peaceful, rugged escape that captures the essence of the Mattawa region.
Duchesnay Falls is one of the most iconic hiking spots in North Bay, located just outside the city off Highway 17. The trail features a stunning series of cascading waterfalls that wind through rugged, rocky terrain allowing you to wander and continuously discover new viewpoints along the way. With easy access from the parking lot, it's a place where you can explore from multiple angles without committing to a long or difficult hike.
With its four-season beauty, it's nearly impossible to choose the best time to visit. In the spring, the falls come alive with powerful rushing water from the snow melt. Summer transforms the area into a lush green escape, with dense forest surrounding the falls. Come fall, the landscape bursts into vibrant colors, making it one of the most scenic spots in the region. In the winter, the cascading water freezes creating layered ice formations and massive icicles and a completely different, almost surreal experience that is pure magical.
After wandering around the falls, North Bay rewards you with everything from lakeside patios and classic pub comfort food. If you are like me and like a good post-hike meal head to Moose’s Cookhouse, a classic pub on Main Street.
After exploring Duchesnay Falls and refuelling at Moose’s Cookhouse, slow things down with a ride along the Kate Pace Way. This paved waterfront trail is the easiest way to take in North Bay without rushing it. It runs right along Lake Nipissing with quiet stretches and lake views all the way towards Callander.
For a comfortable and convenient stay the Fairfield Inn & Suites North Bay is a solid option. It's modern, clean and just a few minutes from Duchesnay Falls, making it an easy home base for exploring the city.
There’s something about Northern Ontario that makes you slow down––and Pete’s Dam Waterfall has that same energy. Located in New Liskeard, the quiet cascade draws you in with its grounding beauty. The sound of the rushing water, the textured rock formations, and the surrounding forest create a setting that feels both calming and alive.
One of the best parts about Pete’s Dam is how easy it is to get there. You don’t need to commit to a long hike to experience it. With multiple different view points, it offers many paths to follow for all difficulty levels ranging from easy to moderate. Pete’s Dam is beautiful year-round, but each season brings a completely different scenery. Spring the waterfall is at its most powerful due to winter run off. Summer, a great time to explore the rocks and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed flow. Fall offers stunning vibrant colors. The area is also accessible in winter, the cascade partially freezes creating a stunning mix of ice and flowing water.
Please use extreme caution in wet and icy weather! The rocks are very slippery. Fatalities have occurred.
A standout about Temiskaming Shores is the beautiful waterfront. Located right in the heart of New Liskeard, just minutes away from shops and restaurants. The waterfront boardwalk is a scenic and easy-to-follow path that hugs the lake. Whether you're starting your morning with a quiet walk or ending your day chasing the sunset the views never disappoint. The trail is flat and accessible, making it ideal for a casual stroll. Just steps from the boardwalk, the waterfront opens up into a lively beach area that comes alive in the summer months.
Tucked away in the downtown of New Liskeard, Chat Noir Books is one of those places that instantly makes you feel at home the moment you walk in. With its cozy atmosphere and comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, this charming cafe has become a local favorite in Temiskaming Shores. The Cafe offers a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring specialty drinks and a selection of freshly baked goods. Or, stop for lunch at 28 on the Lake, on its large patio overlooking Lake Temiskaming.
If you plan to stay in the area overnight, Les Suites des Presidents’ Suites is a wonderful choice; the stunning century-old homes and suites along Haileybury's Millionaire's Row, on the shore of Lake Temiskaming, were built by the silver and lumber barons of the Cobalt rush era and have been restored as self-contained rentals.
Located just outside Englehart in Northern Ontario, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park is one of the region’s most scenic hidden gems. Surrounded by quiet forests, rushing rapids, and dramatic waterfalls, the park offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature.
The park is known for its beautiful, powerful waterfalls and rapids along the Englehart River. Short, scenic hiking trails like Hell’s Gate provide incredible views of the river and multiple lookout points. The trails through the park are considered relatively easy to moderate, making them great for hiking and exploring. During the summer and fall, the landscape becomes so vibrant with its greenery and autumn colours.
The park offers campsites, including electrical and non-electrical with a quiet experience surrounded by nature. One of the biggest highlights of camping here is how close you are to the waterfall.
After a day spent outdoors, make a stop at Dida's Gastropub in Earlton, where the menu is built around burgers — bison, beef, rotating seasonal specials — made in-house with Ontario ingredients, plus the best sweet potato fries.
Tucked away in Northern Ontario, New Post Falls is truly the Beast of the Northeast. Located north of Cochrane in the small town of Smooth Rock Falls, this is one you won't want to miss. Surrounded by endless forests and winding logging roads, this is truly a hidden gem.
Reaching New Post Falls requires a bit of planning ahead. Cell service is extremely limited, so downloading offline maps is highly recommended. Bring extra fuel, water, food and outdoor gear and supplies. Good hiking boots are recommended. A 4x4 or high clearance vehicle is recommended due to rough sections, unpredictable conditions and possible washouts. This is not a spontaneous Sunday drive!
That said, New Post Falls is truly a magical place like no other; with its calm, quiet environment it's the perfect place to disconnect and experience Northern Ontario’s wilderness. You can also head out with an experienced outfitter or guide such as Northern Spirit Adventures.
It is considered a short to moderate hike with uneven terrain that can be muddy and slippery depending on weather, and it's not heavily marked. Usually the best overall time to visit is late spring after the snow melt and rain, as the falls are much stronger and more dramatic, and it offers such a beautiful green landscape.
One of the main attractions everyone talks about is the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat. Located right in the heart of Cochrane on 24 acres of natural terrain with forest, trails and a large spring-fed lake where the bears can swim and play, the habitat is home to polar bears Ganuk & Henry. Visitors can watch them from different viewing areas.
Refuel with a meal at 49 Parallel Kitchen Bar on Third Street in downtown Cochrane, for pub comfort food built around burgers, poutines, and smoked meat sandwiches.
After a day of adventuring around, the Best Western Swan Castle Inn is one of the most convenient and recognizable places to stay in town. Located along Railway Street, it sits close to Hwy 11, making it an easy stop for road trips heading through the region and a short distance to the downtown area, local restaurants and attractions.
Hidden in the forest, Grassy High Falls is one of the best-known outdoor attractions near Timmins. Located south of the city along the Grassy River, the site features powerful waterfalls and rapids
Reaching the falls requires traveling along backroads; it's accessed by Dalton Road on hwy 144. The remote location adds to the wilderness experience, but cell coverage in the area can be limited or unreliable, so downloading maps beforehand is recommended. You can choose to park your vehicle before the rough section and walk the remaining distance.
The falls are reached through a short trail network that winds through a dense jack pine forest and follows the river to several viewpoints. It is considered easy to moderate, though sections near the cliffs and river can become slippery and muddy depending on weather conditions. Late spring is often considered the best overall time to visit. The snow melt and spring rain make the falls very powerful. Summer offers green forest and easier trail conditions. Fall is popular for cooler hiking weather and colourful autumn foliage. During the winter season, the area offers beautiful snowshoe trails and fantastic views.
One of the most unique experiences is Sleeping with the Wolves at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa, where guests stay overnight in glass-front cabins inside a timber wolf enclosure. The cabins have panoramic windows designed for year-round stays. The resort offers a wide range of activities such as wildlife tours, a full-service spa with Nordic baths and saunas, an on-site restaurant, and many more.
Make your way northeast of Timmins and you’ll find your way to Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, known for its scenic boreal forest, quiet lakes and the perfect spot to unwind and camp for a while. The park is a quiet northern escape that feels untouched, peaceful and connected to nature. Kettle Lakes is perfect for camping, with well-maintained camp sites that are private and spacious.
Onaping Falls is one of Northern Ontario’s most scenic waterfalls, located just outside of Sudbury along hwy 144. The falls are known for their rocky cliffs, dramatic cascades and forest surroundings.
The short hiking trail leads to incredible viewpoints overlooking the falls and beautiful surrounding nature. The hike is relatively short and beginner-friendly, some uneven terrain, stairs and rocks. The best time to visit would be Fall, for the incredible foliage. Spring offers a strong flow which can also be an incredible experience.
A short drive north will lead you to Windy Lake Provincial Park. The park is surrounded by dense forest, rocky landscape and beautiful Windy Lake. It's known for its sandy beach, quietness, spacious sites for tents and trailers, as well as walk-in waterfront campsites that provide a more secluded experience. For visitors looking for a more comfortable stay, they offer yurts and rustic cabins that blend convenience with surrounding natural settings. There are plenty of activities to do like swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking or simply relaxing on the beach.
Located in the heart of Chelmsford, Cafe Oui has quickly become one of the community’s favourite spots. Walking into Cafe Oui quickly turns into a warm, welcoming atmosphere with its comfortable environment where locals and travelers can relax and enjoy the moment. They feature fresh, specialty coffees, handcrafted drinks, fresh sandwiches/subs, soups, salads, locally made baked goods and ice cream.
Tucked along highway 17, the small town of Massey is home to one of the region’s most scenic outdoor destinations: Chutes Provincial Park. Known for its rushing waterfalls, trails and camping, the park is a popular stop for travellers exploring Northern Ontario.
Chutes is located along the Aux Sablex River and it is well-known for its dramatic waterfalls and rapids. The Twin Bridge Trail is a must do when you're in the park, with multiple different lookout points, suspension bridges and peaceful riverside views it's the perfect way to spend a day. The trail is considered moderate with some sections that are rocky, uneven and slippery. During the summer and fall, the park becomes so vibrant with its greenery and autumn colours.
The park offers amazing spacious campsites for both tents and trailers, in a quiet, nature surrounded area that you'd never expect to find right within the town itself. Whether you're stopping for a hike, a swim or an overnighter stay, Chutes Provincial Park offers a classic outdoor experience.
After exploring the park, a stop at The Little Brew Cafe is the perfect way to recharge. Located in the heart of Massey, the cafe has become a favourite for homemade baked goods, specialty coffee, breakfast and lunch options. Whether you're grabbing a drink before a hike or a quick lunch, The Little Brew Cafe adds to the charm of visiting Massey.
Massey offers the perfect combination of waterfall, hiking trails, camping, and local cafe - making it one of the region’s best hidden getaway stops.
Start your trip at Bridal Veil Falls, one of Manitoulin Island’s most famous natural attractions. The waterfall is easy to access from the parking lot and it is surrounded by scenic trails, making it perfect to relax in nature. The fall cascades gracefully over rocky cliffs into a clear pool below, you can walk along a short scenic trail leading to different viewpoints.
Please note, due to flooding damage in April 2026, the walking trails may be closed throughout the summer months. Please respect the trail closures.
For those feeling adventurous, visitors can walk behind the waterfall itself for a unique perspective and refreshing experience. The sound of rushing water, surrounding forest and calm atmosphere makes Bridal Veil Falls one of the Island’s most remarkable stops. Throughout the summer and fall, the area becomes a very popular spot for tourists. Whether doing a quick pit stop or simply taking a nice quiet walk this is the perfect place to be.
After exploring, head over Providence Bay to Peace Café in The Mutchmor for a coffee or cold beverage, and explore the local art and crafts in the shop, then walk the boardwalk along Providence Bay Beach.
For those looking for even more adventure, the Cup and Saucer Trail is another must-visit destination on Manitoulin Island. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic forest, the hike offers incredible panoramic views in Northern Ontario. The trial winds through the forest with rocky terrain and elevated lookout points overlooking the island’s landscape and Lake Huron. For the hikers looking for a more exciting challenge, the Adventure Trail at the Cup and Saucer Trail offers one of the most memorable experiences. Unlike the main trail, the Adventure Trail includes more technical sections with ladders and rock scrambles. The route rewards you with panoramic views, a perfect mix of challenge, exploration and unforgettable scenery Manitoulin has to offer.
For a comfortable and convenient stay the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre is one of the most popular and modern stays on the island. Located on the waterfront in Little Current, minutes away from shops, restaurants and cafes. Or enjoy the luxe glamping domes at Among The Trees in Whitefish River First Nation.
Whether you spend the day chasing waterfalls, hiking scenic trails or relaxing in local cafes, Manitoulin Island offers the perfect balance of adventures and tranquility.
