9 Spectacular Frozen Waterfalls Worth The Hike

When temperatures drop, Ontario’s waterfalls transform into something some folks argue is even more enchanting. Frozen in place, they become icy sculptures—as awe-inspiring as summer cascades, but inviting a different kind of adventure.

Fortunately, the magic doesn’t end with winter. In spring, these frozen falls stir, blending roaring melt with lingering ice. The result is a fleeting and dramatic display of nature in transition. So grab your map, toss your snowshoes or hiking boots in the car, and explore Ontario’s best frozen waterfall hikes. Here are 10 spots that make chasing the chill worthwhile, whether in winter or early spring.

Kakabeka Falls, Thunder Bay

From Thunder Bay, drive west on the Trans Canada Highway for 30 minutes to experience what is indisputably one of the greatest waterfalls in all of Ontario. Part of the Kaministiquia River, Kakabeka Falls is a whopping 30 metres tall, making it the second tallest waterfall in Ontario. Seeing this waterfall’s height and frozen patterns during the winter is almost hard to believe.

Getting there:

Hike the Kakabeka Falls Mountain Portage and Little Falls Trail to make your way to the banks of the river, and you’ll truly grasp the scope of this spectacle. This trail combines two loops, spans 3.5 km in total, and has some swift elevation changes, so make sure you bring your snowshoes or winter hikers.

Before leaving, stand on one of the park’s observation decks or to hike the 1 km Boardwalk Trail to experience a different vantage point.

Don’t miss…

• After a day of hikes, frozen falls and skiing, warm up with a meal at The Eddy for a local burger in the heart of Kakabeka Falls. For a green tea, an espresso or a latté; visit The Early Refill or pick up some delicious scones from The Metropolitan Moose Beanery and Café.
• Book a comfortable cabin with a wood stove and a jacuzzi at the nearby Rose Valley Lodge, or venture farther and stay in one of the roofed accommodations at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Duchesnay Falls, North Bay

This tiered waterfall just outside of North Bay flows through Duchesnay Creek before reaching the vast waters of Lake Nipissing. Duchesnay Falls is a scenic location to visit year-round and is especially picturesque during the winter. Come to catch a glimpse of this 20-m rushing waterfall as it turns into icy slabs that coat the river banks all winter long.

Getting there:

Leaving from downtown North Bay, make your way to the Trans Canada Highway/ON-17 and head west until you reach Duchesnay Falls Park. When you arrive, you’ll need to pay to park in the lot before making your way to the trails.

The Duchesnay Falls Trail is a 3.2 km well-traveled loop that will give you incredible access to viewing areas for the falls by taking you along both sides of the river. The trail will also bring you to the Lake Nipissing Lookout, which provides an incredible view of the frozen scene. During the winter, the trail can be icy or covered in deep snow as it is not maintained. In spring, the trail is often icy. Make sure to assess the conditions before departing and to use the appropriate snowshoes or crampons to adapt to them.

There is a great list of easily accessible walking trails in the direct area on this map.

Don’t miss…

• Book a room at the Sunset Inn and enjoy the winter landscapes that surround the shores of Lake Nipissing in a luxurious lodge setting. For an even cozier experience, rent one of their chalets or a jacuzzi suite.
• Explore the North Bay Nordic Club’s trails. They have 50 km of loops, single tracks and options for night skiing. The club also offers rentals.
• Take an enchanting hike through the Laurier Woods Conservation Area. Their trails span throughout the park’s 250 acres of land and showcase the natural beauty within the heart of the city.
• Stop in for a latté, a macaron or a delicious wrap from Opera Bakery Café, or visit The Block Public House for great food in a friendly atmosphere.

Bridal Veil Falls, Manitoulin Island

Located on Manitoulin Island, Bridal Veil Falls is fed from Lake Kagawong. Its stream cascades 11 m before meeting the pool below. During the winter, most of this waterfall—which resembles a bridal veil, hence the name—freezes up, but a small section of the gorge is often left unfrozen. The resulting colourful contrast between frozen ice and deep lagoon-like pool water is beautiful.

Getting there:

To reach Manitoulin Island outside of the summer season, you’ll need to cross the swing bridge and arrive in the charming town of Little Current. Once on the Island, head northwest to the hamlet of Kagawong, and you’ll find access and parking for the Bridal Veil Falls well-marked in town.

Hike the 1.2 km Bridal Veil Falls Trail loop to gain access to the best views of the falls. Bring crampons as conditions can be icy.

Don’t miss…

• Explore 100 acres of winter playground at McLean’s Park in the township of Assiginack. The park has three popular trails dedicated to snowshoeing and winter hiking.
• For a challenge, hike the popular Cup and Saucer Trail. This 5 km loop is considered to be a moderately difficult hike during the warm seasons, so the additional challenges of winter weather make it much more of a feat. Pack your lunch, grab your snowshoes, and bring some extra layers as you seek out a frozen glimpse of Manitoulin’s most popular viewpoint.

Crystal Falls, Hiawatha

Exploring the Superior region always leads to some unbelievable views, but hiking to Crystal Falls during the winter brings a whole new meaning to its name. Not only will you love this waterfall hike, you’ll be in a prime position to take advantage of nearby ski trails, endless snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Book a stay at the Stokely Creek Lodge to experience full-blown winter immersion. This full-service lodge has a plethora of groomed trails, a proven track record as an incredibly cozy all-inclusive resort, and offers guests access to unique experiences like these Ice Cave Tours.

Getting there:

Head to Kinsmen Park within the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area. The park can be reached by taking the Trans Canada Highway/ON 17 N from Sault Ste. Marie until you reach Fifth Line where you’ll head east to the conservation area. This drive will take roughly 20 minutes.

Once you’ve accessed Kinsmen Park, you can use their trail system to hike a 2.2 km loop that will take you to Crystal Falls, or you can access this 0.5 km loop that will also take you to the falls. The falls are absolutely beautiful in the winter, as is the surrounding conservation area. Learn more about Kinsmen Park and Crystal Falls here.

Don’t miss…

• The Hiawatha Highlands is a mecca of activity during the winter. They maintain a trail system that gives skiers access to 50 km of groomed trail options throughout their beautiful wooded space. They also offer options for fat biking, and have 14 km of trails dedicated to snowshoeing. And they have rental options for each of these activities.
• Take part in a guided fishing tour with local guide Tyler Dunn. Tyler has a wealth of experience hosting guided fishing excursions in Sault Ste. Marie and offers half and full-day fishing excursions.
• Snowshoe this 4 km snowshoe trail in Hiawatha and tackle the Pinder Side Trail to reach the Pinder Lookout.
• For a warm winter drink, bring a book to the Superior Café and have a tea latté, an espresso, and a homemade donut.

Aguasabon Falls, Terrace Bay

Located along Lake Superior, the Aguasabon Falls and Gorge are an example of nature’s untamed power. This waterfall sends water from its source at Hays Lake soaring down a 30-m drop to the gorge below. Filling from this ferocious waterfall, the rushing waters of the gorge itself are a sight to see. During the winter, all of this wild excitement comes to a state of serene frozen rest. To take in this waterfall during the winter is like seeing a great beast taking a breather.

Book a stay in a remote cottage at Northern Woods Lodge. These comfortable, four-season accommodations will give you a great view of the winter scenery from the beautiful peninsula they are located on. Or book a room at the Drifters Motel and Restaurant in Terrace Bay, and take advantage of their on-site dining options or options for jacuzzi suites.

Getting there:

From Terrace Bay, head north on the Trans Canada Highway 17 for about 3 km. You’ll reach the Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in just a few minutes. When you reach the area, you can park and hike the Lookout Trail; an easy 0.3 km out-and-back hike to access the lookout and to take in the frozen beauty.

For a challenging winter hike, grab your snowshoes, crampons, gaiters and survival essentials to take on a portion of the rugged Casque Isles Trail. The fantastic Lyda Bay Segment Trail spans 7 km, beginning near Hydro Bay Road and delivering you to Aguasabon Falls in Terrace Bay. Expect travel times to be slow on this challenging trail.

Don’t miss…

• For an exciting snow-themed festival, check out Terrace Bay’s annual WinterFest.
• Go skiing at the Aguasabon Nordic Ski Club to explore the volunteer-run cross-country trail systems.
• Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Trestle Ridge Ski Hill in Terrace Bay. They offer eight ski runs, a terrain park, as well as rental options for skis, snowboards and other equipment.

Beaubien Lake Falls, Kenora

The Beaubien Lake Falls near Kenora, Ontario, will take you through rugged northern wilderness to experience this understated but beautiful waterfall. As this waterfall can be difficult to access during the summer due to large puddles and sections of trail damaged by ATVs, it is an ideal waterfall to visit in the winter. Soft snow and wide trails for snowshoeing, fat biking and skiing make the journey to this waterfall half of the fun.

Getting there:

From Kenora, take Jones Road/ Ontario 671 North for roughly 32 kilometres. You’ll reach Jones Road, where you can park your car and access the trailhead. The trailhead is not marked, so make sure to reference the map below when searching for it.

From Jones Road, you’ll access the Beaubien Lake Trail. This 10 km out-and-back trail is best travelled during the winter as it is fairly wide and provides the perfect conditions for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat biking. 

Don’t miss…

• Plan a trip to Mount Evergreen in Kenora to spend the day downhill skiing, tubing, and cross-country skiing on 12 runs and terrain park. This is technically a ski club, but offers rentals and day passes for non-members, so enjoy the facilities or sign up for a lesson.
• For sweet treats, baked goods, specialty coffees and teas, and a full breakfast and lunch menu, stop in at HoJoe Coffee and Eatery.

Sand River Falls, Lake Superior

Lake Superior Provincial Park is home to 10 incredible waterfalls. This provincial park hugs the clear blue, rocky waters of Lake Superior on its eastern shore. While many of the park’s waterfalls share characteristics of striking natural excellence, there are a few frozen gems that are worth checking out during the winter. Sand River Falls is a great example of what happens when the flowing plumes of river water and mist transform into collections of frozen slabs and hanging icicles.

For winter accommodations, book a rustic chalet or a cozy room at the Wawa Motor Inn. After a long day of hiking, go for a beer and some hot food in front of the fireplace at the Wawa Goose Bar and Grill. During early winter, you can stay in Wawa, in a cabin from the Highfalls Motel and Cabins and enjoy comfortable immersion into nature.

Getting there:

During the winter, Lake Superior Provincial Park visitor facilities are closed, but the park remains accessible for hiking. From Wawa, take the Trans Canada south for 45 minutes until you reach the Sand River Falls parking lot at these coordinates: 47.433218, -84.732680. Just off the side of the Trans Canada, you’ll find a short pull-off and a small clearing to park in on the north side of the Sand River.

From here, access the Pnguisibi Trailhead, which will take you along the Sand River Trail to the Sand River Falls. This trail is a popular 3.4 km out-and-back hike that will lead you straight to the Sand River Falls. Due to its riverside location, the trail offers incredible snowshoeing terrain with views of endless snow-covered scenery, and sections of icy flowing water.

Don’t miss…

• If you aren’t too spent, spend some more time in Lake Superior Provincial Park searching for some of the other impressive waterfalls. This interactive map will highlight most of them for you.

Inglis Falls, Owen Sound

Two hours north of Toronto, Owen Sound has a few spectacular waterfalls, but Inglis Falls takes the cake for frozen winter views. 

Getting there:

Drive to Harrison Park and hike the Inglis Falls Trail to traverse this well-travelled hiking route through the trees. The trail is a 6.5 km out-and-back and will deliver you right to Inglis Falls. As you approach the falls, watch for the small remains of a traditional rock house on the trail. From the falls, take the stairs that lead to a lower viewing section to get the full effect.

Don’t miss…

• Just 20 minutes away from the falls, stay in a luxurious winterized geodesic dome at Back Forty Glamping.
• Hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski and go skating at Harrison Park. The park has fantastic winter facilities and even has a holiday light show that carries on throughout the winter.
• For a bite to eat, stop at the Harrison Park Inn for breakfast or a hearty lunch.
• For a unique adventure in one of the area’s most interesting exploration sites, visit Free Spirit Tours and participate in one of their Caving Experiences. 

The Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hamilton

You’d be remiss to go hunting for frozen waterfalls in Ontario without visiting the waterfall capital of the world. Based on waterfalls per capita, Hamilton, Ontario, is the place with the most waterfalls in the world. While Hamilton is a massive urban centre, the surrounding escarpment and easy access to the Bruce Trail make it a fantastic destination for winter waterfall viewing.

Stay at Valens Lake Conservation Area in one of their winterized cabins on Drumlin Lake. Or try year-round camping in one of their first-come-first-serve sites.

Getting there:

Hike the Felker’s Falls to Devil’s Punchbowl Lookout Trail to make the most of your winter viewing by taking in two waterfalls. This 9 km trail might surprise you with its difficulty, so come prepared with proper winter gear and footwear. At times, the end portion of this trail closes due to poor conditions, but it can be skipped by accessing Ridge Rd. The Devil’s Puncbowl is named for its resemblance to a massive bowl of flowing punch. During the winter, its thin frozen stream is a sight to behold.

Don’t miss:

• For an incredible dinner, visit Cowabunga Pizza and try the pizza that was awarded best in the world. And for a delicious Mexican dining experience, try Mesa on James Street North.

Safety essentials for winter and spring hiking

Winter hiking brings its own set of challenges, requiring careful planning and preparation. Cold temperatures, deep snow and changing weather make safety and comfort a top priority. Layering is essential: start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating mid-layer and finish with a waterproof, windproof shell. Keep a warm, puffy jacket in your pack for sudden weather changes or unexpected delays.

Snowy and icy conditions demand the right gear. Crampons or micro spikes help with traction on ice, while snowshoes prevent post-holing in deep snow. Trekking poles provide stability, especially on uneven terrain. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the intense glare of sunlight reflecting off snow.

Finally, winter and and spring hiking often means driving to trailheads in snowy or muddy areas, so ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires, a shovel and emergency supplies like blankets, food and a flashlight. Always tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. 

Plan Your Frozen Waterfall Bucket List Now

Use this list to plan a trip to one of these incredible frozen waterfall hiking destinations in Northern Ontario. Pack your winter gear and a camera, and bring your sense of winter adventure!

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