Featured Park- Kakabeka Falls
The Breathtaking Power of the North
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park gives you breathtaking scenery in
which to camp, hike, cycle and explore northern woodlands and a
fascinating river gorge. Focus your activities around the splendour
of the 39 metre waterfall cascading over cliffs of slate; "…one
of the finest falls in the country…dashing over stupendous rocks;
boiling, foaming and roaring with the sound of thunder". Francis
Simpson, 1830.
Stories Written in Stone
Imagine a book with pages made of stone. The stone pages are laid
down in layers, with the oldest at the bottom and the most recent
on top. The rocks of Kakabeka Falls are like a stone book.
The youngest stones or rocks, several million years old, lie near
the top of the falls. However, the waters of the Kaministiquia River
have cut deep into the book, exposing the oldest rocks, over a billion
years old, near the base of the river gorge. Each layer of rock
tells its story of times long past, when the ash of great volcanoes
darken the skies or when warm inland seas covered this land. Scientists
have discovered 1.6 billion-year-old fossils; some of the oldest
fossils found anywhere.
About 8,000 years ago, as the last of the glaciers melted into
history, the swollen waters of the Kaministiquia carved out the
river gorge. Walking trails, along the rim of the gorge, allow you
to trace the history and movement of the falls as it has slowly
cut its way upriver.
Aside from the falls, the park provides other opportunities for
nature exploration. Stroll through the fields and woods beyond the
developed area of the park where the lush vegetation is home to
many birds and woodland creatures such as white-trailed deer, snowshoe
hair, red fox, chipmunk, skunk, squirrel and black bear. Woodland
flowers blossom in every colour of the rainbow and the songs of
warblers, sparrows and wrens echo from every tree.
A Link to the Past
From 1800 to 1820 the Kaministiquia River was the main transportation
link between the fur traders in Montreal and the rich hinterlands
of the northwest. From the Athabaska Country and beyond, "les hommes
de nord", the northern voyageurs of the North West company, travelled
down river in canoes ladened with furs. At the annual Great Rendezvous
at Fort William in Thunder Bay, they exchanged their furs for iron
ward, cloth and trinkets brought up from Montreal.
Explorers, soldiers, settlers and missionaries followed the voyageurs.
Their journals speak of the arduous and painful passage over the
mountain portage and of the power and majestic beauty of the "kah-kah-pee-kah"
(sheer cliffs) falls. "As we passed…we could feel…the earth quaking
under us from the great concession produced by the fall of water."
W.H. Keating 1825 Since 1904, a hydroelectric power station has
tamed the tremendous power of the falls and has provided a source
of electricity for the region.
Explore Outdoor Fun
The beauty of the river gorge and cliffs enhances your camping,
swimming, hiking and picnicking experiences at Kakabeka Falls Provincial
Park.
Hiking
Hike along the park's nature trails for the best views of the spectacular
scenery. The most popular trails provide a variety of ways to explore
this distinctive landscape and its history. Take the two-kilometre
historic Mountain Portage Trails, and trace the steps taken by the
hardy voyageurs as the portaged around the falls.
Get in touch with the flora and fauna of the park along the 3.6-kilometre
Poplar Point Trail. In the winter, 13 kilometres of groomed diagonal
and freestyle cross-country ski trails provide enjoyment of the
natural landscape.
Walkways and viewing platforms on either side of the river gorge
are often bathed in the mists of the thunderous falls. Exhibits
along the pathways tell the story of the land and river as well
as the creatures, past and present, that call it home.
Swimming
The dam upstream can cause rising water levels and treacherous currents.
However, a roped-off area above the falls is provided for safe swimming.
Here a sandy beach is the perfect lace to splash in the waves, stretch
out on a blanket, soak up some sun and enjoy the picnic lunch you've
packed. The children will find hours of amusement at the nearby
playground. A picnic shelter is available for group picnics and
gatherings.
Camping
Come for a day from nearby Thunder Bay, or stay longer to camp in
one of the park's two campgrounds. Both campgrounds are served by
conveniently located comfort stations, and 90 of the 169 sites have
electrical hookups. Groups camping can be arranged in a separate
campground by contacting the park office.
Plan Your Visit Now
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is located 32 kilometres west of
Thunder Bay on Highway 11-17. Staff at the Information Centre will
be pleased to help you make plans to visit nearby attractions. Step
back into time at Old Fort William. Take a day trip to Sleeping
Giant, Ouimet Canyon or Pigeon River Provincial Parks. In the city
of Thunder Bay visit Chepewas Park and Zoo, the Centennial Conservatory,
Hillcrest Park of the International Friendship gardens. The Thunder
Bay Art Galley highlights the region's active arts community. To
make the most of your stay, arrive prepared to enjoy the natural
landscapes, recreational and cultural opportunities in the park
and surrounding area.
|
