Thundering Waters

Kakabeka Falls on the Kaministiquia River in Ontario, Canada

Earlier in the summer we thought we might completely ‘circle’ Lake Superior (The Circle Tour, as they call it up here) and see the Canadian side of the lake too.  Alas, we were seduced by perfect weather and lake breezes and lingered so long in Minnesota that we will have to save that for another trip.  But while we were in Grand Portage we did make time for a quick visit to Canada.  After all we were only 5 miles from the border and the second largest waterfall in Ontario was only a few kilometers away.

 

Kaministiquia River below Kakabeka Falls

 

Located on the Kaministiquia River with a height of 129 feet and a width of 234 feet, Kakabeka Falls is impressive.  While not too many waterfalls can rival the Horseshoe/Bridal Veil/Niagara Falls complex in Ontario and the United States, Kakabeka is definitely worth the visit.  The Ojibwe were one of the earliest people to see the falls, naming it Kah-kah-pee-ka which means “thundering waters.” 

 

 

We spent a few hours walking the Boardwalk Trail around the falls and the Mountain Portage Walking Trail.  Like the High Falls on the Pigeon River at Grand Portage, Kakabeka Falls had to be portaged by Indians and early travelers too.  The Mountain Portage Trail followed part of that historic route.  There were interpretive signs and ‘viewing pods’ that extended out beyond the cliff edge revealing outstanding views of the gorge, falls and river below.

 

 

From Kakabeka Falls we drove east into the city of Thunder Bay on the shores of Lake Superior.  Thunder Bay has the reputation for being one of Canada’s “Best Outdoor Cities.”  Sailing and other water sports are huge in Thunder Bay but it is a favorite winter adventure destination as well. 

 

The Marina at Prince Arthur's Landing

 

We walked a little in the downtown area and then had a lot of fun exploring Prince Arthur’s Landing, a beautiful new waterfront village with a park, public art installations, restaurants and housing.  It was a good time and made us think about trading in the RV for a sailboat.

 

Prince Arthur's Landing

 

One of Thunder Bay’s premier attractions is Fort William Historical Park.  Fort William is the place where the North West Company moved their fur trading headquarters after they left Grand Portage.  We had been enjoying the history of this area so much and thought about visiting Fort William too.  But it got up to 80 during our visit and that was too warm to leave Maya in the car for the time it would take us to see the park.  (There are some disadvantages to traveling with a dog, but mostly it is a pleasure.)  If we do get to finish the ‘Circle Tour’ of Lake Superior one of these days, Ft. William will be on our list to see.

 

Art installation near waterfront restaurant at Prince Arthur's Landing

 

All in all we had a great day of falls viewing, hiking and city sight-seeing.  Canada is such an easy country to visit and like our country, full of beautiful places.  I hope we can spend more time in Canada soon.

 

Art near the harbor

 

 

David’s Stats:

Days Hiked:  1      
Total Miles Hiked:  4.01
Total Elevation Gain:    140