T he spectacular Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in Terrace Bay, Ontario is a must-see attraction when planning a road trip along the Trans-Canada highway. Located near Highway 17 in Thunder Bay county, a stop at the lookout of these falls and gorge rewards visitors with commanding views of the Canadian wilderness and Lake Superior in the distance.

After moving to Canada and spending some time in British Columbia, we embarked upon a cross-country road trip from Vancouver to London, Ontario. On our way from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie, a moment of serendipity brought us to Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in Terrace Bay. The breathtaking view and hiking experience in the region were undoubtedly one of the highlights for our family on our unforgettable road trip.

Visiting Aguasabon Falls and Gorge makes for a perfect pit-stop during your scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway in Northwest Ontario and if you happen to be exploring Thunder Bay, Rossport, Terrace Bay, or the provincial parks along Lake Superior. In addition, access to coastal hiking trails delights adventure enthusiasts looking for a memorable hike along the Casque Isles Trail. So if you happen to be visiting Terrace Bay in Ontario, be sure to stop by the spectacular Aguasabon Falls and Gorge highlighted in this travel guide.

Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in Terrace Bay – an introduction :

The Aguasabon Falls and Gorge are located right along Trans-Canada Highway 17 – approximately 1.5 hours east from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and less than 2 km west from the Terrace Bay lighthouse. The sound of the gushing water beckons you in the direction of the observation platform located just a short walk from the parking area of the higher falls.

The lookout (the view from which can be seen in the image below), is easy to reach via a wooden boardwalk that is also wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. From the parking lot, the boardwalk slopes down towards the platform and a short flight of steps bring you to the breathtaking view of the Aguasabon Falls and Gorge.

The higher section of Aguasabon Falls can be seen to the left from this vantage point, the gorge straight ahead through which the Aguasabon River winds its way past the 2.6-billion-year-old granodiorite rock face that is part of the Terrace Bay Batholith towards Lake Superior in the distance. If you are seeking a moment of solitude to soak in the view, there is also a bench located conveniently next to the educational plaques at the lookout for you to relax in.

Address (higher falls near Trans-Canada Highway): 2 Aguasabon Gorge Rd, Terrace Bay, ON P0T 2W0

Parking near the Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in Terrace Bay, Ontario

Free parking access is available near the start of the boardwalk at the higher falls. A stop at this must-see attraction in Terrace Bay is ideal if you want to take a break during your road trip to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic and catch a glimpse of Aguasabon falls and the surrounding lush wilderness. This can be easily done in less than an hour but if you have time to spare, consider heading for a hike along the Lyda Bay section of the Casque Isles Trail – one of the most picturesque trails of Ontario.

Boardwalk at the higher Aguasabon Falls and Gorge

The lower Aguasabon Falls in Terrace Bay

The lower Aguasabon Falls are located further downstream and are easiest to reach via a short hiking trail that starts near Terrace Bay Beach. This section of the trail leads you through the woods along the shores of Lake Superior to the boardwalk at the lower falls. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable with heading out for a comparatively more challenging hiking adventure, you can also enjoy the 3.25 km round-trip hike from the higher falls near the Trans-Canada Highway to the Terrace Bay beach. To do so, follow the marked Lyda segment of the Casque Isles Trail (A11) westwards and after just a little over 1 km on this trail, make your way along the nature trail leading down towards Terrace Bay Beach instead of continuing to Danny’s Cove.

History of the Aguasabon Hydro Development project

The impressive Aguasabon Falls cascading over the rock ledges 100 feet down into the Aguasabon Gorge that we see today came into being as part of the Aguasabon Hydro Development project and construction of the Aguasabon Generating Station from 1945-1948.

The Aguasabon Hydro Development Project

During the 1940s, a need arose to provide hydroelectric power to the region and to facilitate pulpwood transfer from the northern region to the Kimberly Clark pulp and paper plant. The project ultimately also provided the impetus for the creation of the town of Terrace Bay. The Aguasabon Hydro Development project was a massive undertaking that required a series of dams to be constructed and up to 2,000 people working at its peak construction period.

To begin with, the Kenogami River Dam was constructed near the northern end of Long Lake with the purpose of redirecting the waters of the northward-flowing Kenogami River in the opposite direction towards Aguasabon River in the south. Additionally, dams were constructed on the Hays Lake to regulate this increased volume of the Aguasabon River– namely the South Regulating Dam and the Control dam. Water from the Hays Lake Reservoir is channeled towards Aguasabon Generating Station located on the shores of Lake Superior in Terrace Bay via an underground tunnel. The excess water from the Hays Dam makes its way 3 km downstream along the waterway towards the higher falls and ultimately to Lake Superior.

The Aguasabon Generating Station is one of the 66 hydroelectric stations that are managed by the Ontario Power Generation with a capacity of producing 47 MW of hydroelectric power for Northwestern Ontario.

Best time to visit Aguasabon Falls and Gorge

The Aguasabon Falls and Gorge lookout is open year-round offering breathtaking panoramic views regardless of the season you visit. Keep in mind that the flow of the cascading waters can vary dramatically depending on the season and even during different times of the day itself. Some of the factors that influence the water flow include the amount of rain experienced by the region, the demand for hydroelectric power in the area, and the regulation of the water levels at the upstream Hays Lake Dams.

You are likely to be greeted by a gentler cascading waterfall during the late summer months. We visited the Falls by the end of August and even though the ferocity of the falls was not at its peak at that time, we were captivated by the beauty of the landscape. On the other hand, during the spring season, the higher levels of water of the Aguasabon river resulting from the melting snow in the region leads to a roaring cascade at the higher falls. If you happen to visit during the winter months, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the falls surrounded by rockface covered with sheets of ice and snow – a winter wonderland.

 

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Things to do near Aguasabon Falls in Terrace Bay, Ontario:

Besides catching a glimpse of the spectacular Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, there are a number of things that you can do in the nearby area to make the most of your visit to Terrace Bay if you choose to spend some more time in the region.

1. Enjoy hiking along the Casque Isles Trail – one of the best, albeit challenging, hikes of Ontario

The rugged 53 km long Casque Isles Trail that runs from Rossport to Terrace Bay is a hiker’s dream. This coastal trail offers unparalleled views of Lake Superior as it makes its way along boulder beaches and the boreal forest dominated by white birch, aspen, and balsam fir trees. The Casque Trail is actually part of the 600kms long Voyageur Trail that stretches from Sudbury to Thunder Bay in Ontario.

A hike along the entire length of Casque trail can be completed over a span of 3-5 days but know that this trail has been classified as a difficult hike – one that is not recommended to be attempted alone.

The trail has been roughly divided into 5 segments – Mcleans, Schreiber Channel, Mount Gwynne, Death Valley, and Lyda Bay Segment. As you make your way between Rossport and Terrace Bay via Schrieber along Highway-17, you can easily find one of the 11 access points to a segment of the Casque Isles trail. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines posted at the access points of the trail and be sure to wear sturdy hiking footwear if you plan to hike over the rugged terrain.

From the Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in Terrace Bay, you can hike a stretch of this stunning coastal trail known as the Lyda Bay Segment. This nature trail leads adventure enthusiasts westwards along the 6 km long Lyda Bay segment towards Danny’s Cove and further on towards the Lyda Bay Lookout, enthralling hikers with stunning views of Lake Superior, its surrounding beaches, and coves along the route.

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2. Marvel at the view from the top of the Terrace Bay lighthouse

Located in the Simcoe Plaza of Terrace Bay downtown, a climb up to the top of the Terrace Bay lighthouse is a fun family-friendly activity that rewards visitors with sweeping views of the town and Lake Superior stretching beyond. This 50-foot lighthouse is actually a replica of the iconic Slate Islands Lighthouse that stands tall at 224 feet above sea level. The Slate Islands lighthouse also happens to be the highest lighthouse on Lake Superior. There is an annual Lighthouse Festival held during the month of August in Terrace Bay packed with live music, street markets, and a beer garden.

Address: 2W0, Simcoe Plaza, Terrace Bay, ON P0T 2W0

3. Relax on the shores of Lake Superior at Terrace Bay Beach

The serene Terrace Bay beach hugging the Lake Superior shoreline in Terrace Bay is perfect for relaxing and enjoying recreational activities including a picnic with the family. Take in the views of the Slate Islands Provincial Park in the distance as you stroll along the sandy shores of the expansive lake. The Terrace Bay beach parking is popular with RV campers and those wishing to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during the fall and winter season. Nearby, the beautiful Aguabason Golf Course is frequented by golf enthusiasts and those wishing to dine on the delectable food served at the Aguabason Clubhouse.

From the beach, a short hike towards the lower Aguasabon falls brings you to the boardwalk near these falls from where you can see the waters of the Aguasabon River flowing into Lake Superior.

Address – Terrace Bay Beach: Beach Rd, Terrace Bay, ON P0T 2W0

4. Indulge in scrumptious homestyle Italian and Canadian Cuisine at Filane’s restaurant in Schreiber

Filane’s restaurant offers hearty portions of delicious homestyle Italian and Canadian cuisine in the town of Schreiber (right along Highway 17). The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu from 7 am to 10 pm and is located less than 10 minutes by car from the higher Aguasabon Falls. It is an excellent place to stop by for indoor dining or for purchasing a delicious takeout meal that is ideal for your picnic in the region.

Address: 99 Ontario St, Schreiber, ON P0T 2S0

5. Soak in the views of the stunning coastal shoreline from Rossport Coastal Trail

The 3 km round-trip hike along the Rossport Coastal Trail takes you past rocky beaches and hidden coves of the Lake Superior shoreline with views of the Rossport archipelago, including Boone Island in the distance. This breathtaking coastal trail connecting to Casque Trail opened on July 19, 2014. Its entrance is located near Wardrope Park in Rossport from where it heads eastwards towards the Rossport Park Rest Area.

Address: Trans-Canada Hwy, Rossport, ON P0T 2R0

Needless to say, we fell in love with the beauty of the landscape and the views from the nature trails. I am sure that we will be returning to Terrace Bay and its spectacular falls in the future for some more hiking adventures. If you happen to be driving along the Trans-Canada Highway 17 past Terrace Bay or are spending a few days in this town located in the Thunder Bay county of Ontario, consider taking some time out to include a visit to the scenic Aguasabon Falls and Gorge in your travel itinerary. With mesmerizing views from the observation platform at the higher falls, convenient RV parking lot, and well-marked access point for one of the best hikes of Ontario – it’s easy to see why this spectacular attraction is regarded as one of the highlights for anyone visiting Terrace Bay as well as for someone planning a road trip along the Trans-Canada Highway 17.

Disclaimer: It’s a pleasure for us to share our travel experiences with all our readers and we sincerely hope to inspire your future travels. In order to help us maintain this blog and offset the costs of running landoftravels.com, we have sprinkled affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to make a purchase via any of these affiliate links, we’ll earn a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.

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Aditi Sharma

Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.

I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~