Waterfalls are always a favourite stop to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature’s bounty on both sides of Lake Superior. These waterfalls are easy to ride to and a few may take you slightly off the main route. But that’s one more part of the adventure. We’ve noted some great food stops near all the waterfalls because you’ll want to fuel yourself up.
Ontario
Chippewa Falls
(our feature photo)
Located near Batchawana Bay, Ontario, Chippewa Falls is the halfway point of the Trans Canada Hwy 17. This roadside waterfall is pretty to look at any time of year. There is ample parking with seasonal restrooms. Walk a short distance to the viewing bridge facing the falls beside the highway. This is a popular stop, with visitors taking photos and sometimes, painting the waterfall. A nearby Group of Seven interpretive easel shares information about these famous Canadian painters.
Nearby: The Voyageurs’ Lodge for apple fritters, or Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver for fuel and hot beverage
Aguasabon Falls & Gorge
This waterfall is easy to get to. It’s located off the main Trans Canada Hwy 17. Located in Terrace Bay, this incredible roaring waterfall is spectacular at 100 feet high. It flows into the gorge which is a 2.6 billion old rock face! There is ample parking and washrooms.
Nearby: Stop in at Drifter’s Motel & Restaurant in Terrace Bay for a Superior Steak Sandwich made on local sourdough bread
Kakabeka Falls
The Niagara of the North! A trip to the falls is an hour round trip out of Thunder Bay and utterly worth the ride! This captivating waterfall is easy to get to with a pedestrian bridge to give you a view of each side of the falls. The waterfall is over 40 metres and is Ontario’s second-highest waterfall. A good-sized parking lot has an on-site visitor centre with washrooms and a gift shop.
Nearby: Stop at the Metropolitan Moose Beanery & Cafe for tasty home cooking and old-world baking
Michigan
Munising Falls
Another pretty roadside waterfall is Munising Falls, located in the city limits of Munising, Michigan, so that’s pretty cool! The paved trail is shaded by trees in the canyon along the creek leading up to the falls. To get a closer look at this 50-foot waterfall, there are stairs leading to viewing platforms. There is a parking lot and washroom available.
Nearby: Try The Fish Basket, an unfussy stop to enjoy delicious local fresh-caught fish. And it’s prepared gluten-free!
Minnesota
Gooseberry Falls
Next on our list of Ride Lake Superior’s roadside waterfalls is Gooseberry Falls. This waterfall cascades over four levels with what looks like ‘steps’ from the Gooseberry River. You can view the waterfall from the bridge on both sides. A short walk takes visitors either up or down the river for Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. There is a visitor centre with interactive exhibits, gift shops, restrooms and a parking lot.
Nearby: Stop at Betty’s Pies for a slice of epic homemade pie before heading out to Gooseberry Falls to avoid doubling back on the trip.
High Falls
This is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota and is located on the Pigeon River. Surprisingly, it’s the lesser-known trans-national waterfall in the world, considering its remarkable beauty. It’s a complex waterfall and the water rushes through a dramatic gorge. Located in Grand Portage State Park, the out-and-back trail is 1.1 miles so it’s easy to get to. The three deck levels allow visitors to view different points of interest in this roaring waterfall.
Nearby: A good stop to make before heading north to the Minnesota / Ontario border is My Sister’s Place for a tasty North Shore burger
