Duchesnay Falls – One of North Bay’s Most Iconic Hiking Trails
Waterfalls – there are few things that possess such a rugged, awe-striking power. Here in North Bay, we reside amongst one of them. In Northern Ontario, the contrast of land and water is plentiful, lending itself to some truly beautiful areas. This part of the province is a complex maze of lakes all connected by their tributaries, be it creeks or rivers. As the elevation drops and water is forced to navigate tough terrain, we are left with everyone’s favourite natural feature: waterfalls.
Located on Nipissing First Nations land Duchesnay Falls is a natural wonder, captivating the minds of all who hike towards it, holding them in its majesty. Located just minutes from downtown North Bay, this glacial formation is a popular destination for even the most modest of hikers. It’s beauty summons photographers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape. It is accessible and it goes on and on and on….
Resting atop the Laurentian Escarpment, behind Nipissing University and Canadore College, the Duchesnay Creek carves through the Canadian Shield, weaving and flowing downward to Lake Nipissing. Duchesnay Falls begins in a modest fashion as a series of low, mesmerizing cascades before decisively parting into two branches. As the river continues to slope downwards along the west branch, the age-old battle of water versus gravity intensifies, erupting into an endless display of serene power with a scenic backdrop. After several smaller cascades fail to halt the surge of rumbling water, the battle reaches its climax. As the water reaches the bottom of the river, it faces its biggest adversity yet: a 20-meter plummet followed by a 10-meter drop, resulting in one of North Bay’s most picturesque spots.
Accessible from multiple spots, Duchesnay Falls and the Education Centre Trails are a hikers delight. Surrounded by hardwood forest amongst the maples, oaks, birches, and pines, this entire area is a four-season wonder. Venturing on a waterfall hike during he spring run-off provides a jaw-dropping experience to witness the sheer volume of water passing through. In the summer, the forest is alive with local flora and fauna displaying the rich and healthy local environment. The fall colours are breathtaking in this forest, painting the sky with yellow and red. A fall hike on the Education Centre Trails is mandatory for any outdoor enthusiast.
Duchesnay Falls in Winter – Stunning!
Duchesnay Falls is one of the most iconic North Bay hiking trails and a must-see destination for winter activities in Northern Ontario. In the colder months, this waterfall and forested valley turn into a snowy playground, perfect for winter hikes and snowshoeing trails that weave along Duchesnay Creek and through mature hardwood forest. Frozen cascades, icy rock formations, and views over the Canadian Shield create a stunning backdrop for couples, families with kids, people with dogs and friends looking for memorable winter sports close to the city.
The winter hiking trails link Duchesnay Falls with the Nipissing University & Canadore College Trails, giving visitors the flexibility to choose shorter family-friendly loops or longer adventures that feel wild yet remain easy to access and close to downtown North Bay.
With multiple trailheads near the university and adjacent to Highway 17, this is one of the easiest places to visit in winter if you want to combine fresh air, scenic views, and an authentic North Bay winter experience. Whether you are snowshoeing, hiking or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll through the trees, Duchesnay Falls delivers a classic Northern Ontario winter outing.
Whether you choose to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, this is a family-friendly opportunity you simply cannot pass up. This free-to-use trail network is a local gem where you can go birding, likely catch a glimpse of some wildlife, and escape the urban hustle without going far at all!
Consistently thought of as one of the best four-season waterfall destinations in Ontario, come see it for yourself! With so many vantage points to explore and photograph from and the dramatic seasonal changes to witness, this is one waterfall that will not disappoint you.