Snow has landed in Ontario. Yes, bittersweet for some, the best thing to wake up to for others. But what comes with the snow and freezing temps is almost something magical. Our landscapes transform into a winter wonderland, and our cascading waters? Frozen spectacles. It’s a majestic sight to see, and luckily for us, these frozen waterfalls can be found throughout southern Ontario.
Though it may be too early to see giant icicles and fully frozen waters, it’s a good time to plan where you’ll be visiting when that does happen.
Here are some of the most stunning frozen waterfalls in Ontario that you have to explore this winter.
Yeah, we know this one has a funny name, but once we all get past that, it’s actually an incredible spot to visit.
First of all, you can hike here from Rockway Falls. So you can probably squeeze in both on the same day. And secondly, its “frozen” waters and surrounding foliage are truly a sight to behold.
Where: 3292 6th Ave., Lincoln
This 33.8-metre ribbon waterfall on the Niagara Escarpment is unlike anything else around. The massive gorge is made up of many types of rocks, giving it a multicoloured appearance when you’re observing it from the bottom of the falls. In the winter, the water freezes into all kinds of spectacular shapes.
Where: Ridge Road, Stoney Creek
This destination in Grey County is ideal for frozen waterfall-watching, snowshoeing, and hiking. However, it’s worth noting that the parking lot is not maintained in the winter months and may be inaccessible.
Be sure to plan accordingly and wear the right gear, as the terrain does get a bit slippery this time of year. Once you get there, though, the majestic views are totally worth it.
Where: 170491-172753 Lower Valley Rd., Flesherton, Ont.
Did you know that Ontario’s Kakabeka Falls is known for being “the Niagara Falls of the North”? It’s an all-season treat but a must-visit in the winter.
This massive waterfall is the second-highest in Ontario, and during the coldest season in the province, it typically freezes over.
Where: Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Ont.
Ontario is full of beautiful cascading waterfalls, and that’s the truth. But if you’re looking for the best around, Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park is said to be home to one of the top waterfalls in the whole province.
In the winter, the falls crash through a landscape of frozen rock and snow, creating a striking mix of motion and stillness that makes the scene feel almost peaceful.
Where: 1050 Oxtongue Lake Rd., Dwight, Ont.
This tall and narrow waterfall tumbles 41 metres down into the valley below. In the winter, the water continues to cascade in a smaller stream with ice formations all around it, and it’s truly a sight to behold.
The falls mark the beginning of the hike to Dundas Peak and are one of many majestic falls in the Hamilton and Dundas area.
Where: 581 Harvest Rd., Dundas, Ont.
Happy exploring, Ontario!
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