Tag Archives: Waterfalls

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Ontario’s 7 Most Surreal Waterfalls

Aerial view of Eugenia Falls

In addition to being absolutely exquisite to look at, many also believe that waterfalls release huge amounts of negative ions, which the human body soaks up as positive energy. Whether or not this may be true, there is no denying that certain waterfalls can definitely leave you feeling a sense of peace, calmness and joy.

If you live in or near Ontario, or happen to be visiting this Canadian province some time in the future, you’re in luck – Ontario is famed for being home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of Canada.

Want to see some of them for yourself?

Here are seven that you won’t want to miss out on…

Horseshoe Falls

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Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of seeing the world famous Niagara Falls and in September this year that dream became a reality and there was no better person to share this experience with than with the woman who brought me into this world!⁣ ⁣ My mom and I stayed⁣ @embassysuitesniagarafalls and the view from our room completely took our breath away! We couldn’t stop marvelling at this spectacular natural wonder from up above!⁣ ⁣ This image of Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls, is the largest of the three waterfalls that collectively form Niagara Falls. While Niagara Falls is by no means the world’s tallest waterfall, it is one of its most powerful, with more than 168,000 cubic metres of water surging through every minute!⁣ ⁣ Niagara Falls offers two boat tours; Maid of the Mist and Hornblower Niagara Cruises, which ferry’s hoards of tourists on a 20 minute long cruise close to all three waterfalls (American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls). The difference between the two boat tours is that Maid of the Mist docks on the American side and Hornblower docks on the Canadian side, literally across from each other. ⁣ ⁣ Both cruises offer passengers rain ponchos to wear, unless you want to get soaked! In this image you’ll see Maid of the Mist and passengers wearing bright blue ponchos! Passengers on the Hornblower receive bright red ponchos! I certainly soaked up every minute of this iconic voyage rocking my red poncho!

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Let’s begin with the most iconic waterfall in Canada, if not the entire world. Standing at 188 feet high and 2600 feet wide, the Niagara Falls are actually made up of three individual waterfalls; two of them located in the USA. The waterfall on the Canadian side of the border is known as Horseshoe Falls, and is the largest of the three.

The Best Way to See the Horseshoe Falls

The Horseshoe Falls are easily accessible, meaning that you have numerous options when it comes to viewing them.

The most popular is Table Rock, a large rock shelf that juts out over the top of the falls. This gives you an incredible view from above, while taking you close enough to the water to feel the mist on your face.

If you want to check out the falls from the other end, there are boat tours available that will take you right into the basin of the waterfall, giving you the opportunity to see the water roaring down from above.

Things to Do Nearby

If you still want more waterfall action, take a walk along the Niagara Pathway, making your way to Rainbow Bridge. This bridge connects Canada to the USA, and you can cross it for a small fee to experience Horseshoe Falls from a different perspective. If you think you may want to do this, don’t forget to bring your passport!

Many don’t realize that while Niagara Falls is the name of the famous waterfall, it also refers to the city that sits by the falls. This means that there is plenty to do in the area, such as:

  • Tour some of the city’s many museums, from the Niagara History Museum to the Niagara Falls Art Gallery to the Niagara Military Museum
  • Spend the day at one of the city’s water parks, with the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark being perfect no matter the weather
  • Enjoy a meal at the top of the rotating Skylon Tower
  • Try your luck at one of the city’s casinos
  • Explore the Niagara Botanic Gardens

Devil’s Punch Bowl

Located in Hamilton, the Devil’s Punch Bowl is an incredible natural feature that was actually created at the end of the last Ice Age by powerful melt-water rivers carving a punch bowl-shaped hole into the rock. While the 33.8 meter ribbon waterfall itself is a magnificent sight, being able to see those multiple layers of rock really adds so much more to the experience.

The Best Way to See the Devil’s Punch Bowl

The best views to be had can be found at the Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area. From here, there is a short trail that will take you down to the base of the waterfall, giving you a spectacular view.

Things to Do Nearby

If you enjoy hiking, then you will be happy to find a few different trails snaking away from the base of the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The Dofasco 2000 Trail will take you 11.5km through Stoney Creek, including a boardwalk section through the Vinemount Swamp Forest, while the 890km Bruce Trail follows along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.

If you would like to Venture into Stoney Creek, you will find:

  • Museums and art galleries
  • Wineries
  • Hiking trails and conservation areas

Crystal Falls

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Finally got out today to shoot. 📷

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The Crystal Falls may be one of Ontario’s lesser-known waterfalls, but they are just as stunning as the rest. They can be found in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, in the Hiawatha Highlands Park, and stand at around 18 meters high. Although only a medium-sized waterfall, the Crystal Falls are incredibly scenic, and you likely won’t have to deal with loud crowds when you visit.

The Best Way to See the Crystal Falls

The Crystal Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on this list, since the park that they are in is located in the city. A sturdy boardwalk has been built to take people close to the falls, and you will also find wooden staircases dotted around the rock, making it so easy to explore the landscape.

Don’t worry, even though these man-made items have been added into the scenery, they truly don’t distract from the beauty of the falls themselves.

Things to Do Nearby

If you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls yet, there are a couple of falls located nearby that you could also visit:

  • Batchawana Falls – provides a pretty view, although the road to get here can be quite rough
  • Chippewa Falls – a complex waterfall with several different drops

Of course, the city of Sault Ste. Marie has numerous attractions too, such as:

  • The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
  • Boat tours of the Sault Locks, which connect the lower Great Lakes with Lake Superior
  • Museums and art galleries
  • Whitefish Island, which is a National Historic Site

Eugenia Falls

The Eugenia Falls Conservation area consists of 23 hectares of the Niagara Escarpment, along with forests and river valleys. This waterfall stands at 30 meters tall, and is best visited in the spring or the fall, since the flow can die down quite a bit during the summer months.

The Best Way to See the Eugenia Falls

Since the Eugenia Falls can be found in the small village of Eugenia, it isn’t too hard to access. There is a parking area specifically for visitors to the falls, with the actual waterfall being located just a short walk from here.

Once you get to the falls, you will find a convenient overlook at the top that provides an amazing viewpoint.

Although entry into the waterfall basin is prohibited, there are trails that you can follow that will take you through some trees and offer up additional viewpoints of the waterfall.

Things to Do Nearby

The village of Eugenia is small, but boasts some challenging hiking trails, along with backroads that offer a scenic drive or bike ride. Lake Eugenia, along with the Beaver River, are also popular recreation spots, where you can swim, fish, canoe or kayak.

If you would like to travel a little further afield, the city of Barrie is a short drive away. Here, you will find:

Bridal Veil Falls

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Lost in the mist. Photo by @byannaisabella #dailyhivevan

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The legendary Bridal Veil Falls can be found in the Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, just east of the city of Chilliwack. This 60 meter-tall waterfall cascades over surprisingly smooth rocks, giving the water a veil-like effect, while also giving the waterfall and park their names.

The Best Way to See the Bridal Veil Falls

The Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is easy to get to, with the parking lot being located just a short walk away from the falls. There are actually two trails that you can follow from the parking lot to the falls, but these both connect to each other at the falls itself, meaning that you can do the trails as a loop.

At the falls, there is a wooden viewpoint, and this is where you will find the very best views. Just like with some of the other falls on this list, Bridal Veil Falls is best viewed during the rainier months, as opposed to during a dry summer. However, keep in mind that during icy winters, the park is often closed, as the base of the falls can become quite hazardous.

Things to Do Nearby

The nearest community to the Bridal Veil Falls is Bridal Falls, but this is mostly a highway services community.

Fortunately, Chilliwack is only a few miles away, with this city offering:

  • Nature, bird-watching, cycling, horse riding and hiking trails
  • Museums, historical societies and cultural centers
  • Craft breweries
  • The awe-inspiring Jasper National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Mountains, nature reserves and regional parks

Kakabeka Falls

The second highest waterfall in Ontario, the Kakabeka Falls stands at 40 meters high and is a spectacular waterfall no matter the time of year you visit. Nicknamed the Niagara of the North, the gorge here is home to some of the oldest fossils in the world, making a visit to this area even more meaningful.

The Best Way to See the Kakabeka Falls

The Kakabeka Falls are situated in the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. They are near the park’s entrance, as well as the parking lot, and the half mile Boardwalk Trail will take you straight to the waterfall, rewarding you with viewing platforms on both sides of the falls.

When looking into the waterfall’s base, keep an eye out for the endangered Lake Sturgeon spawn, which can often be seen here.

Things to Do Nearby

For those who love outdoor recreation, the numerous hiking and nature trails around the falls will please you. These are kept well-maintained in the summer months, and then turned into groomed cross country skiing trails during the winter. Fossil hunting is another popular activity here, with the fossils at the base of the falls estimated to be around 1.6 million years old.

The town of Kakabeka Falls is pretty small, so, if you are looking for more action, head to the nearby city of Thunder Bay, where you will find:

  • Craft microbreweries
  • Historical parks and heritage centers
  • A marina park complete with public art, fountains and a skate park
  • Art galleries and museums
  • Restaurants that focus on fresh, farm-to-table dishes

Belfountain Falls

Belfountain Falls is so incredibly scenic that it may surprise you to learn that this is a man-made waterfall, whose creation began in 1908. This medium-sized cascading waterfall is located in the Belfountain Conservation Area, making it easy to spend the whole day exploring these lush surroundings.

The Best Way to See the Belfountain Falls

Parking isn’t easy in the Belfountain Falls Conservation Area, but you will see a small hill that makes for the perfect place to stop, as the waterfall is just a few minutes walk from here.

Immediately downstream of the waterfall, there is a suspension bridge that crosses over the gorge, giving you a thrilling viewing experience, and one that kids especially love.

Things to Do Nearby

The park itself offers up some great activities, such as:

  • Swimming
  • Fishing for trout (although you will need an Ontario Fishing Licence)
  • Hiking
  • Scenic picnic sites
  • Flower gardens

Not too far away is the town of Caledon, a quickly-developing urban area that is home to:

  • Spas and wellness centers
  • Museums
  • A pick-your-own orchard and regular farmers markets
  • Art centers, galleries and museums
  • An award-winning cidery
  • Botanical gardens

Home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Canada, Ontario is definitely the place to go for those seeking out some of nature’s most beautiful wonders. Many of these waterfalls are easily accessible too, treating you to an oasis of calm without taking you too far away from major roads and cities.

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Most Photogenic Fall Destinations

With fiery foliage taking over the landscape, there is no denying the beauty that fall brings. The colors and sights of fall are especially exciting to photography enthusiasts, who try their hardest to capture the spectacles of the season as best as they possibly can. While there are endless destinations to visit with your camera, there are some that will always look breathtaking in a photograph, no matter your skill level or camera type. Here are some of OROGOLD’s picks of the most photogenic fall destinations around the world, where even the most amateur photographer will end up with snaps worthy enough of the most popular travel magazines.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, Slovenia
Located in north-western Slovenia, Lake Bled has a magical mountain setting that can easily be compared to Switzerland, but the fact that it isn’t as busy means that you can get some amazing photographs. The lake is quite compact, and surrounded by forests that have now begun to put on their brilliant fall displays. The enchanting island and castle in the middle of the lake also makes for some great shots, although OROGOLD recommends setting yourself up to catch the sunrise – the first rays shimmering over the lake, island and castle will have you snapping away with endless enthusiasm.

New Forest, England

The New Forest, England
While the UK may have an abundance of fantastic locations to enjoy the best that the season brings, OROGOLD’s favorite place to spend fall in England would have to be the New Forest. A medieval English deer hunting area, the heathlands and forests are ablaze with color each fall, offering up breathtaking scenes whichever way you turn. The miles of forest are a joy to explore with a camera, especially when you come across some of the semi-wild New Forest ponies that roam the area. After a morning walk through the forest, OROGOLD recommends visiting one of the quaint villages and having lunch at a traditional English pub or at one of the many cozy tea shops.

Columbia River Gorge, USA

Columbia River Gorge, Portland, USA
Beginning just 30 miles east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is packed with gorgeous panoramic vistas, steady streams of cascading waterfalls and enchanting orchards and vineyards. There is so much to see and do here, but once fall arrives and the landscape begins to transform into vibrant shades of red and gold, you can’t help but stare around you in awe. There are many waterfalls and trails to choose from, and unless you have specific aims in mind, OROGOLD suggests that you just spend the day meandering through the area, as there is nothing quite like coming across a hidden waterfall with nobody else in sight.

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture the beauty of fall. With golden rays of light reflecting off the foliage and waters, and colorful leaves in abundance waiting to beautifully frame each shot, there is no better season than fall to take some extraordinary photographs.

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Bucket List Travel – OROGOLD Reviews

Although quitting our jobs to travel around the world may just be a dream for the majority of us, there are certain destinations that everybody should strive to see at least once in their lifetime. From the lavender fields of France, to the ‘end of the world’ in Ecuador, OROGOLD brings you some amazing destinations to add on to your travel bucket list.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, and is an extremely underrated UNESCO World Heritage site. Within the park, 16 crystalline lakes tumble and cascade into each other via a string of stunning waterfalls. The water, rich with minerals, carves its way through the landscape, constantly changing the shape of the rocks, while clouds of butterflies float above the 18km of wooden footpaths.

Hot air balloons flying over Cappadocia, Turkey

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia, Turkey
The landscape of the semi-arid town of Cappadocia is one that you will have never experienced anywhere else in the world, and a hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to take it all in. One of the most popular hot air balloon spots in the world, you can choose between a standard flight, a deluxe flight or a private flight, all of which will have you floating over the fairy chimneys, panoramic valleys, lush orchards and thriving vineyards.

Lavender Fields in Provence, France

Lavender Fields, Provence, France
Every year, from the end of June to the beginning of August, the fields of the Luberon in Provence, France, come alive with blooming lavender, scenting the air for miles around. The seas of purple will have you furiously snapping away with your camera, and, other than the lavender fields, there are also lavender farms, lavender distilleries and lavender festivals to visit.

Woman diving with crocodiles in Africa

Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock.com

Diving with Crocodiles, Africa
If you thought that diving with sharks was brave, think again, as crocodiles have four times the bite pressure of the great white shark. Diving underwater and getting up close and personal with them will truly be one of the biggest adrenaline rushes that you will ever have. The Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn offers crocodile cage-diving in the Nile, with divers secured in a bite-proof cage. For those of you that are even more daring, Big Animals Expeditions in Botswana offers private, cage-free expeditions, where you can get even closer to these ancient predators.

Volcano in Nicaragua

Volcano Boarding, Nicaragua
Volcano boarding is definitely a must for those of you who like to snowboard or go sledding, and Cerro Negro, an active volcano just outside of Leon in Nicaragua, is the best place to do so. The volcano’s surface is made up of loose, penny-sized rocks, and before you can board down it, you need to hike up over 2000 feet of loose rock. This may seem tedious, but OROGOLD guarantees that the climb is worth it. Once at the top, you can either lie, sit or stand on your sled, racing down the volcano at speeds of up to 30mph.

The world is filled with fascinating destinations, but there are some that offer an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. From diving with crocodiles in Africa to exploring the countless cascading waterfalls in Croatia, these adventures are definitely going on OROGOLD’s bucket list!