Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Discover the dramatic depths of Ouimet Canyon, a breathtaking geological wonder in Northern Ontario with stunning overlooks and a rich Ojibwe legend.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the dramatic depths of Ouimet Canyon, a breathtaking geological wonder in Northern Ontario with stunning overlooks and a rich Ojibwe legend.
"I legitimately never imagined Ontario had anything like this Canyon, and seeing it with my own eyes was an awakening."
🚗 Parking & Fees
Ample parking is available. A $5 park fee may apply, though sometimes discovery passes are not checked.
👟 Sturdy Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. Wear good walking shoes for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ouimet Canyon Overlooks
Main viewing platforms
Witness the sheer scale of this ancient geological wonder, with dramatic cliffs plunging into a lush, wooded canyon.
+1
The Indian Head Rock
Canyon bed (visible from overlooks)
An iconic rock formation with an Ojibwe legend, resembling a giant's head.
Suspension Bridge Views
Eagle Canyon Adventures (nearby)
Experience thrilling views from Canada's longest suspension bridge, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for Heights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Fees
Ample parking is available. A $5 park fee may apply, though sometimes discovery passes are not checked.
👟 Sturdy Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. Wear good walking shoes for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
The canyon offers stunning photo opportunities, but be mindful of heights.
⚠️ Fear of Heights
This park is not recommended for those with an extreme fear of heights due to sheer cliffs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Fees
Ample parking is available. A $5 park fee may apply, though sometimes discovery passes are not checked.
👟 Sturdy Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. Wear good walking shoes for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
The canyon offers stunning photo opportunities, but be mindful of heights.
⚠️ Fear of Heights
This park is not recommended for those with an extreme fear of heights due to sheer cliffs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park for its stunning, unexpected natural beauty and accessible viewpoints. Many are surprised by the dramatic scale of the canyon, calling it a must-see in Ontario. Some minor maintenance on paths and a potential fear of heights are noted drawbacks, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Nice 1.1 km loop with some great views!
Easy to walk. Lots of people talking loudly on the platforms, but it was super nice when we had the platform to ourselves.
Lots of parking. The park asks for 5 dollars for parking. There was nowhere to show the discovery pass, so it is free to visit."
Tori Carter
"Gorgeous views in an accessible location. Have been twice since moving to the area, and once it was so foggy that you couldn't see much but the walk to the outlook was still beautiful.
I love the fact that there was effort to make sure there are accessible trails to reach the outlook, though I have not taken the accessible route myself.
The wooden boardwalks are a touch slippery in wetter weather, but aside from the the non-accessible trail is beautiful and a fun small hike."
Jade Nuber
"An absolutely stunning sight, this canyon runs like an ancient scar across the rocky landscape. Beautiful views can be found at the look out point. Not terribly far from the highway with ample parking and visitor amenities. Beyond the view and the chance to witness such an awesome geological feature there is little else to draw visitors. Clean and well marked trails are otherwise short and not challenging."
mooseballs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park is located about an 80-minute drive east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Take Highway 17 East, and the park entrance will be well-marked.
Public transport options to Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The most direct route is via Highway 17 East from Thunder Bay. The park is situated just off the highway, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, nearby attractions include Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Eagle Canyon Adventures, which features Canada's longest suspension bridge.
Absolutely! Ouimet Canyon is an excellent destination for a day trip from Thunder Bay, offering stunning views and a short, accessible hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a $5 parking fee for Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. However, sometimes the discovery pass is not checked, making it free.
Advance booking is generally not required for Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park itself, but it's always a good idea to check the official Ontario Parks website for any updates or special advisories.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facility hours may vary seasonally.
Yes, access to the suspension bridge at Eagle Canyon Adventures requires a separate ticket, costing around $23 per adult and $13 per child.
While a discovery pass is usually accepted at provincial parks, some reviews suggest it may not always be checked at Ouimet Canyon, with a separate parking fee sometimes collected.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a relatively short and accessible loop trail, with some sections featuring wooden boardwalks leading to lookout points. The main trail is about 1.1 km.
While some parts of the trail are accessible, the main paths and boardwalks may not be ideal for strollers, especially the non-accessible routes.
Expect breathtaking views of a deep, wooded canyon with sheer cliff walls. The overlooks provide dramatic perspectives of this geological wonder.
The park features dramatic overlooks and a suspension bridge, which can be challenging for individuals with a significant fear of heights.
The park offers ample parking and visitor amenities, including well-marked trails and lookout platforms.
📸 📸 Photography
The main lookout platforms offer the most dramatic and iconic photo opportunities of the canyon. The suspension bridge also provides unique angles.
Yes, the vastness of the canyon and the surrounding natural beauty make it an excellent location for landscape photography, especially during golden hour.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. Fog can also create dramatic, moody shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Ontario Provincial Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check park regulations before flying.
The sheer scale of the canyon and the potential for slippery surfaces require careful positioning and attention to safety when taking photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the significant heights and sheer drops. While the main trails are not overly strenuous, keeping a close eye on children near the overlooks and on the suspension bridge (if visiting Eagle Canyon) is crucial. The park is a fantastic opportunity to introduce kids to the impressive natural landscapes of Ontario.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the unique ecosystem within the canyon, though the primary focus is on the dramatic vistas. Consider combining a visit with nearby Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for more extensive hiking opportunities.
📸 Photographers
For a different perspective, consider the suspension bridge at Eagle Canyon Adventures nearby, which offers thrilling angles and a unique photographic challenge. Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset can yield particularly stunning results.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Marvel: The Formation of Ouimet Canyon
The canyon's sheer scale—estimated to be around 100 meters deep, 150 meters wide, and 2,000 meters long—is a significant draw for visitors. Its ancient origins and the ongoing natural processes that shape it offer a fascinating glimpse into Earth's history.
For those interested in geology, Ouimet Canyon provides a tangible connection to the forces that shaped the Canadian Shield. The exposed rock layers and the sheer drop offer a dramatic visual representation of these powerful natural events.
Navigating the Trails and Overlooks
Sections of the trail feature well-maintained wooden boardwalks, which provide a safe and convenient way to traverse the terrain and reach the viewing platforms. However, it's important to note that these boardwalks can become slippery, especially during wet weather conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
While the park aims for accessibility, some reviews suggest that certain paths may show signs of wear and decay, potentially hindering wheelchair access. Despite this, the overall trail experience is designed to be enjoyable and to showcase the canyon's most stunning vistas.
The Legend of the Indian Head
This cultural narrative adds a layer of mystique and historical depth to the visitor experience. It connects the natural landscape to the rich traditions and storytelling of the Indigenous peoples of the region.
Visitors can often find information about this legend at the park or through local resources, enriching their understanding and appreciation of Ouimet Canyon as a place of both natural beauty and cultural importance.
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