I’ve been to Inglis Falls several times over the years but never to the base of the waterfall until just recently. It’s probably not allowed and certainly not encouraged (signs only say no swimming…) but it is exceptionally beautiful from below. The view point from above is quite basic and doesn’t show the exotic beauty of the Sydenham River on its journey following the plunge over the Niagara Escarpment.
Near the start of June, 2018, we took the drive up to Inglis Falls Conservation Area in the evening. The cool air and overcast skies were actually great for photography and kept pretty much any other visitors away.
The new parking fee system has proved to a bit of an issue with me. It’s not the dollar amount but that you can only pay by smartphone and that fee is only good for that specific parking lot and not the rest of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. Meaning, if I was to head up to Bruce’s Caves after visiting Inglis Falls, I’d have to pay another $6. Whereas, if you pay to enter an Ontario Provincial Park, that pass is good for any other of their parks. The $41 season’s pass is reasonable by is tagged to a single license plate. We have three vehicles so would need three passes.
Anywho, it is what it is (a corporate saying that I completely despise) and the money supports a parks system that probably will not get much funding under the newly elected Ontario provincial government. The waterfall is exceptionally beautiful but should be visited early in the season as the water volume tends to drop as summer wears on. This is one of several waterfalls in the Owen Sound, Ontario area. Other must-visit (both with free parking, I might add) locations are Indian Falls and Jones Falls. By the way, if you haven’t visited Indian Falls since before the spring of 2016, you’re in for a big surprise!
Inglis Falls Video
The video below was taken the same day in June, 2018 as the photos above. We did good, coming away with all the equipment we went in with. Others, apparently, aren’t so lucky. A bit downstream from the main waterfall, tangled in the cedar growth along the shore, was the remains of a fairly expensive GoPro brand drone.
If you like what you see, please give the video a ‘Thumb’s Up’ in YouTube. If you love what you see, please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel!
Video edited with Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2018.
Inglis Falls Image Gallery
For full-size, high resolution versions for any of the photos in the image gallery, simply click on the individual pictures. All are long exposure shots between six and 30 seconds with the aid of an ND filter. I have both screw on and square type neutral density filters but these were taken with my old reliable Polaroid Variable Range ND Filter. I find that in situations like below Inglis Falls where you’re balancing both your body and camera on uneven and slippery surfaces, that filter is just so convenient and easy to use.
High resolution versions of these images and other photos from the same day are available at Dreamstime. Want to earn cash from your own photos? Why not sign up for free with Dreamstime and start submitting now: Become a paid photographer!
Inglis Falls Conservation Area
Inglis Falls Conservation Area is located just to the southwest of Owen Sound, Ontario (technically within the city boundary, I believe?). The feature is obviously the waterfall but there is a trail network and some historical exhibits, as well.
The waterfall is 18 metres or 59 feet in height with a crest that is around 25 feet across. This cascade is created by the waters of the Sydenham River flowing over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. In a bit of a confusing twist, this is one of two rivers in Ontario with the same name. The other, longer Sydenham River is located to the southwest and empties into Lake St. Clair.
The version of the Sydenham that creates Inglis Falls runs north through Owen Sound before emptying into Georgian Bay. So, in theory, these very waters will eventually join up with the water from the other Sydenham River after flowing north through Georgian Bay and south through Lake Huron.
The river was formerly diverted at Inglis Falls for hydro electric, grain milling and drinking water purposes. Remnants of that era remain above the waterfall and below. Although, the ruins of the structure below are located in an area that many never see.
Owen Sound, Ontario
Owen Sound, Ontario was settled in the early 1840’s and was originally named Sydenham. The name change came shortly after in 1851. The largest city in Grey County, Owen Sound has a population of just over 21,000, a number that has remained relatively unchanged since the 1980’s. The once bustling town fueled by the ship manufacturing industry actually remained a dry town until 1972.
