Scenic High Falls on the Magpie River, not even a tiny dot on the map. You know, when they something is large, they say it’s ‘Texas sized’. Well, Texas ain’t got nothing on Ontario.
1,600 kilometres or 1,000 miles from east to west. 1.08 million square kilometres. Texas comes up short with the longest east to west distance at 1,230km or 762 miles and an area of 695,662 square kilometres.
My point? When driving out to northwestern Canada from the Greater Toronto Area, your biggest demon is going to be the drive through your own province. It will take at least two days and you will need to stop for rest frequently. You’re not driving on the six lane 401. The Trans Canada Highway is a roller coaster of a road that takes considerable effort. And, you will not be able to speed along at 120kmh, either.
In saying that, there area a lot of places to stop that will blow your mind. Scenic High Falls is one of them. By clicking the images in the gallery, you can get the full size versions. Below is some detailed information on the waterfall and surrounding area. Below that is an HD video taken the same day.
Images of Scenic Magpie High Falls
Magpie High Falls
Located just outside Wawa, Ontario on the Magpie River, this waterfall is 75 feet in height and has a crest of 125 feet. When approaching Wawa on Highway 17 (Trans Canada Highway), look hard for the signs pointing to Scenic High Falls. After a fairly short journey down a narrow gravel road, you will find yourself in a quiet parking lot at the base of the falls.
The park was created in 1989 by the Rotary Club of Wawa. It is free to visit and there are washrooms and a pavilion on site. A trail leads downstream, through the Magpie River Gorge to Silver Falls and beyond. Not too far downstream, the Magpie Rive empties into Lake Superior.
The waterfall is dammed at the top and is no longer a natural waterfall. However, the man-made portion is hardly visible from the park area. You can make your way up the waterfall to get a better look at the dam and reservoir above.
Wawa, Ontario
Located at the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 101, Wawa has a population of around 3,000. That number is down drastically from nearly 6,000 in the 1990’s. The town is not on Lake Superior but on Wawa Lake, inland from the harsh elements of the greatest of the Great Lakes.
If you travel south on Highway 17 (Trans Canada Highway), you are heading to Sault Ste. Marie. If you travel north and west, you’re on your way to Thunder Bay. If you go east on Ontario Highway 101, you are on your way to Timmins and the Quebec border.
Wawa was first developed as a fur trading town, established in 1899. Later, it became prosperous due to gold and iron ore mining. The town is home to a 8.5 metre or 28 foot tall Canada Goose statue that was built in 1960.
Scenic High Falls on Magpie River Video
