Visiting Frozen Waterfalls In The Winter

When most tourist places are closed for the winter months, going to check out your favourite falls in the frozen time of year is something that is very much worth doing.

Charlene and I discovered this new winter activity just last year when COVID shut down everything and even the most basic forms of entertainment were forbidden. Hiking to one of our favourites, then too many of our favourites, waterfalls was something that we eagerly looked forward to doing. 

Tips for Visiting Frozen Waterfalls

Safety First

Hiking in the winter does offer some challenges that are not present at any other time of the year. The most obvious is the snow. It can hide pitfalls and dangers that would otherwise be apparent at any other time of the year. We have always stayed with falls that we have previously explored so we have some idea of the layout of the land. Even then, it is easy to be surprised at deep snow or accidentally breaking through some ice. Winter water-falling MUST be done with extreme caution and safety in mind.

Equipment for Visiting Frozen Waterfalls

Some basic equipment is a given: warm clothes, good boots, a hat and mitts. But I always go with an extra battery pack for my cellphone for those just-in-case moments where a dead cell phone is a thing that is shown in horror movies. I also go wearing ice cleats; good ones. I have a set that when I am on ice and even in snow, they provide much more traction and raise the level of safety and confidence that even the best boots cannot do. Investing in good cleats is something that needs to be done before your trek out to see frozen wonders of water.

Hiking App

Another essential thing is a good hiking app. It is best beforehand to see if the app you are using has the trails marked out because following a path may not be possible if you are going somewhere with fresh snow or not very popular. And finally, some common sense is needed for a safe venture. Even with cleats and good traction, sometimes the ice underfoot will give way and if you are standing near a cliff, it will not be a good end for your trip. Speaking of tripping, it is not a race to the falls because the snow is covering so much, roots and rocks can easily trip you.

Be safe.

Be mindful of your surroundings.

Be aware of where you are standing. I once found myself trying to find a falls only to discover that I was standing on the river leading to it. It was completely frozen and buried in the snow. One more step to the right I would have likely have broken through the ice.

With safety and caution as our guide, Charlene and I have seen our favourite falls cloaked in snow and ice. Some of the water had formed interesting shapes and large icicles. If there is spray, it can cover the surrounding trees in icy mist. And it is generally peaceful in the winter. Nature at its best.

Map of Winter Waterfalls to Visit in Ontario

Winter waterfalls that we have visited can be seen on this map for Google: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1OZEqklc_LWHGzD60bJxElTXL1yfQ7Ko3&usp=sharing

Here are some of my related blog posts of waterfall site reviews:

Felter's Falls 

Brook's Falls