Wilson Falls is located in Bracebridge and is easy to get to; unless it is mosquito season.
Charlene and I have tried to visit this fall on a few occasions, only to be turned back by so many biting bugs and a later attempt that it was completely dried up. This time, being winter, we knew we would be safe from the insects.
Wilson Falls was our third stop on our Frozen Falls Weekend Road Trip (***link to article****). We had already visited two stops in Bracebridge. The falls are located on a dead-end, and just as you arrive, it is visible from the road. It was flowing nicely.
Ample parking at the trailhead which is part of a more extensive, popular trail system. We were only here for the falls. When we arrived, we took the time to put on our crampons. The area is relatively flat, but this extra grip is nice, especially around water. There was another couple that was getting ready to walk the trail. It was the perfect winter day for a stroll in the woods.
It is a wide and easy path to get to the falls. In under five minutes, we enjoyed the views and sounds. Wilson Falls is a gentle, long slope. It is on the border of being called a waterfall or a rapid if it wasn’t for the small dam at its top. The snow was surprisingly deep in spots. My wife knew this is scolded me with her usual phrase, “Be aware of your surroundings!”
Admittedly, I am a bit of a klutz and seem blind to almost every pitfall in front of me. It is a surprise that I have never experienced anything more than a superficial scratch on our hikes. We have been to some rather tricky places, and with the simplicity of this one, I had let safety slip. I saw a snow pillow, wanted a picture, and forgot to look where I was stepping.
It was still rather early when I saw a nice ice pillow to lay my head down. I stepped off a nicely packed path into loose and deep snow and with added depth coming from the hidden ledge. I struggled to continue moving forward. Charlene, now towering over me on the firm ground, uttered that phrase.
I stopped and looked at her.
The expression on her face was that of scowling. She pointed to a path that lead to the very spot I wanted to go that was so much easier. I managed to get back to my disapproving wife and took her guidance. I wouldn’t admit that it was easier. Even in this relatively safe area, I still needed to look around and properly assess the path that I would take.
We would walk along the river. Charlene somehow magically found each way without any hindrances. On the other hand, I struggled to get through branches and step over rocks. My wife had decided to ignore the sounds of my struggling and continued to walk the river. Finally, free of all the bramble, we get to the beginning of the falls. It is possible to get to the other side but considering how challenging just this little bit was, I decided to preserve whatever dignity I had left, and we headed back to the car to our next stop, just only 10 minutes from here.
- This location is free access and free parking.
- A short walk to see the falls
- ALWAYS exercise caution when near water. Snow will cover hidden dangers.
- This fall and many other locations are featured on my Google Map. Use this map to see all the places that are worth visiting.
- This stop was part of a weekend of winter waterfalling that I took my wife on. If you wish to travel the same route, a map of this can be found here.
