Kakabeka Spring, Kakabeka Falls, ON, P0T 1W0, Canada

## Overview Kakabeka Spring is a public drinking spring located near the community of Kakabeka Falls in northwestern Ontario, just west of Thunder Bay. Situated close to the spectacular Kakabeka Falls — sometimes called the "Niagara of the North" for its dramatic 40-metre (131-foot) cascade along the Kaministiquia River — this spring offers visitors a chance to collect fresh water in a beautiful natural setting. The spring is unmarked, so it can be easy to miss if you don't know where to look. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park and the surrounding area sit atop the Canadian Shield, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth. The Precambrian rock in this region naturally filters groundwater, and springs emerging from these ancient formations have historically been valued by both Indigenous peoples and settlers as sources of fresh water. The Kaministiquia River corridor was an important fur trade route for the Ojibwe and later for European voyageurs, and natural springs along the route would have served as vital water sources for centuries. ## Directions 1. From Thunder Bay, head west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 11/17) toward Kakabeka Falls — approximately 30 km (19 miles). 2. As you pass through the community of Kakabeka Falls, continue just past the falls area. 3. After passing under the bridge at Kakabeka Falls, look for **Highway 590** on your left. 4. Take the left-hand turn onto Highway 590. This turn can be easy to miss, so watch carefully. 5. The spring is located along this side road. It is **unmarked**, so keep an eye out near the GPS coordinates: **48.409586, -89.636065**. *Note: The spring is unmarked and can be difficult to spot. Using GPS navigation to the coordinates above is recommended.* ## What to Expect This is a roadside spring that has historically been used by locals as a source of drinking water. Because it is unmarked, there are no signs, facilities, or formal infrastructure at the site. Visitors should look for water flowing from the ground or a pipe near the road. The surrounding landscape is classic northwestern Ontario — boreal forest, rugged Canadian Shield rock, and the scenic Kaministiquia River valley. If you're visiting the spring, it's well worth combining your trip with a stop at nearby Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park to see the iconic waterfall. As with any natural spring, water conditions can vary with the seasons. Spring snowmelt and heavy rains may affect water clarity and flow. While the spring has been used as a drinking water source by visitors and locals, water quality has not been independently verified — those wishing to drink from it may want to take appropriate precautions.