7 Frozen Waterfalls Around Ottawa To Visit For A Stunning Winter Day Trip

You'll be singing 'Let It Go'.

Woman standing by a giant winter waterfall. Right: Frozen waterfalls in Almonte, Ontario.

Woman standing by a giant winter waterfall. Right: Frozen waterfalls in Almonte, Ontario.

Staff Writer

Magical winter adventures await! There are a number of stunning waterfalls around Ottawa that turn into frozen wonders and they make for a beautiful day trip.

You'll feel like you're walking through a scene in Frozen when visiting these icy waterfalls around Ottawa and all that's missing is Olaf. When the weather stays below freezing and the snow continues to fall, layer up for a beautiful winter day trip at these waterfalls around the city.

Princess Louise Falls

Price: Free

Address: St. Joseph Blvd, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: These towering falls are hidden just steps off of a city road along a short nature trail. In the winter they become an icy masterpiece surrounded by a rocky escarpment.

Website

Falls at Carbide Willson Ruins

Price: Free during the winter

Address: 639 Chem. du Lac Meech, Chelsea, QC

Why You Need To Go: These historic ruins are hidden in a forest and a beautiful waterfall rushes beside them. During the winter, the ruins and falls are accessible via snowshoes, skis and snow bikes on trails 45, 44 and 36. These trails begin at parking lots P16 and P11, with the P11 start being the shorter option.

Website

Hog's Back Falls

Price: Free

Address: 600 Hogs Back Rd., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Also known as Prince of Wales Falls, this urban waterfall is found in the centre of the city and is easy to access. You can walk over a bridge for multiple aerial views of the falls that become a wonder of snow and ice in the winter.

Website

Maclaren Falls

Price: Free

Address: 60 Chem. Mill, Wakefield, QC

Why You Need To Go: Nestled next to the Wakefield Mill Inn, these waterfalls used to power the building when it was a flour mill. You can admire the frozen falls for free from the nearby bridge or enjoy the view as you dine at the hotel's restaurant or relax in the outdoor hot tub.

Website

Grand Falls

Price: Free

Address: 7 Mill St., Almonte, ON

Why You Need To Go: In the small town of Almonte you can admire the Grand Falls on the Mississippi River. There is a lookout point along the river walk and you can get a great view from the parking lot next to Joe's Italian Kitchen.

Website

Rideau Falls

Price: Free

Address: 50 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can gaze over a magical winter scene from Rideau Falls Park where the Rideau River flows into the Ottawa River. The large waterfall turns into an icy spectacle in the cold weather.

Website

Chute de Plaisance

Price: $7 per adult

Address: 200 Chem. Malo #168, Plaisance, QC

Why You Need To Go: These towering falls are 63 meters high and found along a wide walking path. The heritage site is closed during the winter but you'll still be able to spot these stunning frozen falls off of a short trail. Express caution if you plan to visit because the snow is not cleared and the path is not maintained in the winter.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Ottawa Staff Writer Megan Johnson was an Ottawa Staff Writer for Narcity Canada. Prior to joining the Narcity team she founded Ottawa River Lifestyle, a blog to promote the Capital Region and small towns along the Ottawa River. In addition to writing about Canadian businesses, local events and outdoor adventures, Megan has created content for Canadian brands and tourism boards. She has her B.Sc. in Honours Biochemistry and has always enjoyed various forms of writing and travel.

You're not a true Ontarian unless you've been to at least 5 of these 12 natural wonders

How many of these have you crossed off your Ontario bucket list?

Sobeys issued a food recall for a bunch of products sold across Canada due to listeria

The recalled foods were sold in almost every province at Sobeys and its affiliates like Co-Op, Foodland, IGA, Safeway and Thrifty Foods.

9 federal tax credits that could reduce how much you owe on your tax return this year

If you don't want to owe the government money, these tax credits could help!

Tumbler Ridge victim to head to L.A. for treatment

Tumbler Ridge shooting victim Maya Gebala to head to L.A. for treatment: mom

PM Mark Carney visits Canadiens' dressing room

PM Mark Carney visits Canadiens' dressing room after win against Lightning

IKEA has a new type of store and the first location in Canada will be in Ontario

This new small-format store is expected to open in the fall.

Man accused in Ryan Wedding case seeks bail review

Ontario jeweller accused in Ryan Wedding case challenges decision to deny him bail