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Princess Louise Falls

Photo: Google Maps

Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Ontario

Princess Louise Falls

4.4 · 884 Google reviews

A small cascading waterfall tucked into a wooded ravine off St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans. Free and close to the city, but tricky to find, with muddy, rooty paths.

Ottawa, OntarioSt Joseph Blvd, Ottawa, K4A 1Z6View: WaterfallAccess: Short walk on dirt trails from St. Joseph Boulevard or Fallingbrook streetsBest time: Spring runoff and after heavy rain for the best flowFees: FreeFishing: We haven't found any information on angling at this small creek; check Ontario regulations if you plan to fish.Difficulty: Easy to moderate — short dirt trails with roots and steep bits
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What visitors say

Princess Louise Falls is a narrow cascade that tumbles down the escarpment in Orléans, in Ottawa's east end. It's surprisingly pretty for a spot next to a busy road, and many locals admit they only visited after years of hearing about it. You can see the falls from St. Joseph Boulevard, but the better views are from the trails.

Finding the way in is the main challenge. There are several access points: a path near Taylor Creek Drive and St. Joseph that runs through the woods to the base, residential streets where people park and walk in, and a trail through the Fallingbrook side that reaches the top of the gorge and a footbridge. One visitor ran out of time before reaching the falls because there's no obvious direct route, so give yourself extra time and check a map first.

The trails are dirt, with plenty of roots and some steep sections, and they get slick and muddy after rain. Bring bug spray in summer. It's free, and you can get close to the base of the falls. Please pack out whatever you bring in.

Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 884 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.