We canoed and fished Long Lake prior to the poutine waterfall adventure
A waterfall request in northern Ontario
After a couple of days of exploring Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park, canoeing, and fishing, our Canadian friends asked if we had any activity requests. We fished for a couple of hours on Long Lake, but after that our itinerary was up in the air.
I asked if there were any waterfalls in the area. Ontario has perhaps the most famous waterfall in the world in Niagara, and I knew with the preponderance of lakes and rivers that there had to be more. I had witnessed some beautiful waterfalls in Quetico Provincial Park on previous Canada adventures.
Silver Falls in Quetico Provincial Park on a previous Canada adventure
Dave pondered for a moment and then suggested the Eau Claire Gorge. We would not be disappointed by this recommendation and it was not far either. It was probably only 20 minutes from the Champlain campground.
On the way to the Eau Claire Gorge
We turned off on Highway 630 and soon we chugged down a country road. Before we made it to the falls parking lot, we passed a big sign for poutine along the 630. My eyes were wide as we passed by.
If you have time, take the whole trail as the woods are lovely, dark, and green
We were the only car in the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area parking lot. There is a roughly 2 kilometer loop trail, but there are shortcuts one could take to go directly to the waterfall if a walk in the woods is not a priority.
A poutine waterfall adventure
We soon heard the familiar roar of a cascading river signifying water crashing over rock. The beautiful Amable Du Fond River goes spiraling down through this impressive gorge with astounding force. The trail provides several favorable access points for taking pictures.
The Amable Du Fond getting ready to plummet through the Eau Claire Gorge
A little farther down from the falls, a steep path descends to another rock outcropping that gives a fairly unobstructed view of the lower falls. Use extreme caution overlooking the falls as pine needles cover the rocks above. It is very easy to slip on pine needles and a fun visit to a beautiful waterfall could easily turn tragic. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids.
While we were taking pictures of the waterfall a couple came down the trail to check it out. They said they had seen Niagara, so they wanted to see this one as well. I couldn’t help but imagine how different the two falls are. Niagara is much bigger, but it is surrounded by a ton of tourist hype and hordes of people. The Eau Claire Gorge was miles from a major city in the middle of a very green forest. Although I do want to visit Niagara one of these days, I definitely prefer a waterfall in a more pristine environment.
Eau Claire Gorge on a poutine waterfall adventure
We headed back to the car and Dave asked if I saw the poutine sign and asked if I wanted to stop. Having fished all morning and hiked to a waterfall, I had developed an appetite. We soon found ourselves at Liam’s Poutine stand with a heart stopping mound of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The poutine waterfall adventure had turned out perfect.
Poutine waterfall adventure
Liam’s Poutine stand
Poutine originated in Quebec, and we were only a few miles from the Ottawa River, which serves as the boundary for the two provinces. Poutine has spilled over the border into Ontario just like the fries and cheese curds were oozing over our food container.
Delicious lunch at Liam’s Poutine on a poutine waterfall adventure
I enjoyed my first poutine last year in Toronto, and I was hoping to enjoy again on this trip, but was not quite sure there would be the opportunity since we were camping in a remote area. I was quite pleased to see the sign although I was told they can be found in many fast food stores in Ontario including Wendy’s and A&W.
A poutine waterfall adventure in Toronto but no actual water, but it was raining poutine
The poutine did not disappoint. For only 7 Canadian dollars, my dad and I shared a large. This easily filled us both up and satisfied a well deserved hunger. Our two Canadian friends liked theirs too although they mentioned if the cheese curds were more melted and if they used turkey gravy instead of beef it would have been been better, but I found mine tasty nonetheless. One of the great things about poutine is it seems no two are made the same, which means I will need to study the differences in future trips.
Poutine waterfall adventure – If there is one quintessential Canadian food, it is definitely poutine
After stuffing ourselves silly, it was back to camp at Champlain for another beautiful night under the stars. It was our last in northern Ontario as it was time for the long drive back to Chicago, but I was thankful we got an awesome poutine waterfall adventure before returning home.
If you are ever in the Mattawa River, North Bay, or Champlain campground area, I recommend you check out this waterfall and Liam’s Poutine in Eau Claire, Ontario.
A poutine waterfall adventure at Eau Claire Gorge
Eau Claire Gorge tips
- If you have time walk the whole trail as the forest is deep, dark, and lush and worth a little extra walking to explore
- Bring mosquito repellent
- Stay away from the edge at the gorge as pine needles can be slippery as can wet rock
- Hike down the steep path to the rock outcropping below to get a good look at the lower falls, but again be careful on the pine needle covered slope
- Click on this link to get a location map to Liam’s Poutine – There is a pottery shop next to the poutine stand – Get directions to the Gorge from there as it is just down the road to the right on a gravel road off the 630.
- If you are canoeing this stretch of the Amable Du Fond, do not miss your portage as this stretch is deadly
Adventure On!
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Poutine looks like the perfect re-fuelling food after a day’s hike. The waterfall looks spectacular.
Fiona recently posted..Making Perfume with Galimard in Grasse
Together the combination was magical.
Two things I’ve never done – eaten poutine (I can hardly call myself a Canadian) or been to the Mattawa River area. Very pleased you are (were) enjoying yourself here in Canada.
Leigh recently posted..Canoeing the Caddy Lake Tunnels in Whiteshell Provincial Park
Seems like the poutine is really big in Ontario and Quebec. I am surprised you did not try it at TBEX. It is great hungover food. I always enjoy myself in Canada.
Never heard of poutine before now, but it looks delicious! And probably the perfect way to finish off a great day hiking! Have to get to Canada soon!
Meg @ Mapping Megan recently posted..Interviewing Paul Johnson on Luxury Travel
You definitely need to try poutine and Canada. It is a beautiful country.
Wild , attractive scenery there. Have to try the poutine sometime..sounds good.
Cheers..
Thanks Charles,
The scenery was fantastic and the poutine tasty.
Poutine? Geeze, there you go. I will definitely have to try that if I find myself in the Canadian woods (which I hope I will, one day). Deep, dark and lush forests are just my thing. Good tip with the pine needles too.
Andy recently posted..Exploring the Red Domes of Kata Tjuta
Yea, you don’t want to get too close to the falls. Hope you make it to Canada soon for waterfalls and poutine.
Poutine looks like a great way to refuel after a day of exploring Ontario’s natural beauty
Brianna Simmons recently posted..The Hartstone Inn, a gourmet getaway in coastal Maine
I was so happy to see the poutine stand after hiking the waterfall. It definitely hit the spot.
Waterfalls and poutine!!!! This post!! <3 <3
I remember your first poutine experience well, and I'm SO glad I was with you for that. Magic. Pure magic.
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Climbing to the Highest Point in Massachusetts.
That was an amazing experience. Hope we get a chance to share some poutine adventures again soon.
Thanks for taking me on your journey to this pristine waterfall and walk through the woods. It looks beautiful! The Eau Claire Gorge sounds like our kind of place.
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..PHOTO GALLERY: The Beauty of J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
I was so glad we visited this waterfall. I did not know what to expect, but I could not believe the force of the water going through the gorge. It must really be incredible during the spring.
I like the short videos. Nice touch that gives a real feel for the roar of the falls.
Trips By Lance recently posted..Puerto Rico Outdoors: El Yunque Hiking
Thanks Lance,
The roar and the gorge was quite impressive. Glad you can get a feel from the post.
I’d love to see a fall in a more pristine environment too, I have yet to but one day. I’ve seen Niagara — the sheer mass of it is impressive. Okay, I’m a lover of potato but I can’t stomach poutine for some reason.. too much toppings? Gerard loves it. 😀
Kieu recently posted..A place of smiles, a day at the orphanage
That is not a bad thing to not like poutine. That might save your heart a couple of years.
This sounds like the perfect romantic escapade, a hike to waterfalls followed by a Poutine adventure… i am in love.
stay exploring canada, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday-The Sunset from Clearwater Harbor and Marina, Florida
A poutine waterfall combination assaults all senses, so it is easy to succumb.
Such a perfect place to visit and have a hiking adventure. Can’t wait to experience this soon.
Grace recently posted..Top Hiking Boots for Men
It was a great day of adventure and food 🙂