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River

Moon River

Class

Cascade

Size

Small

Visitability

Average

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Urban setting

Walk Time

1min

Trail

Easy

Gorge Access

Difficult

Other Trails

Town Streets

County

Muskoka

Drive north on Hwy 400 to Muskoka Rd 38 and turn east (right). Drive for about 15 km to Bala, and turn left on to Muskoka Rd 169. Park in the municipal lot located on the right side of the road, right beside the railway tracks.

Settlement

Bala

NTS Map

31E/4

Easting

609222

Northing

4985003

UTM Zone

This cascade is located right in the heart of the little tourist town of Bala. The falls occur where water from Bala Bay on Lake Muskoka drains to the Moon River. There are actually three waterfalls in the town (see Bala Falls - side). These are the largest of the three. The majority of the fall is over the dam, but there is a fairly nice cascade section just downstream of the dam. You can walk down on the bedrock on the right bank. Don't go to far though, as you'll end up on private cottage property. In the photo above, Muskoka # 38 is located about 10 m behind the dam. You can walk over the footbridge above the dam. The photo was taken from as far out as you can walk along the left bank. The best photo angle is bound to be from the water.

Bala is noted for it's Cranberry Festival, and claims to be the "Cranberry Capital" of Ontario. The festival is always held the weekend after Thanksgiving. The picturesque little town also has a small museum.

The falls at Bala are a well-known spot for scuba diving. Be sure that you know what you're doing! I've never done this, and am not recommending that you try it unless you know what you're doing, or have someone to show you the ropes!