Upper Goose Falls
Ontario • Sturgeon River Provincial Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
Reached mainly by canoe on a remote whitewater route. There is no hiking trail or developed access to the falls.
About Upper Goose Falls
Upper Goose Falls is a drop on the Sturgeon River inside Sturgeon River Provincial Park, a waterway-class park that protects about 70 km of the river in the Temagami area, with Greater Sudbury the nearest city. The river is a remote whitewater canoe route, and most visitors arrive by canoe, carrying around the falls on a short portage on the right side. A trip report describes a campsite at the falls with a view of the falls and the river below. There is no developed hiking trail.
The Setting
Upper Goose Falls sits at 271 metres within Sturgeon River Provincial Park, in the foothills of Ontario.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Upper Goose Falls flows over Cobalt Group, a soft fine-grained rock layer deposited over 2.3-2.5 billion years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a vertical drop into the landscape.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no maintained hiking trail to the falls. Canoeists on the Sturgeon River use a short portage on the right side around Upper Goose Falls, and a campsite sits at the falls.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
Likely not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Approach appears to be over rough, unmaintained terrain and may require rock scrambling and uneven footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Goose Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Ontario Parks requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 2 m (6 ft) at all times, including in the backcountry.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Goose Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (snowmelt/high runoff) for strongest flows and dramatic water; summer for easier access and warmer conditions; fall for foliage and lower visitor numbers. Winter access may be possible by snowmobile or snowshoe but will be cold and requires winter travel experience and equipment. Check local road/gate conditions before heading out.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Sturgeon River Provincial Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery and uneven rock, fast-flowing water and cold water temperatures (risk of hypothermia if immersed), unstable edges and limited or no cell service. Wildlife encounters are possible. Seasonal road conditions (mud season, spring thaw, winter snow/ice) can make vehicle access difficult; some forestry roads may require high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles. Leave no trace and exercise caution near cliffs and the water’s edge.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Sturgeon River, 0.1 km away, not on Upper Goose Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
4.6 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 39 years of record
4.52 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge STURGEON RIVER AT UPPER GOOSE FALLS (0 km away).
Today
Low
4.6 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Low
4.7 m³/s
5/10Sat
Low
5.3 m³/s
5/10Sun
Low
5.5 m³/s
5/10Mon
Low
5.5 m³/s
5/10Tue
Low
5.5 m³/s
5/10Wed
Low
5.8 m³/s
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sudbury hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Most visitors reach the falls by canoe on the Sturgeon River. Ontario Parks describes the river as a remote route with limited bush road access along its length; trips often start at Paul Lake or where the Portelance timber road crosses the river. Lower Goose Falls is about 4 km downstream (straight line).
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
271 metres above sea level
Coordinates
46.969892° N, -80.457746° W
Land Management
Managed by Ontario Parks
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use the exact coordinates and an offline map/topo for navigation. • Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots, rocks near the falls can be slippery. • Carry extra layers; northern Ontario weather can change quickly. • Bring a map, compass/GPS and tell someone your route and expected return. • Expect mosquitoes and black flies in spring and early summer, bring repellent and head net if sensitive. • Respect private property and posted closures; do not venture onto clearly signed private land. • Avoid approaching the water’s edge during high flow; strong currents and slick rock are hazards.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Ranger Point
19.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lower Goose Falls is about 4 km downstream on the same river. The Sturgeon River continues south to Lake Nipissing at the town of Sturgeon Falls.
Wildlife
Black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, beaver, foxes and a variety of small mammals and birds. Insects (mosquitoes, black flies, ticks) are abundant in warm months. Practice standard wildlife safety (store food securely, give animals distance, know how to react to bears).
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