Pisew Falls Provincial Park

Pisew Falls Provincial Park in Manitoba is located at the approximate mid-point between the small community of Wabowden and the much larger industrial and service centre of Thompson.

Loacted approximately 700 km North of Winnipeg, Manitoba, 500 m from Manitoba Provincial Highway 6, Pisew Falls is near Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba's highest waterfall which has a naturally-occurring year round flow.

The name, "Pisew", is translated from the local Cree language meaning "Lynx". It was so named because the sound of the hissing water bears a resemblance to the sound of this wild northern feline.

It's creation is due to the intensive geological activity in the area hundreds of thousands of years ago, when violent tectonic effects caused the creation of first a fault, and then an upheaval of the southern side of the fault-line.

This has left a gorgeous looking rift in the landscape with a waterfall riotously cascading over and through it.

Micro-Climate

Because of the continuous flow of water over the falls, the localized area has developed its own microclimate. A wide variety of mosses, lichens, and fungii can be found in the immediate area around the base of the falls. There are also a variety of ferns whose origins date back to before the last Ice Age. The dominant winter feature downstream and to the right of the falls is the ice that builds up on top of a small island there. This island only rises a few feet above the downstream water level in summer, but by late February, the ice accumulates to approximately 3-5 metres thick from the months of freezing spray.

At the periphery of this barrier between liquid water and frozen surroundings lies a thin ridge of plant growth that continues to survive throughout the harshest of the -45 degree Celsius days in this frigid northern wilderness. Normally the process of photosynthesis ceases in the surrounding area.

It is common to see one or more of the local otters using the large ice buildup as a "slide", providing the otters and lucky spectators with hours of amusement.

Officers of Manitoba Conservation ask that visitors keep the area clean and stay well away from the areas below the falls, which are clearly marked as "Environmentally Sensitive". As long as everyone co-operates in this respect, this remarkable piece of geography will be here for many generations to come.

Camping and hiking

Camping is not permitted at the Falls themselves. There are no shower facilities, no electrical services, and the only toilet facilities are of the outhouse variety. It is a lovely picnic area, and a great place for a short stop if travelling further north or south.

There are two hiking trails with excellent "rugged" campsites leading from the Picnic and Falls areas. The trails are very rugged, and only recommended for experienced backpackers to attempt. The trail to Kwasitchewan Falls is 22 km (about 13 miles) return. Should you be hearty enough to undertake this trek, you will encounter aspects of the northern Manitoba wilderness seen by few. For conservation reasons, it is important to leave nothing whatsoever behind when hiking.

Caution must be exercised to avoid confrontations with bears. As a general rule, it is their home year-round, and you are a guest in it. Points to remember while travelling in this park include:

Do not store any food in your tent.
Bring plenty of rope to hang all your food in trees AWAY from camp.
Bring a good First Aid Kit, and know how to use it.
Do not bring firearms unless you are licensed and skilled in their use.
Bring a good insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET.
Bring drinking water.
Bring toilet paper.
Do not expect electricity, or any running water apart from that which passes your tent.
If you pack it in, pack it out again

Rarely is it necessary to destroy wild animals when they encounter humans. They usually have little interest in people, and are much more interested in the food they carry.

Canoe and Kayak

Not everyone has the experience and fortitude to enjoy a 22 km hike while carrying enough food and water for the duration of the experience. As the map of the Kwasitchewan Falls trailshows, the campsites are also accessible by water and a short portage via the Grass River and Phillips Lake.

Motorized boats over 14 ft (4 m) are generally not recommended because of the lack of boat launching facilities.

Caution

The warning about wildlife "bears" repeating. As beautiful and picturesque as this location may seem, there are dangers. There are a number of Black Bears who reside in this area, as well as wolves, and cougars which have been spotted as far north as Thompson, Manitoba.

Due to the relatively high humidity present year-round, it is possible to slip on fresh wet greenery in the summer, and slick ice in the winter. It may be dangerous to stray too far off the clearly marked path.

There has been one fatality at the falls in recent years, and a Memorial Trail-Marker is there to attest to that fact. The ledges are steep, the fall is long, and the current below is swift. Caution is advised at all times.