Pisew Falls Provincial Park
From World travel guide
Pisew Falls Provincial Park is located in Manitoba, approximate midway between the small community of Wabowden and the much larger industrial and service centre of Thompson, Manitoba.
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Pisew Falls
Located approximately 700kms North of Winnipeg, Manitoba, 0.5 kms off of Manitoba Provincial Highway 6, Pisew Falls is near Kwasitchewan Falls, the site of the highest elevation, naturally occurring, year-round waterfall in Manitoba.
Understand
The name, "Pisew", is translated from the local Cree language meaning "Lynx", and the sound of the hissing water bearing 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.
Micro-Climate
Because of the continuous flow of water over the falls, the localized area has developed its own Micro-Climate. A wide variety of mosses, lichens, and fungi 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 accumulation of ice builds to approximately 3-5 metres thick with the months-long accumulation 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 Centigrade days in this frigid northern wilderness, while 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.
Do
- Hiking - There are two hiking trails with excellent rugged campsites leading from the Picnic and Falls areas. The trails are very rugged, and it is only recommended that experienced backpackers make the attempt. The trail to Kwasitchewan Falls is 22kms (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. Please, if you pack it in, pack it out again with you.
- Canoe
- Kayak
Not everyone has the experience and fortitude to enjoy a 22km hike while carrying enough food and water for the duration of your experience on your back, with the possible exception of those involved in some branch of military service, or devout outdoors-persons. As the map of the Kwasitchewan Falls trail shows, the campsites are also accessible by water and a short portage via the Grass River and Phillips Lake.
Larger, motorized boats (over 14') are generally not recommended because of the lack of boat launching facilities.
Eat
The Falls are a lovely picnic area, and a great place to stop for lunch if travelling further North, or South, after exploring further into northern Manitoba.
Sleep
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.
Respect
Officers of Manitoba Conservation ask only 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.
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.
Stay safe
As beautiful and picturesque as this location may seem, there are dangers. There are a number of Black Bears who reside in this area, in addition to Wolves, and quite possibly Cougars which have been spotted as far north as Thompson, Manitoba. Warnings about wildlife bear repeating.
Caution must be exercised to avoid confrontations with wildlife, especially bears. As a general rule, it is their home year-round, and you are a guest in it. For safety sake:
- 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.
Additionally, because of the relatively high humidity present year-round, there is plenty of fresh, wet, greenery to slip on in the Summer, and slick ice in the Winter. Do not stray far off of 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. Exercise caution at all times.
Get out
External links
- Even more helpful advice, packing tips, and information can be found at the Manitoba Conservation website page for Pisew Falls. Hope to see you on the trail!
WikiPedia:Pisew Falls Provincial Park
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