Yes, this is another park, but not just any park. It’s a park that holds a hidden gem. It’s a park featuring hiking trails, phenomenal lookout points and an opportunity to get up close and personal with centuries of natural history. Surrounded by lush forest within the Egan Chutes Provincial Park, this is one of the most powerful chutes I have ever seen.
The water flows with such immense power that it is absolutely magnificent and mindblowing to experience, especially when water levels are high. In Ontario, Egan Chutes is one of my favourite parks, and I guarantee it will be yours as well!
Before I tell you where the park is, one thing you should know is that it’s called Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve. It is a non-operating provincial park, meaning it has no visitor facilities. You will not find a visitor centre or washrooms.
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- Where is Egan Chutes Provincial Park?
- The Best Time to Visit Egan Chutes
- Exploring the Egan Chutes Hiking Trails
- Climbing Down to the Egan Chutes
- Things To Do at Egan Chutes Provincial Park
- Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to Egan Chutes
- Things To Do Near Egan Chutes, Bancroft
- Discovering the Egan Chutes Cascading Waterfalls
- Egan Chutes Provincial Park FAQs
- Egan Chutes Park, A Final Thought
Where is Egan Chutes Provincial Park?
Egan Chute Provincial Park is located in L’Amable just outside Bancroft off Highway 28.
There are three entrances to Egan Chutes Provincial Park. According to Bancroft locals, the main entrance is somewhere on the far side of Egan Chutes off Highway 62, and the hike in is quite long.
Getting There
So, how do we get to Egan Chutes Park? Egan Chutes is located 12 km east of Bancroft in Ontario, off Highway 28.
The easiest way to access Egan Chutes Park is through the two unofficial access points off Highway 28 – one on each side of the York River. Both are very difficult to find, as neither is marked.
The first entrance is an old logging road on the west side of the bridge. Slow down as you approach the bridge and look to your left, you’ll see a gravelled laneway (road). If I remember correctly, there should be a tiny sign. Head down this laneway to a small parking lot – parking here at Egan Chutes is free. Heads up, the road is rough – tons of potholes!!!
Should you miss this entrance, don’t worry – there is another unmaintained road (entrance) just past the bridge on the eastern side of the York River. Again, another tiny lot.
In the summertime, tall grasses hide these access points. Egan Chutes winter access off Highway 28 is not possible because of snowbanks. The road in is not maintained. You might be able to get in if you drive a 4×4.
Below is the Egan Chutes Provincial Park map. It will give you a rough idea of where to find the unofficial park entrances.
The Best Time to Visit Egan Chutes
With both lots being small, I suggest a weekday visit to the Egan Chutes Provincial Park waterfalls, either early morning or late afternoon. Summertime, and weekends are super busy and not so relaxing.
Exploring the Egan Chutes Hiking Trails
Hiking at Bancroft’s Egan Chutes Provincial Park ranges from an easy stroll to moderately challenging. There are over 8 kilometres of Egan Chutes hiking trails that meander through dense forest, some of which hug the York River riverbank. Along the trail are lookout points overlooking the other side of the river.
In the wintertime, the trails make for a perfect cross-country skiing trek. Unfortunately, parking off Highway 28 is not possible due to the large snowbanks.
If you want an in-depth look at the Egan trails, AllTrails provides a map of the hiking trails at Egan Chutes Provincial Park. It breaks down how long it takes to hike them, the length of each trail, and feedback from other hikers.
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Hiking the West Side of the River to Egan Chutes
The easiest and best hike in Egan Chutes is the west side of the York River. The park’s riverside trail starts at the old bridge abutment point (small parking lot). This 10 minute under-a-kilometre out-and-back trail is perfect for anyone looking for a short cut straight to the chutes. As you get closer, you experience remarkable views of the river and can hear the power of rushing water.
East Side Hiking to Middle Chute and Farm Chute
The eastern Egan Chute hiking trails, like the Upper Chutes Trail, are more challenging. It features steep inclines and rocky terrain, ultimately leading you to the Middle Chute and Farm Chute. The Farm Chute is most remote and deep in the backcountry. It’s also the least busiest, as most people don’t want to hike that long. Trails on the east side of the river are approximately 8 kilometres long. Starting from Highway 28, this trail follows the York River. Pass the main attraction, and you will come to a fork. To follow the river, take the left path. Turning right will eventually lead you out of Egan Chutes Provincial Park (about a 2.5 hour hike).
Climbing Down to the Egan Chutes
The thunderous sound of the falls is your signal that you are close. Pay special attention to the bend at the York River; here, you will climb down a steep waterfall hiking trail. This short walk down must be hiked with extreme caution, as there’s no room for error, and the risk of injury is high. I must say that the trek down is worth its weight in gold!
This treacherous trail will take you straight to the Egan Falls. Here you will witness and experience the sheer power of rushing water and how it has carved its path through stone. No photo of the Egan Chutes can convey these scenic features!
Take a moment to take in the natural surroundings as you stand on century-carved rocks. You will be rewarded with an indescribable feeling and a sense of great accomplishment. Yes, I know, it’s just a hike down, but for those fearful, this truly is a great feat!
Standing on the layered rock of the Egan Chutes, if the York River water level is low, make your way to the small island for better views of the Egan Chutes waterfalls. It’s also the perfect place for some phenominal photos! Please note that no swimming is allowed in the chutes area due to the powerful currents.
There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe this portion of the York River – it is something you have to experience for yourself. If you are able-bodied and not too terrified of the journey down, I highly recommend making this trek.
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Things To Do at Egan Chutes Provincial Park
According to the signage at Egan Chutes, the activities you can do are: hike, snowshoe, crosscountry ski, and fish. In all my years of coming here, I must admit, I have never seen anyone fish in the park. There is a small lake at the base of the chutes, and I have noticed a few portaging signs for canoeing. I’m not sure if these are old signs, as there is nothing on the main entrance sign that says you can’t. However, on the Ontario Parks website, the canoeing icon is blurred out. The website contradicts the on-site signage. If you do decide to canoe, it’s safe to say, you’re not canoeing off Highway 28! You will probably have to ask the locals for a nearby launch.
Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to Egan Chutes
As with any backcountry excursion, Bancroft’s Provincial Park is no different. Make sure you come prepared! As mentioned in the intro, this park has no facilities, and you’re 12 driving kilometres from the town of Bancroft.
- Bring a day hiking pack with a first aid kit, water filter, and a few survival items.
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fuelled throughout your hike. Remember to leave no trace!
- Wear proper footwear – flip flops and slippers are not recommended.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and bug repellent to protect yourself, as the bugs can get nasty.
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Things To Do Near Egan Chutes, Bancroft
If you’re not into hiking, off-roading, or hunting, there isn’t much to do in Bancroft. Just opened this year (2025), in the downtown core, is a Starbucks, which was a complete surprise. I always considered Bancroft to be a cute town, but a bit run-down. It’s nice to see the core being revitalized with new restaurants and shops.
Heading out of Bancroft is a beautiful little park – called The Millennium Park. A great stop for a stretch, picnic, bathroom break, or cross the bridge for a very long hike on the ATV/snowmobile trail.
If you have an ATV or snowmobile pass, take advantage of the 156 km long Hastings Heritage Trail. It’s a scenic trail that runs beside the York River, through thick forest and taps into the downtown core. To release some of that pent-up energy, hit the sandpit on the ATV trail. Whether you’re in an ATV, SxS, or dirt bike, the steep climbs are wickedly fun!
For more scenic views, check out Eagle’s Nest Park, it overlooks all of Bancroft. Just below the lookout, you’ll find plenty of rock climbers scaling this massive wall. Not my cup of tea, but good on them for having the guts to do it. You’ll find me admiring them from the Tim Horton’s across the street. 😉
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, Princess Sodalite Mine is a great place to take the children. Inside, is a rock shop where you can purchase gems, or, as a family, try mining for minerals and fossils. It’s free to go in, but anything you take with you is $2 per pound. Safety glasses and closed-toe footwear are a must! I highly suggest bringing a hammer and chisel – you never know what you can find inside a rock. Besides, kids love hammering away on rocks and finding something shiny inside.
Love shopping? Check out The Old Tin Shed. It used to be a church, which was then converted into a home decor shop. I love this little shop, and always make a point of stopping here. They have everything from antiques to trendy home accessories, and a small selection of clothing. Walk towards the antique barn on the backside of the property, and you’ll find a small pond with Koi fish.
Having never spent the night, I must say, Bancroft does offer plenty of places to stay – everything from inns, motels, bed & breakfasts, and even cottage rentals. There is no shortage of places to sleep.
Discovering the Egan Chutes Cascading Waterfalls
We have compiled a quick video of what you can expect to see on your visit to Egan Chutes Provincial Park in Ontario. Again, this video does not do the Egan Falls justice. It is something you just need to see for yourself!
Egan Chutes Provincial Park FAQs
Egan Chutes Provincial Park is unique to stunning hiking trails, remarkable lookout points, and the powerful cascading waterfalls that showcase centuries of natural history.
Access to Egan Chutes is via three entrances, with the main one off Highway 62. There are also two unofficial access points off Highway 28, which can be tricky to find.
Visitors can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and fish. However, fishing is rare, and canoeing may require local guidance due to unclear signage.
Weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, are ideal for visiting Egan Chutes to avoid crowds and to fully enjoy the serenity of the waterfalls.
Egan Chutes Park, A Final Thought
Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we all need a quiet place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. Bancroft’s Egan Chutes Provincial Park offers just that and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a short hike or want to take on the challenge of seeing all three chutes – the choice is yours. Ladies and gents, it’s time to put on your suitable footwear, plan ahead, and get ready to explore the mighty Egan Chutes – you won’t regret it!
If you love scenic rivers and have no fear of heights, check out our Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge review – it’s also worth the roadtrip. This hanging bridge connects you to Ferris Provincial Park, where you can hike, camp, and enjoy the sights of the Trent River.
👉 Have you been to Egan Chutes yet? Let me know about your experience in the comments!
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