Callaghan's Rapids Conservation Area

This conservation area in Ontario has an underground maze of caves you can explore

Callaghan’s Rapids Conservation Area is a picturesque destination for a fall day trip, with scenic waterfalls, sinkholes, a limestone bedrock river, and a fascinating maze-like system of caves to discover.

Located east of Peterborough roughly two and a half hours from Toronto, you'll find the conservation area in the municipality of Marmora.

Here you'll find two wide waterfalls spanning the entire width of the Crowe River, with each only about one metre tall. During the warmer months, it's common to see people wading or swimming in the shallow waters.

The upper waterfall flows over a wedge-shaped outcrop of limestone rock, and when the water levels are low enough, you can walk right across the riverbed.

Another spot to stroll is at one of the park's three trails, all of which lead through scenic forested trails to the Crowe Riverbanks. 

An especially intriguing area of the park is a huge complex of underground cave passages that yes, you can check out. The caves here were formed from collapsed limestone slabs that were eroded over time by the river.

Some areas are easy to walk through, whereas others you may need to crawl. Portions of the tunnels fill up with water and have sharp rocks, so prepare accordingly if you plan to explore!

Lead photo by

Gus Garcia


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

Canadians can now cash in on $12.5 million WestJet baggage fee settlement

Here's the problem with Canadian airline Flair's new on-time guarantee

Woman says she was harassed by WestJet crew on Canadian flight

Canada is ending its automatic 10-year multiple-entry visa policy

Canada warns to avoid travel to popular spots in Cuba

Here's what the expansion of Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport will look like

Toronto will soon have new weekly flights to beautiful global destinations

Boeing 737 with 179 passengers returns to Toronto after windshield shatters