Dorwin Falls
Only 60
Kilometres from Montreal in Quebec’s verdant Lanaudière region, Rawdon, a small touristy-flavoured town, is
blessed with an abundance of spectacular forest amidst a myriad of watery
wonders. Beckoning all nature lovers, is Dorwin Falls. Its daring 60-foot-drop is exhilarating to
witness. No wonder! It’s part of the vast Ouareau River which is over
80-kilometres long - a titan of a tributary of Landaudière’s L’ Assomption River – itself majestically meandering
along a mighty 200-kilometre-long-path from Mont Tremblant’s massif.
Upon
arriving at Dorwin Falls, a park in its own right – there’s even a vast picnic
area set amidst a grove of towering pine trees.
Corona virus did not deter us
But I headed first for the falls. I was lucky to snag on the spot, Valerie who works security – checking the trails to ensure everyone’s safe. But on this day, she graciously doubled as my guide. I really loved where she took me.
Varying vistas
Corona virus did not deter us
 |
| Valerie with mask on |
But I headed first for the falls. I was lucky to snag on the spot, Valerie who works security – checking the trails to ensure everyone’s safe. But on this day, she graciously doubled as my guide. I really loved where she took me.
Varying vistas
Before reaching the climatic lookout - one of two staired belvederes, we walked a short path whose floor featured above-ground gnarly roots and big natural stones.
Treading in all an easy 2.5 kilometres of canopied scenic paths -
all meticulously cared for with fabulous views of Ouareau’s pristine water
either spilling down or lingering lazily like a motionless lake where we made
our final stop at a little lake on the isand.
I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.
On the island
We entered the tall-treed grove
I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.
It also offered river rapids ending in a kind of lake where a bridge takes you to a small island whose waters are perfect for pondering.
On the island
 |
 |
| A beaver dam across the island |
I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.
It also offered river rapids ending in a kind of lake where a bridge takes you to a small island whose waters are perfect for pondering.
 |
| The falls senttle into still waters |
A girl wets her feet
Magical reflections
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| A rare reflection of a tree. It lasted 5 seconds! Magical |
Valerie certainly proved invaluable as she guided me to this little island gem that I otherwise might have missed. No maps are given.
Magic in a rock
Dorwin Falls captured my imagination not only because of its visuals and powerful sound, but also because of the Algonquin Indian legend that has left its mark in stone.
Can you post his face?
 |
| Nipiasingue's facee is near the top under the tree on the right side |
Valerie told me to look straight ahead at the falls and a boulder midway. There he was - right in front of me, proclaiming his stone-faced fame.
The legend in stone
Read it here:
Many moons ago, there lived in the Algonquin hunting grounds, an old Indian sorcerer, the wicked and all-powerful Nipissingue. Very cunning, able and evil, he coveted the lovely Hiawhitha and non dare oppose him.
Unfortunately for the sorcerer, Hiawhitha was deeply Christian and had taken vows to become a nun. Daughter of a chief, tradition did not allow her to refuse marriage, but she had the right to choose her own husband.
Desperate, she decided to give her heart to Arondack, the sworn enemy of Nipissingue.
Whereupon, the sorcerer then launched the Algonquins on the warpath. Nipissingue counted on the fate of the battle to get rid of Arondack… He judged well: Arondack, fatally wounded, made it back to his wigwam. Hiawhitha, the tribe’s healer, sat at his bedside and nursed him.
One day, missing some plants, Hiawhitha made her way to the steep precipice at Dorwin. There at the botton, where a thin rivulet of water trickled, grew a few sarsaparilla roots. In hot pursuit of his prey, Nipissingue sees her and enraged flung himself on her, thereby throwing her into the ravine. Just as Hiawhitha’s body touched the thin rivulet of water, a loud thunderclap reverberated through the gorge and Hiawhitha’s long, white linen robe turned into a magnificent waterfall. Nipissingue, stupefied, stopped and was transformed into stone by the Great Manitou, thus condemned for eternity to hear Hiawhitha’s triumphant song of victory.
Les Cascades... Another Watery Wonder
Les Cascades - also part of the Ouareau River is another waterfall that inspires. Tumbling over a series of beige rocks, La cascade is incedibly impressive. You can picnic at this park while enjoying watching and listening to the water cascading over canter levered rows of big rocks. I spotted bathers on rocks, but the sign warns that rocks are really slippery. No bathing.
Finally, I made my way to Rawdon lake to watch some end of season kayakers (you can rent here). A stone path offers a walk along the water.
The beach is beautful
On the way back, I passed a children's playground sporting wooden carved statues referencing Indian heritage.
How original to play in the present within a cultural past. For such a small town, Rawdon is remarkably big on outdoor recreation - accessibly pleasing for all ages. I didn't want to leave.
The beach is beautful
On the way back, I passed a children's playground sporting wooden carved statues referencing Indian heritage.
How original to play in the present within a cultural past. For such a small town, Rawdon is remarkably big on outdoor recreation - accessibly pleasing for all ages. I didn't want to leave.
For all information, visit the websites:
https://rawdon.ca/en/tourism/recreational-tourist-sites/dorwin-falls-park/
https://rawdon.ca/tourisme/sites-recreotouristiques/parc-des-cascades/
