Kapuskasing: River Routes, Festivals and Winter Days

Explore Kapuskasing through its trails, seasonal events and Francophone culture. When planning your trip, you can choose from different highlights: a loop trail, riverside paths, winter activities or a stay centered around music and local events.

Trails for Different Outings

The Loop is a 5 km circuit around Kapuskasing that people use for walking and running. It passes the main roads of Riverside, Byng, Brunetville, Brunelle North and Government Road. If you’re looking for a clearly defined circuit, it differs from routes that follow a river or lead to a named destination.

The paved trail in Riverside Park leads to the Bay and the riverbanks. It’s suitable for walking, running, inline skating and cycling. Lovers' Lane follows the Kapuskasing River through the Old Kap neighbourhood; its trails are suitable for walking, hiking, running, mountain biking, birdwatching and walking dogs.

The one-way trail to Sturgeon Falls, also called Spruce Falls, is about 3 km long. The trailhead is at the intersection of Hemlock and Ash Street. The trail can be used year-round for walking, running, mountain biking and snowshoeing. When planning, it’s helpful to distinguish between a 5 km circuit and a one-way trail that’s about 3 km long.

The Kap Nordic Skiers Club maintains trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Its chalet is at the end of Ash Street.

Park and Winter Activities

At Riverside Park, a large play structure and a splash pad with colourful fountains and water sprinklers complement the paved trail. The water area offers another park activity, especially during the summer. You can combine a walk or ride on the trail with a break at the play structure or splash pad.

In winter, Murdock Hill is a popular gathering spot for children and families who slide down on Crazy Carpets, sleds and saucers. Kapuskasing’s outdoor skating rink, with a warming hut, is also on Murdock Hill, across from André Cary Elementary School. Skating is also available at the Sports Palace arena, where people also play curling and hockey. These options offer activities both outdoors and in an arena for winter days.

Francophone Culture and Seasonal Dates

The Festival de la St-Jean de la région de Kapuskasing takes place annually on the third weekend of June. The program includes sociocultural activities and Francophone music. Dates may vary from year to year, so check them before planning your trip around the festival. The Centre régional de loisirs culturels de Kapuskasing offers performances, workshops and social activities for the Francophone community. Its varied program has been running for more than 50 years.

The Kapuskasing Farmers' Market takes place on Saturdays at Ash Place, from the August long weekend through the Thanksgiving weekend. Local growers and artisans display and sell their goods there. Dates and event details may change; check them before your visit. The Festival of Lights is a winter event that runs from December to mid-January; in December, it can be seen at Riverside Park.

Quieter cultural stops are also part of the town’s appeal: at the Kapuskasing Library, you can sit by the fireplace with a book. La Forge Jos Godin is on Brunetville Road in Kapuskasing; the museum is currently closed. Check whether it’s accessible before visiting.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Itinerary

When looking for a vacation rental in Kapuskasing, your preferred travel dates can be a useful starting point: they can help determine whether to focus on trails, winter activities or seasonal events. If a particular festival or the market is central to your stay, check the dates and event details in advance. For trails, choosing between a circuit, a riverside route and the trail to Sturgeon Falls can help you plan outings that fit your itinerary.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Hearst, Timmins

Back to the main travel overview: Cochrane District.