The falls have a drop of 40 m (130 ft),[3] cascading into a gorge carved out of the Precambrian Shield by meltwater following the last glacial maximum.

It surrounds the falls and extends along the Kaministiquia River, which was used centuries ago by voyageurs, who were the first Europeans to overwinter annually in northern Ontario.

They used the Kaministiquia River as a major route to the northwest, with a 1.3 km (0.81 mi) mountain portage around the falls.

The legend claims that one can see Green Mantle when looking into the mist of Kakabeka Falls, a monument to the princess that gave her life to save her people.

His Portage Below Kakabeka Falls, Kaministiquia River, Lake Superior (Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana.