Paint Lake and Pisew Falls Provincial Parks generally are lumped together because they are close to each other and share an intimate connection – the Grass River. However, though the river anchors both parks, its nature differs radically from one to the other.

At Pisew Falls, the Grass River narrows to 61 metres and drops more than 12 metres over a fault in the Thompson Nickel Belt. Then it changes direction and thrashes down a stony gorge. Observation platforms by the falls and a suspension bridge just downriver provide fantastic views. Across the bridge, one trail leads to the top of the cascades; another, the Upper Track Hiking Trail, ranges downriver 11 kilometres one way to Kwasitchewan Falls.

At Paint Lake, the Grass River widens into a maze of lakes, channels, and islands nearly 16 kilometres across. A couple of campgrounds and a lodge allow visitors to stick around for an in-depth exploration of this watery labyrinth. You can find some hikes, but try to get out in a canoe or boat.