The history of Ear Falls dates back to 1840, when the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post at Goldpines.  Strategically located at the halfway point between Hudson and Red Lake, at the north extremity of Lac Seul, Gold Pines boomed during the Red Lake Gold Rush.  In 1929 Ontario Hydro built a dam on the English River to bring electricity to the Howey Mine in Red Lake, and Ear Falls was established.

Until the mid 60s, volunteers, for the most part Hydro workers, ran the community.  When the Griffith Mine opened 16 miles north of Ear Falls, the town began to prosper.  But the bubble burst when the price of iron ore plummeted in the early 80s, and the Griffith Mine closed down.  The residents of Ear Falls were left with two choices: board up their homes and move away, or rally to save their town.  They chose to stay.  Had it not been for the ingenuity, resourcefulness and vision of the residents. Ear Falls would never have weathered losing its main industry.

Today, Ear Falls can take pride in its accomplishments.  The town is attracting new industries, and tourism is expanding.  Ear Falls is now a modern community that offers a wide range of services and attractions.  Recreational facilities include a nine hole golf course, a fully equipped fitness centre and arena, cross country ski trails, and miles of snowmobile trails.  Pakwash Park, located 12 miles north of Ear Falls, offers excellent camping and boating opportunities.

The shores of the English River and Lac Seul provide a natural habitat for Bald Eagles.  This high concentration of nesting sites has given Ear Falls the distinction of being the Bald Eagle Capital of North America.  A sculpture of this majestic bird can be seen at the Tourist Information Centre.

The Trout Forest Music Festival, held every August on the shores of the English River, brings together musical talent from across the country, and is a highlight of the summer season.

The Ear Falls Museum features hundreds of artifacts relating to the area's rich transportation, logging and fur trading history.

Originally built in the early thirties, this little cabin is a living relic of Goldpines' colourful past.

The Ear Falls hydro-electric generating dam at the outflow of Lac Seul.