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Home Attraction Sambaa Deh Falls
Sambaa Deh Falls in the Northwest territories Sambaa Deh Falls in the Northwest territories Sambaa Deh Falls in the Northwest Territories Coral Falls at Sambaa Deh in the Northwest Territories Sambaa Deh Falls - George Fischer

Sambaa Deh Falls

Communities

Fort Liard Fort Simpson Jean Marie River Nahanni Butte Nahanni to the Dehcho

Attractions Type

Landmark Look-out Walking Trail

Located directly beneath the Mackenzie Highway, the flashy, splashy Sambaa Deh Falls get well-deserved attention from passing motorists. Here, the Trout River flows through a steep canyon with narrow sides below a gushing waterfall. Most visitors stop to photograph the roadside falls, but there’s plenty more to see if you follow the network of trails that trace the canyon rim.

Take a stroll 1.5-kilometres upstream and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Coral Falls, named for the numerous coral fossils still found in the area. Coral is a sweeter, shyer waterfall than Sambaa Deh, and one that you’ll likely have all to yourself. Downstream, meanwhile, the path will take you to the water, where you’ll find stellar fishing for Arctic Grayling and Pickerel. Please take care, because the rocks may be slippery when wet, and there are no fences.

Both the falls and trails are found within Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park, a must-see for any visitors that’s located at the junction of Highway 1 and the Trout River. This river was a traditional transportation route before and during the fur trade. The falls forced travellers to portage around this dangerous stretch of water.

Today, the park and campground contains hiking and walking trails, a viewing platform overlooking the gorge and 20 non-powered camping sites with washroom facilities.

Sambaa Deh Falls, trails, and Territorial Park are all located along Highway 1 between Fort Providence and Fort Simpson, and not far from the community of Jean Marie River.