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Home Attraction Whatı̀ Waterfall
Whati waterfalls near the community of Whati in the Northwest territories

Whatı̀ Waterfall

Communities

Whatì

Attractions Type

Landmark Look-out

A stunning landmark of this North Slave community is the thunderous Whatı̀ Waterfall. No trip to Whatı̀ is complete without a visit to Nàı̨lı̨ı̨, as it’s known in Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì (Tłı̨chǫ language).

It is believed that the appearance of a bright, colourful k’àlemı̨ı̨ (rainbow) over the waterfall’s cascading twin spillways is a sign of good luck. If darker colours appear, with blackish or purple hues, it is considered a bad sign. Because of these beliefs, only those strong enough to live with the rainbow’s fortune venture out to the falls.

The waterfall is only a short drive from Whatı̀, which is connected to the rest of the NWT by the recently constructed Tłı̨chǫ All Season Road (HWY9). In addition to Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ there are many reasons to get out on the land. Local operators offer guided tours and can show you the best spots to fish, picnic, and take in the scenery.