10 Phenomenal Falls

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Virginia Falls in Nahanni National Park Reserve — 10 phenomenal falls

Ever since the first waters flowed, waterfalls have mesmerized. And Canada’s Northwest Territories, with an almost unseemly share of the world’s water and no end of cliffs for it to spill from, is a waterfall wonderland. Whether it’s a frothing roadside chute in the South Slave region, an ear-splitting tsunami in the Mackenzie Mountains, or an idyllic pour-over in the Barrenlands, these Northern waterfalls are examples of nature at its most powerful, peaceful and primeval.

Virginia Falls from flightseeing tour with rainbow — Virginia Falls

A liquid avalanche that never quits, the North’s showcase waterfall each day sends 100 million tonnes of the Nahanni River down a 30-storey face.

Check it out on YouTube.

lady evelyn falls in kakisa nwt — Lady Evelyn Falls

So perfect it seems planned, this road-accessible cascade is just outside the little village of Kakisa, a five-minute turnoff of Highway 1. It occurs where the Kakisa River jumps off an ancient coral reef, forming a crescent-shaped, 17-metre-high curtain of spray.

la ronciere falls in tuktut nogait national park — La Ronciere Falls

In Tuktut Nogait National Park, 200 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the Hornaday River takes this 21-metre plunge near the end of its canyon-flanked journey to polar sea.

Alexandra Falls in Enterprise NWT — Alexandra Falls

This booming, 10-storey spillover on the Hay River can be found just off of Highway 1 and it’s the centerpiece of Twin Falls Territorial Park, not far from Enterprise. Shockingly, in 2003, an American daredevil kayaked the falls – and lived.

louise falls in twin falls gorge territorial park — Louise Falls

A four-kilometre dayhike downriver from Alexandra Falls or upriver from Enterprise, this tiered, 15-metre-high cataract in the Hay River Canyon is visible from one of the finest (and most popular) campgrounds in the Northwest Territories.

Check it out on YouTube.

Eight-metre-high Parry Falls, on the Lockhart River at the the east tip of Great Slave Lake, is a sacred site. Here is found Ts’ankui Theda, the Old Lady of the Falls – a medicine woman who is said to sit in a cave behind the waterfall. The people of Lutsel K’e host a spiritual gathering here every summer, paying their respects and making offerings.

cameron falls near Yellowknife — Cameron Falls

About 45 minutes by road east of Yellowknife, a short, scenic trail leads over the undulating outcrops to 17-metre Cameron Falls. Here, the Cameron River takes a tumble en route to Great Slave Lake. A bridge straddles the river, allowing picnickers to access the placid bank on the far side and anglers to descend to the fish-filled pools at the base of the waterfall.

Roaring directly beneath the Mackenzie Highway not far from the community of Jean Marie River, flashy, splashy Sambaa Deh Falls gets deserved attention from motorists. Roughly one kilometre upstream, there is another waterfall – Coral Falls, a sweeter, shyer falls that invites fossil-seekers.

Whati waterfalls near the community of Whati in the Northwest territories — Whatı̀ Falls

The stunning Whatı̀ Waterfalls, known as “Nàı̨lı̨ı̨” in Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì, features two 20m high thundering spillways, with several kilometres of cascading rapids downstream with fine grayling fishing in the rapids below.

The waterfall is only a short drive from the Tłı̨chǫ community of 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 venture out on the land. Local operators offer guided tours and can show you the best spots to fish, picnic, and take in the scenery.

Nicky Lynn Richards Carcajou Falls — Carcajou Falls

Not far from the Canol Trail west of Norman Wells, Carcajou Falls is still considered one of the crowning jewels of the Mackenzie mountains, and a testimony to the colossal power and undeniable beauty of the natural world.

In June of 2023, Carcajou Falls, located in the MacKenzie Mountains in the Sahtu Region, underwent a natural and dramatic transformation. In the past, onlookers experienced the famous falls splashing over a stony column then spraying refreshing mist into the mountain air. The distinctive column made Carcajou an unmistakable Canadian landmark.

Wilderness Camping Adventures

Red Cliff Adventures

Activities

Camping Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land

Thaidene Nëné Authentic Wilderness Camp Spend two days and two nights getting a completely authentic experience of the area around Thiadene Nëné and Łutsël K’é. Tour the community itself and enjoy a scenic boat trip out to Red Cliff Island, learning the history and hearing Indigenous storytelling from Ron himself. Hearty meals and an authentic […]...

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