After crossing the 60th Parallel, just 40 minutes out of Hay River your waterfall chasing adventure begins! Hay River is the Hub of the waterfall route with 8 impressive waterfalls in every direction! The area is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, which are a testament to the region’s natural beauty and geological history. The powerful rush of water creates a mesmerizing sight and a soothing soundscape that captivates all who visit.
Relax by the Little Buffalo waterfalls, a narrow cascade that plunges to the basin below. Launch your canoe or kayak into the gorge below. This picturesque spot features six non-powered campsites, along with a playground, trails, interpretive displays and a kitchen shelter. A short distance from the site is the boat launch to the Little Buffalo River.
Little Buffalo Falls Territorial Park is just off the highway on the way from Hay River to Fort Smith. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September.
One of the most famous waterfalls near Hay River is Alexandra Falls, located within the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. This spectacular waterfall is a must-see for visitors, plunging 32 meters into a deep gorge carved by the Hay River over millennia. These falls have easy access via well-maintained trails making it a popular spot for both casual sightseers and avid hikers.
Just a short distance downstream from Alexandra Falls lies Louise Falls, another breathtaking cascade that further emphasizes the raw power and beauty of the Hay River. Louise Falls is slightly smaller than its upstream counterpart, dropping around 15 meters. However, it is no less impressive, featuring a distinctive horseshoe shape that creates a unique visual appeal. Visitors can explore the surrounding area by following a network of trails that offer various vantage points, each providing a different perspective on the falls and the lush, forested landscape that frames them.
A short trail leads to the 17-metre McNallie Creek Falls. Look for the darting cliff swallows nesting in the ravine walls. This is a day use area and offers a small rest stop and picnic area.
Located just outside the village of Kakisa, the Kakisa River falls 17-meters in a crescent-shape. Enjoy the view with a walk down the staircase that leads to the gorge at the base of the falls. This is a great spot to stop for a swim or to try your luck fishing for northern pike, pickeral, or arctic graying.
The Trout River flows through a steep canyon with narrow sides and the dramatic elevetion change creates the beautiful Sambaa Deh Falls directly beneath the Mackenzie highway.
Named for its numerous coral fossils still found in the area, Coral Falls is a waterfall you wont want to miss. Starting at Sambaa Deh Falls, you can take a 1.5-kilometer hike upstream along the canyon rim to find Coral Falls.
Falls one of the two sets to view but you need to be adventurous and go down into the ditch off the main highway to view the first set of escarpment Creek sets of falls. The second set can be seen from the water or from the Landa Aviation Flight Seeing Tour that is offered. This adventure can be enjoyed in a 4 seater plane or an 8 seater plane, which will fly you over the Great Slave Lake, down the Hay River through the twin Falls Gorge which allows you to view 4 sets of Waterfalls from above 2 Escarpment Creek Falls, Louise Falls & Alexandra Falls.
Relax by the Little Buffalo waterfalls, a narrow cascade that plunges to the basin below. Launch your canoe or kayak into the gorge below. This picturesque spot features six non-powered campsites, along with a playground, trails, interpretive displays and a kitchen shelter. A short distance from the site is the boat launch to the Little Buffalo River.
Little Buffalo Falls Territorial Park is just off the highway on the way from Hay River to Fort Smith. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September.
These waterfalls are more than just natural wonders; they are also deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of the region. For Indigenous communities, the falls hold historical and spiritual significance, serving as both gathering places and sources of inspiration. Interpretive signs and guided tours available in the park help visitors understand the cultural narratives and ecological importance of these sites. The combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and cultural depth makes the waterfalls near Hay River a highlight for anyone exploring the Northwest Territories, offering a profound connection to both the land and its history.
To learn about the full Waterfalls Route in the South Slave Region, please visit NWTparks.ca.
