Canada · Northwest Territories

Virginia Falls

Nailicho

Nearly twice the height of Niagara, a limestone spire called Mason's Rock splits the South Nahanni River in two as it plunges into a remote canyon accessible only by floatplane. The surrounding wilderness was among the first sites ever designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1978.

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UNESCO World HeritageOne of Canada's most remote major waterfalls Essentials guide

Virginia Falls drops 96 metres (315 ft) on the South Nahanni, inside Nahanni National Park Reserve. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Fort Simpson, with YFS the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard.

Only reachable by floatplane during the short July-August season when the Nahanni is navigable.

What you can do here

Kayaking

Flatwater above the lip or big water below it — kayaking gets you closer to a waterfall than any walking trail.

Find kayaking here

Scenic flights

Microlights, floatplanes and fixed-wing sightseeing runs over falls you cannot otherwise take in whole.

Find scenic flights here

White-water rafting

Below a great waterfall there is usually a great gorge, and in that gorge some of the biggest commercially runnable water on earth.

Find white-water rafting here

Camping

Falls where you can legally sleep within earshot of the water.

Hiking

From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.

When to go

Only reachable by floatplane during the short July-August season when the Nahanni is navigable.

Entry: Park entry permit required

Getting there

Base townFort Simpson
AirportYFS
CountryCanada
RegionNorthwest Territories, North America
AccessHard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide

Flights to YFS Car hire Route options

On the map

61.5975, -125.7761

Quick answers

How tall is Virginia Falls?

Virginia Falls drops 96 metres (315 feet). It is a block-type waterfall on the South Nahanni.

When is the best time to visit Virginia Falls?

Peak flow is July to August. Only reachable by floatplane during the short July-August season when the Nahanni is navigable.

What can you do at Virginia Falls?

Beyond the viewpoints: kayaking, scenic flights, white-water rafting, camping and hiking. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide.

How do you get to Virginia Falls?

The usual base is Fort Simpson, and the closest airport is YFS. A serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide from there. Park entry permit required.