Waterfalls Route /Deh Cho Connection

Highlights:

• Twin Falls Park - two spectacular waterfalls and interpretive trails
• Lady Evelyn Falls Park - a waterfall and great fishing
• Sambaa Deh Falls Park – two waterfalls and fossils in the rock
• Fort Simpson - gateway to Nahanni National Park Reserve on the Mackenzie River

The Waterfalls Route, Highway 1, is lined with waterfalls, campgrounds and unique northern communities. Head north from Edmonton to Grimshaw, and take the Mackenzie Highway, Alberta Highway 35, north. Drop in to the Northwest Territories visitor centre at the border, and pick up a "North of 60" certificate.

Then drive on to Enterprise where you'll find gas, a restaurant and a unique and well-stocked gift shop featuring beautiful moccasins, carvings and traditional Dene art and crafts.

Near Enterprise, the Hay River cuts a gorge through an ancient reef of limestone, shale and siltstone. There are two beautiful waterfalls here in Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park, which has a campground. Spend a day exploring.

Highway 1 continues west to Fort Simpson, parallel to the Mackenzie River. There are opportunities to visit Fort Providence and Jean Marie River, both on the Mackenzie River. Waterfalls are the featured attractions at Lady Evelyn Falls and Saamba Deh Falls Territorial Parks. Camping, hiking trails and great fishing are found nearby.

At the junction with Highway 7, head north to cross the Liard River at Fort Simpson on a free ferry. There's a visitor centre, golf course, and campground near the heritage park, which has a commanding view of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers.

Visit the Nahanni National Park Information centre and plan on a day trip by air to see spectacular Virginia Falls, and deep, brooding canyons on the South Nahanni River – Canada's Grand Canyon.

From Fort Simpson, head north to the end of the road, at Wrigley, for a view of the mountains. Then retrace your route to Fort Simpson and head south on Highway 7. This road parallels the Liard River. There is a scenic campground and boat launch at Blackstone with views of the Nahanni Range. Visit Fort Liard, a scenic village in the Liard River valley with a famous craft shop and visitor centre, source of very fine birchbark baskets.

Fuel available at Enterprise, Fort Simpson and Fort Liard.