Vermilion Falls

Vermilion Falls is a major waterfall on the Peace River in northern Alberta, known in French as chutes Vermilion and in Cree as nepegabeketik, “where the water falls.” By average flow it is Canada’s second largest waterfall after Niagara Falls, the largest entirely within the country, and one of the world’s widest. Formed as broad fan-shaped steps through limestone and shale, it varies seasonally in height. The falls have long been important as a barrier to navigation on the Peace River, forcing many travellers to leave the river and follow a trail around them, while rapids upstream add to this stretch’s significance as a powerful natural landmark.

Alberta · Canada