Vermilion Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vermilion Falls |
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| nepegabeketik (Cree) | |
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| Location | Alberta, Canada |
| Coordinates | 58°22′11″N 114°52′18″W / 58.36972°N 114.87176°W |
| Type | Wide gradual cascade |
| Total height | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Average width | 1.8 km (6,000 ft) |
| Watercourse | Peace River |
| Average flow rate |
1,800 m3/s (64,000 cu ft/s) |
Vermilion Falls is a huge waterfall located on the Peace River in Alberta, Canada. Its name in the Cree language, nepegabeketik, means "where the water falls." It is known for its impressive size and the large amount of water that flows over it.
This waterfall is the second largest in Canada based on how much water flows through it. Only Niagara Falls has more water. Vermilion Falls is also the biggest waterfall that is completely inside Canada. It is even the sixth widest waterfall in the whole world! Because of these falls, boats cannot travel all the way along the Peace River without stopping.
What are Vermilion Falls Like?
Vermilion Falls is made up of several steps that look like a fan. These steps are formed from limestone and shale rocks. The height of the falls can change. It varies from about 4.6 meters (15 feet) to 7.6 meters (25 feet) tall. This depends on the season and how much water is in the river.
How Boats Use the Falls
When the water levels are high, small, flat-bottomed boats can sometimes go over the falls. However, most of the time, boaters need to stop below the falls. They then walk along a path that is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long. This path runs next to the river's south bank. After walking, they can get back on the river above the falls.
Vermilion Rapids
Just upstream from Vermilion Falls, there is a long stretch of fast-moving water called Vermilion Rapids. These rapids are about 2.75 kilometers (1.7 miles) away from the main falls. In the Cree language, these rapids are called meatina powistik, which means "the real rapids."
