N.W.T.'s Virginia Falls awes Niagara Falls mayor on 'trip of a lifetime'

The mayor of Niagara Falls, Ont., — Canada's most popular tourist destination according to the Canadian Tourism Commission — says a recent visit to the Northwest Territories was "the trip of a lifetime."  

A highlight was seeing a waterfall that was taller and older than the world-renowned cascade in his own backyard: Virginia Falls in Nahanni National Park Reserve. 

"Talk about paradise: It was just breathtaking," Jim Diodati says. "Virginia Falls were undisturbed, just as they were a million years ago, and there is something appealing about that."

Niagara Falls gets about 14 million visitors a year, compared to about 1,400 a year at Virginia Falls. Diodati says he feels part of an exclusive club.  

"The roar of the falls got louder and louder as we worked our way down the rapids to get closer," he says. "It's part of nature's landscape and what a beautiful job she did on this canvas."

Unexpected trip

Diodati says the N.W.T. wasn't even on his radar until last year, when Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya dropped by his office.

One thing led to another and Diodati eventually booked a trip to Yellowknife with his daughter Olivia. After a last minute encounter with Simpson Air owner Ted Grant, they also squeezed in a trip to Fort Simpson.  

"We saw some incredible places met some amazing people," he says. "Loved the trip." 

Diodati has been posting photos on Facebook and has become something of an unofficial spokesperson for the beauty of the territory.

"The postings and the responses, BBMs and texts I'm getting from friends saying, 'Wow. That is amazing.' Friends of mine that travel around the world that say, 'This is on my bucket list now.'" 

Best kept secret

Time, distance and cost will continue to be barriers to the growth of tourism in a region like the North, Diodati says.

He says the best way to promote the territory as a tourist destination is to invest in infrastructure like roads and bridges. "You still want to have that natural beauty," he says. "But you need to be able to access it."

He also suggests a strong social media campaign. 

"It doesn't take much to go viral. I've received more comments than anything else I've posted from friends."  

For now, he says the N.W.T. is Canada's "best kept secret." 

"But it shouldn't be a secret for Canada," he says. "We just had the most amazing experience with some of the most beautiful people and scenery."