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Encircled by rivers and great lakes, Canada is a beautiful place to visit with your people. And it has got some amazin rivers and lakes. In fact, the country is known to have more lakes than any other country in the world.
So, which are the longest rivers in Canada?
1. Mackenzie River
The Mackenzie River is the longest in Canada, situated in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The river’s total length is 1738 kilometers and is also known as the second-longest river system in Canada.
The Mackenzie River starts to flow from Great Slave Lake to the river’s mouth in the Arctic Ocean. The river basin is covered with a beautiful spruce forest of White spruce, Engelmann spruce, and Black spruce.
1.1. Beauty of Mackenzie River and River Activities
You can see many migrating birds, like snow geese, and tundra swans. You might see the Beluga whale that visits the bay for breeding.
With these incredible views, you can experience some rides and activities on the Mackenzie River. Wondering what are the rides? Floatplane rides, charter plane rides, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and rafting are some activities.
In winter, as the river freezes, they offer ice fishing. Every year during spring and summer communities of Mackenzie River held events and festivals. Wooden Boat Festival and the Wooden Drift Boat Parade are the two festivals that are celebrated. The aroma of lavender spreads all through the river during the summer.
2. Nelson River
Nelson River is the 4th longest, measuring river with 2,575 kilometers. This flows from Playgreen Lake to Lake Winnipeg and is home to hydroelectric power.
Nelson River makes it hard to navigate the Canadian rocks along with other rivers like the Bow River, the North Saskatchewan River, and the South Saskatchewan River. Lake Winnipeg is the water source of this river.
1.2. Things to See and Do in Nelson River
This river is home to many fish, like walleye, northern pike, and catfish. Fishing is the main activity and is provided everywhere, and that river offers kayaking and canoeing. You can also go hiking and camping, and you are allowed to experience the culture of the Indigenous tribe.
Watching Aurelia Borealis during the winter is also offered. Make your holiday the best one and visit Nelson River, see its natural beauty, and relax with nature. The chirping of birds or water flow can be your alarm on your holiday.
3. Churchill River
Have you always dreamed of seeing the northern lights? Has it ever been on your wish list to see Aurelia Borelias? Ever dreamed of seeing a polar bear?
The measure of the Churchill River is 1,609 kilometers. The river starts at Churchill Lake and flows until it reaches the river’s mouth at Hudson Bay in the Atlantic Ocean. This river is called the Polar Bear Capital of the World.
1.3. Winter and Summer River Activities
On this river, you can enjoy a lot of indoor and outdoor activities. Many of you like polar bears, and as this place is famous for polar bears during the winter, you can see polar bears.
The thrill you get after seeing a giant bear is something you used to watch on TV, but now in real life, Churchill is the most accessible place to protect the northern lights. You can stay one night and watch the northern lights from the riverside.
In Churchill River, they held dogsledding, which is fun as people bring their trained dogs for the race. In summer you can experience, kayaking with belugas, snorkeling with belugas, bird watching, etc.
They also have indoor activities like skating, kayaking, curling, etc. These both indoor and outdoor activities will relish your day. These both indoor and outdoor activities will relish your day. Have the best holiday and a great time with your precious ones.
4. Slave River
The Slave River is the 5th-longest in Canada. The measure of the river is 415 kilometers long. The river connects the Peace River, Great Slave Lake, Athabasca Lake, and the Mackenzie River. The Slave River flows towards northeastern territories and ends in the Arctic Ocean.
1.4. Fun-Filled Activities with Aquatic Animals
The river has various fish species like walleye, lake whitefish, northern pike, goldeye, lake sturgeon, etc. It has various animal life river otters, black bears, beavers, moose, bald eagles, etc. You can enjoy activities with the beautiful view around you.
On this river, you can participate in fishing, hiking, jet skiing, biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, etc. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, etc. Also, you can enjoy a candlelight dinner with your loved one near the river and enjoy the flawless beauty of nature.
5. South Saskatchewan River
This river helps many crops as it flows through agricultural areas and helps during droughts. The length of this river is 1,392 kilometers. The junction between the Bow River and Old Man River forms this river.
This river merges with the Saskatchewan River and the North Saskatchewan River, which are just 1 to 2 hours away from the South Saskatchewan River. You can see rocky mountains beside the South Saskatchewan River. This river is used for irrigation and hydroelectric dams.
1.5. Some Refreshments in South Saskatchewan River
In the South Saskatchewan River, there are various types of plant life and animal life. Northern pike, walleye, sauger, goldeye, etc. are some of the fish that you can see. Beavers, muskrats, and otters are also found. Otters are the cutest animals you can see. River otters are different from sea otters.
The South Saskatchewan River offers amazing activities for tourists. They offer cruises to see the mountains and the beauty of nature. On some cruises, they also offer dinner and stays.
Going on sea cruises is a bit difficult, but you can experience the same on River cruises. They also leave people for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Centers that offer these thrilling activities maintain safety.
6. Athabasca River
The other half of the river is situated in Jasper National Park. The other longest rivers in Canada. The length of this river is 1,538 kilometers. The river is the source of the Mackenzie River, which ends in the Arctic Ocean.
1.6. Fun with Flora and Fauna of Athabasca River
The river flows through rocky mountains, foothill forests, temperate grassland, and boreal forests. Animals like moose, beavers, black bears, wolves, and deer are found throughout this river basin. The various fish species that are found in this river are goldeye, walleye, bull trout, arctic grayling, rainbow trout, and northern pike.
You can see clear water during spring and summer. With a lot of fish, you can enjoy fishing. Witness various kinds of aquatic sports that you may be amused by. River rafting, white river rafting, fishing, and cruise rides.
7. Yukon River
The Yukon River is the 2nd longest river that you can see in Canada. The Yukon River measures 1,149 km. More than a thousand people traveled through the Klondike gold rush from 1896 to 1903.
The river used to be a primary source of food and transportation for the indigenous people. Experts say that the Yukon River’s source of water for the Yukon River stem is Llewellyn Glacier. The river starts in northwestern British Columbia and ends in Alaska. Llewellyn Glacier is located in British Columbia.
1.7. Enjoy the River with Salmon
The Yukon River has a huge amount of Salmon. It also has other fish species like Coho salmon and chum salmon. It is a home for animal life. It has activities like fishing, camping, boating, skiing, hiking, etc. Enjoy your holidays on these lengthiest rivers.
8. Peace River
Wondering why the river got its name Peace? Around 1781, there was an agreement between the Cree and Dane Za at the lower point of the river. It is called the Peace River. This river gave peace to the warring parties, so they filed an agreement. This river won’t miss giving you peace too.
The measure of the river is 1,923 kilometers. Peace River flows from Finlay River, reaches Alberta at last, and merges with the sea. On the main routes of the Peace River, you can see the Mountains.
1.8. Play River Sports in Peace River
Peace River area is known for fishing, canoeing, golfing, and equestrian centers. During the winter, you can spot snow-covered mountains and rivers. Usually, during winter, they have other adventurous activities. Such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, downhill skiing, and ice fishing.
During the winter, they host an event called the Pond Hockey Tournament. People from all the cities visit here to play. It will be more fun to play hockey in the winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the Columbia River flow in Canada?
Yes, Two-fifths (the length of the river is 800km) of the Columbia River flows in Canada and reaches the Pacific Ocean.
2. What are Canada’s top 5 most significant rivers?
Mackenzie River, Yukon River, Saint Lawrence River, Columbia River, and Saskatchewan River.
3. What are the Largest Hydroelectric dams and their rivers in Canada?
Churchill River has Churchill Falls and Peace River has W.A.C Bennet Dam these are the two hydroelectric dams and its river.
4. Can You Swim in the Columbia River?
Yes, it is safe to swim.
5. Is Saint Lawrence River in Canada?
The Saint Lawrence River flows through Ontario and Quebec, which are Canadian areas and also flows into New York, Canada.
6. Does Columbia Lake have a connection with the Columbia River?
Yes, it has, because the source of water in Columbia River is the water of Columbia Lake.
Conclusion
In this article, we have mentioned a few of the longest rivers in Canada. All the centers that provide river activities follow safety measures. All of the centers have good reviews from customers.
To free your mind from everything, it will be relaxing to sit near the riverbank with your family or friends. Enjoying each moment of your life on these beautiful rivers with a marvelous view around you is precious.
Book your tickets now and visit these places! Participate in every activity and complete your bucket list. These rivers will make your trip memorable.
Last Updated on by Sanjana
This article is a river guidebook for the soul! Planning my next adventure based on these longest rivers in Canada. Thanks Navani, for turning geography into a thrilling journey!