Whitewater recreation in Canada

Whitewater recreation is easily available in many parts of Canada. Canada is the second largest country in the world and holds a large percentage of the fresh water found on the planet. Hundreds of rivers that flow out of the mountains, across the prairies and the tundra provide many diverse and outstanding recreational opportunities for whitewater kayakers, canoeists and rafters.

Whitewater is not limited to freshwater streams. Significant features are created in tidal rapids, particularly seen on the west and east coasts. Boaters also share the ocean surf with board surfers.

Highlights

Many paddling routes in Canada are world-renowned, whether multi-day canoeing adventures through pristine and unforgiving wilderness or entertaining day trips for rafters and kayakers close to major population centers. Several of these rivers have been formally recognized as historically significant and are included in the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. The South Nahanni River flows through the Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories. The Thelon River in Nunavut, the Ottawa River which forms the boundary between Ontario and Quebec and its many tributaries, the Tatshenshini River in the extreme northwest corner of British Columbia. Regions such as the British Columbia Kootenays and Quebec's Laurentian Mountains harbour countless whitewater runs.

Details by province

• Whitewater recreation in the Yukon
• Whitewater recreation in British Columbia
• Whitewater recreation in Alberta
• Whitewater recreation in Manitoba
• Whitewater recreation in the Northwest Territories
• Whitewater recreation in Nunavut
• Whitewater recreation in Ontario
• Whitewater recreation in Quebec
• Whitewater recreation in Newfoundland and Labrador