List of rivers of the Canadian Rockies facts for kids

The Canadian Rockies are a huge mountain range in western Canada. They are part of the larger Rocky Mountains that stretch across North America. These mountains are super important because many major rivers start here. These rivers then flow across the land, eventually reaching different oceans! It's like the mountains are a giant water tower for a big part of Canada.

Rivers of the Canadian Rockies

The rivers in the Canadian Rockies flow into three main ocean basins: the Hudson Bay (which is part of the Atlantic Ocean), the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. This happens because of something called the Continental Divide. This is a high ridge that separates which way water flows. Rivers on one side flow to the Pacific, and rivers on the other side flow east.

Rivers Flowing to Hudson Bay

Many rivers starting in the Canadian Rockies flow east. Their waters eventually reach Hudson Bay, which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean. These rivers are vital for many communities and ecosystems across the Canadian prairies.

• North Saskatchewan River: This long river starts in the Columbia Icefield. It flows through Edmonton and eventually joins the South Saskatchewan River.
• South Saskatchewan River: This river is formed by the joining of the Bow and Oldman Rivers. It flows across the prairies.
  • Bow River: A famous river that flows through Calgary. It's known for its beautiful scenery and fishing.
    • Elbow River: This river joins the Bow River in Calgary.
  • Oldman River: This river flows through southern Alberta.
    • Crowsnest River: A tributary that joins the Oldman River.
• Red Deer River: This river also starts in the Rockies and flows east. It passes through the city of Red Deer.

Rivers Flowing to the Pacific Ocean

Rivers on the western side of the Canadian Rockies flow towards the Pacific Ocean. These rivers often carve deep valleys through the mountains.

• Columbia River: One of North America's largest rivers. It starts in British Columbia and flows south into the United States.
  • Flathead River: A tributary of the Columbia River.
    • Kootenay River: This river flows through British Columbia and Montana.
      • Elk River: Joins the Kootenay River.

* Fording River: A smaller river that feeds into the Elk River.

• • • • Vermilion River: Another tributary of the Kootenay.

* Simpson River: Joins the Vermilion River.

• • Kicking Horse River: Famous for its rapids and scenic beauty near Golden.
    • Amiskwi River: A tributary of the Kicking Horse.
    • Yoho River: Flows through Yoho National Park.
      • Little Yoho River: A smaller branch of the Yoho River.
• Fraser River: The longest river entirely within British Columbia. It's very important for salmon.
  • Torpy River: A tributary of the Fraser River.
  • Swiftcurrent Creek: Another stream feeding the Fraser.
  • Robson River: Flows near Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
• Kiwetinok River
• Blaeberry River
• Bush River
• Coal Creek
• Lizard Creek
• Emerald River
• Gataga River
• Moose Creek
• McKale River
• Morkill River
• Valenciennes River
• Wigwam River

Rivers Flowing to the Arctic Ocean

Some rivers from the northern Canadian Rockies flow north. Their waters eventually reach the Arctic Ocean. This vast drainage basin covers a huge area of northern Canada.

• Mackenzie River: This is the longest river system in Canada. It carries water from a huge area to the Arctic Ocean.
  • Liard River: A major tributary of the Mackenzie River.
    • Fort Nelson River: Joins the Liard River.
      • Muskwa River: A tributary of the Fort Nelson River.
      • Sikanni Chief River: Another river that feeds the Fort Nelson.
    • Trout River: Joins the Liard River.
  • Slave River: This river connects Lake Athabasca to the Mackenzie River.
    • Athabasca River: A long river that starts in the Columbia Icefield.
      • Whirlpool River: A tributary of the Athabasca River.
    • Peace River: A very large river that flows through British Columbia and Alberta.
      • Smoky River: A major tributary of the Peace River.

* Jackpine River: Joins the Smoky River. * Kakwa River: Another tributary of the Smoky River. * Muddywater River: Feeds into the Smoky River. * Wapiti River: Joins the Smoky River.

• Ospika River: Another river that eventually contributes to the Arctic Ocean drainage.

See also

• List of rivers of the Rocky Mountains
• List of rivers of the Pacific Ranges
• List of rivers of the Kitimat Ranges
• List of rivers of the Boundary Ranges
• List of rivers of the Omineca Mountains