Smoky River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smoky River |
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Frozen Smoky River south-east of Grande Prairie
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Adolphus Lake 1,680 m (5,510 ft) 53°10′16″N 119°07′01″W / 53.17111°N 119.11694°W |
| River mouth | Peace River 315 m (1,033 ft) 56°11′09″N 117°20′03″W / 56.18583°N 117.33417°W |
The Smoky River is a long and important river in western Alberta, Canada. It is a major tributary (which means a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one) of the Peace River. The river got its interesting name from the Cree First Nations people. They noticed "smouldering beds of coal" along the riverbanks, which looked like smoke!
This river drains a huge area of about 50,300 square kilometers (that's about 19,421 square miles). From where it starts to where it joins the Peace River, the Smoky River stretches for about 492 kilometers (around 306 miles). On average, a lot of water flows through it, about 347 cubic meters per second.
Where the Smoky River Flows
The Smoky River begins high up in the Canadian Rockies. It starts in the northern part of Jasper National Park, from a place called Adolphus Lake.
From there, it flows towards the northeast. It travels through the beautiful Willmore Wilderness Park. Then, it passes close to the town of Grande Cache.
The river keeps flowing north. It goes past a small community called Watino. Finally, it joins the larger Peace River. This meeting point is just south of the town of Peace River, Alberta.
Rivers and Streams Joining the Smoky
Many smaller rivers and streams flow into the Smoky River. These are called tributaries. They add more water to the Smoky River as it travels. Here are some of the important ones:
- Adolphus Lake (where it starts)
- Jackpine River
- Muddywater River
- Sulphur River
- Muskeg River
- Kakwa River
- Cutbank River
- Wapiti River
- Simonette River
- Puskwaskau River
- Bad Heart River
- Little Smoky River
