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Canadian Rockies by Train

Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk

Walk on the Glass-Bottom Glacier Skywalk and tour the Athabasca Glacier in the Rugged Ice Explorer Vehicle from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

Canadian Rockies Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk
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Jasper Wildlife Tour Videos

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Canadian Rockies Banff National Park

Book Banff National Park

Banff is Canada's most visited National Park. Banff's towering peaks and beautiful meadows make it among Canada's most incredible holiday areas. Book Banff National Park's Popular Activities and Attractions.

Book Banff National Park
Book Banff Home Popular Canadian Rockies Tours in Banff
Jasper Wildlife Tour Videos

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Canadian Rockies Boat Cruise

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

This fully narrated cruise takes you along Maligne Lake, the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, part of the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park.

Jasper Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
Maligne Lake Cruise
Jasper Wildlife Tour Videos

South Saskatchewan River

The Canadian Rockies include several major national parks, protected areas, and mountain ranges.

Tour Canadian Rockies


South Saskatchewan River

The South Saskatchewan River is one of the two main branches of the Saskatchewan River system in western Canada. It flows through the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, alongside its counterpart, the North Saskatchewan River.

Course and Length

The South Saskatchewan River originates in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, near the Alberta-British Columbia border. It begins as several headwater streams that merge to form the main river. The river flows eastward through Alberta, passing through the city of Medicine Hat, before crossing into Saskatchewan. It then continues eastward, eventually merging with the North Saskatchewan River near Prince Albert, forming the Saskatchewan River. The total length of the South Saskatchewan River is approximately 1,392 kilometers (865 miles).

South Saskatchewan River Watershed

The South Saskatchewan River has a large watershed area, covering around 121,800 square kilometers (47,000 square miles). Its watershed encompasses diverse landscapes, including the mountainous regions of the Rockies, rolling foothills, and prairie landscapes.

Human Usage and Importance

The South Saskatchewan River is an essential water source for both urban and rural communities along its course. It supplies water for irrigation, municipal and industrial use, and hydroelectric power generation. Reservoirs and dams, such as the Gardiner Dam and the Lake Diefenbaker Reservoir, have been constructed to manage water flow and support various human activities.

South Saskatchewan River Recreation and Tourism

The South Saskatchewan River offers opportunities for recreational activities and tourism. It is popular for boating, fishing, and water-based sports, such as kayaking and canoeing. The river's scenic beauty and natural surroundings attract visitors interested in camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Ecological Significance

The South Saskatchewan River and its riparian areas provide habitat for a variety of fish species, including trout, pike, and catfish. It supports diverse bird populations, including waterfowl and shorebirds. The river system plays a role in maintaining regional biodiversity and ecological health.

The South Saskatchewan River plays a significant role in supporting various human activities, providing water resources, and contributing to the ecological diversity of the region. It showcases the natural landscapes of the Canadian West and offers opportunities for both recreation and the conservation of natural ecosystems.

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