Clearwater River

Clearwater River is a waterway in southern Alberta that originates at Devon Lakes in Banff National Park and flows roughly 200 kilometers to Rocky Mountain House. The water runs through forested areas with rocky banks and varying current speeds.

The river played a key role in the fur trade of the 1700s, when traders like Peter Pond used it as a central route for their operations. These early trading activities shaped how the waterway was used economically for generations to come.

For thousands of years, this river served as home and travel route for indigenous peoples of the region. Today, traces of this long human presence can still be seen along the banks.

Canoeing is possible starting two kilometers downstream from Clearwater Lake, but paddling becomes safer and more enjoyable after reaching Timber Creek. Visitors should check water flow and local conditions before entering the water.

The river serves as a reference system for scientific water monitoring programs because it remains largely unaffected by industrial impacts. This makes it a valuable comparison point for studying natural water conditions in the region.