Clearwater River Provincial Park

Enjoy spectacular scenery and white-water canoeing.

Skull Canyon on the Clearwater River in northern Saskatchewan.

For centuries, the Clearwater River served as the main route for traders traveling to the rich fur country of the north. This scenic river has changed little.

It remains a wilderness of rapids, lakes, rock canyons and expansive spruce forests.

Located in northwestern Saskatchewan, the Clearwater River is, as its name implies, an unspoiled, clear-water river in a pristine wilderness that is ideal for experienced canoe and kayak campers.

The Saskatchewan section of the Clearwater, from its headwaters in Lloyd Lake to the Alberta border, has become an important addition to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System.

Although a road crosses the river at Warner Rapids, most of the river is very remote and access to the backcountry is limited to float planes. It is this isolated wilderness character of Clearwater that is its major appeal.

The riverway is also renowned for its rare and endangered birds and animals, its Native American pictographs predating the European occupation in the section between Lloyd and Careen lakes, and the historic Methye Portage, over which passed many of Canada's early explorers and fur traders.

The Clearwater River Wilderness Park, covering 780 square miles, protects these natural and historical heritage resources.

The river hosts bald eagles, osprey and white pelicans. Wolverine, increasingly rare in Canada, and woodland caribou, have also been seen in the area.

Due to its undeveloped state, its large distance from major population centers, and its limited accessibility, the Clearwater River area offers little in the way of facilities, services and accommodation.

Highways 155 and 955 (the Cluff Lake Road) provide road access to this part of northwestern Saskatchewan. River access is possible at the bridge crossing at Warner Rapids and along a short trail from Highway 955 into Lloyd Lake. But for most of those exploring Clearwater River backcountry, float plane charters to fishing and hunting camps on lakes on or near the river are the preferred means of beginning or ending trips.

Access to the river by water is also possible from the north end of Lac La Loche across the bay but this requires the strenuous, 12-mile trek in the steps of the voyageurs over the Methye Portage.

Rustic camping is provided at a 15-site provincially-operated campground near the bridge at Warner Rapids. Canoeists are presently permitted to camp at any suitable sites along the river.

Because of its wild nature and relative inaccessibility, the Clearwater is recommended only to canoeists with skill and experience in white-water canoeing.

From Lloyd Lake to its confluence with the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray, the Clearwater provides approximately 184 miles of canoeing with eight to 14 portages.

The lower section of the river is the easiest to paddle, and is suitable for intermediate canoeists, but may only be reached through the Methye Portage.