Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
River · Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Slave River Rapids
Series of rapids on the Slave River by Fort Smith, with viewpoints and trails along the bank and the northernmost colony of American white pelicans on the islands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Slave River Rapids
Between Fort Fitzgerald, in Alberta, and Fort Smith, the Slave River drops through four large rapids over about 25 km. In the fur trade era, boats could not pass, and cargo and canoes were carried overland along the bank. Fort Smith began as a stopping place for that portage.
The rapid next to the town, called Rapids of the Drowned, commemorates an accident involving fur-trade boatmen in the late 18th century. On the rocky islands in the middle of the river, white pelicans nest every summer, in the northernmost colony of the species. They can be seen fishing in the churning water from the riverbank viewpoints.
Trails follow the river through town, and the rapids attract experienced kayakers who come from far away to run them.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
June to August, when the pelicans are on the islands.
How to get there
On the bank of the Slave River, in downtown Fort Smith, with viewpoints a few minutes’ walk away.
Tip
Bring binoculars to see the pelicans on the islands and do not approach the water on wet rocks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Slave River Rapids
Are there pelicans on the Slave River?
Yes, white pelicans nest on the islands in the rapids in summer.
Why is the rapid called Rapids of the Drowned?
Because of an accident involving fur-trade boatmen in the late 18th century.
How many rapids are on the Slave River near Fort Smith?
Four large ones, over about 25 km.