rapids

courtesy WBNPThe majestic birds of the Slave River white pelican colony nest, feed, and live on turbulent, whitewater rapids near Fort Smith. It is unique habitat for this species. All other white pelican colonies nest and feed on calm-water lakes and ponds.

Each year around April 20, the white pelicans return from their southern wintering grounds to Fort Smith with soaring grace and beauty. They raise a new generation of pelicans in a manner like no other white pelican colony in the world.

The Trans Canada Trail is a 21,500-kilometre recreational trail winding its way through every province and territory, from the Atlantic to Pacific to Arctic Oceans. When completed, it will be the world's longest recreational trail, linking close to 1,000 communities and over 33 million Canadians. Thousands of people use the Trail to walk, hike, cycle, ski, horseback ride, canoe, and snowmobile.

For the average hiker, cyclist, snowshoer, and skier, the Cassette rapids provide some dramatic whitewater vistas, though they appear from shore to be less-impressive than the Pelican rapids. Kayakers will beg to differ, however. The proof is in the vegetation.

Due in large part to the spray generated by these rapids, and the resulting humidity, the trees along this part of the river are enormous compared to their counterparts downstream.

photo by Jessica CoxThe Pelican rapids are accessible all year-round, by foot and bicycle from April to October (depending on snowfall), and by ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile from November to March (depending on snowfall). These are magnificent whitewater rapids, and an outcrop of Canadian Shield granite jutting up from the water allows hikers to walk halfway across the expansive river (dependent on water levels) from June through October.

courtesy Town of Fort SmithFrom June to October, the rapids at Mountain Portage are some of the most accessible on the river. These rapids are a favourite “playground” for whitewater kayakers, and the sandy beaches in the bays surrounding the rapids are a favourite gathering place for local swimmers and sunseekers. While the summer mosquitoes, sandflies, and horseflies are tolerable on the breezy shores of the river, they can be unbearable on the hike down to and up from the water.

photo by Jessica CoxRapids of the Drowned are the most visible rapids to residents of, and visitors to, Fort Smith. They are the rapids beside which the community is situated, and can be seen from “The Lookout” on Marine Drive. These rapids are a designated Historic Site of Canada.