description Athabasca River Overview
The Athabasca River is a 1,231-kilometre river in Alberta, Canada, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing northeast through the province. It passes through the Athabasca oil sands region before emptying into Lake Athabasca. From there, its waters form part of the Mackenzie River basin and ultimately drain northward to the Arctic Ocean. The river and its wetlands support diverse northern habitats.
help Athabasca River FAQ
Where does the Athabasca River begin?
The Athabasca rises in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. It then flows northeast across the province toward Lake Athabasca.
How long is the Athabasca River?
The Athabasca is about 1,231 kilometers long. It is one of the major rivers of Alberta and the Mackenzie basin.
What is the Athabasca River known for economically?
The river passes through the Athabasca oil sands region in northern Alberta. That region is one of Canada's major petroleum-producing areas, although development has also raised environmental concerns.
How does the Athabasca connect to the Mackenzie River system?
The Athabasca empties into Lake Athabasca. From there, its waters continue through the Peace-Athabasca Delta and the Mackenzie River system toward the Arctic Ocean.
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