Mackenzie River

Named after explorer Sir Alexander Mackenzie who traveled its entire length in 1789. The Mackenzie River has been a major transportation route before recorded history, playing a vital role in Arctic development. Its moderating influence extends north of the treeline to the Arctic Ocean.

Inuvik sits on the bank of the East Channel of the Mackenzie River, and is the main access point for the Mackenzie Delta. Here, the Delta is a labyrinth of channels leading to the Beaufort Sea.

In summer, boating, fishing and camping are popular activities. In winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice road travel take over as the river freezes relatively smoothly and it becomes a seasonal highway connecting Delta communities.