MCQ Detailed View

The Mackenzie River is the largest river in Canada and the second-longest river system in North America, after the Mississippi-Missouri. It flows for about 4,241 kilometers (2,635 miles) when including its tributaries, draining a vast basin that covers much of northwestern Canada.

The river originates from the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories and flows northward into the Arctic Ocean, specifically the Beaufort Sea. Its extensive watershed includes parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. The Mackenzie River system plays a vital role in transportation, ecology, and the cultural history of Indigenous peoples of the region.

Key Facts about the Mackenzie River:

• Location: Northwest Canada


• Length: Approximately 4,241 km (with tributaries)


• Source: Great Slave Lake


• Mouth: Beaufort Sea, Arctic Ocean


• Basin Area: About 1.8 million square kilometers


• Significance: Largest river in Canada, second-longest in North America

The Mackenzie River is not only a natural wonder but also an essential waterway that sustains wildlife, supports ecosystems, and remains a key feature of Canada’s northern geography.