Most people think all rivers in the United States and Canada flow south. But did you know many rivers defy this common belief and flow north instead? It’s true! These unique rivers can be found across the country, from northern to southern states. Some are well-known, while others may surprise you.
In this blog post, I’ll share details on several north-flowing rivers. You’ll learn where they are located, their length, and some interesting facts about each one.
Red River
The Red River flows north from Texas into Oklahoma, Arkansas, and eventually into Louisiana. At 1,360 miles long, it’s one of the longest rivers in the southern United States. The river is known for its distinctive red-colored water, which comes from the red clay soil it flows through.
St. Croix River
This river forms part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, flowing north from its source in Minnesota. It’s a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and camping, thanks to its scenic beauty and protected status as a National Scenic Riverway.
Mackenzie River
At 1,123 miles long, the Mackenzie River in northwestern Canada is one of the longest rivers in North America. It flows north from Great Slave Lake all the way to the Arctic Ocean. The Mackenzie is an important transportation route for remote northern communities.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, flowing over 2,300 miles. It originates in Montana and flows north into Canada before turning south and eventually joining the Mississippi River. The Missouri is an important waterway for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.
Dempster Highway
Though not technically a river, the Dempster Highway in Canada’s Northwest Territories is an interesting example of a road that flows north. This remote 737-mile gravel highway connects the Yukon and Northwest Territories, traversing subarctic tundra and crossing several rivers that flow northward.
Souris River
Starting in Saskatchewan, Canada, the Souris River flows south into North Dakota before turning north and re-entering Canada in Manitoba. It’s known for its winding, meandering path and the unique geological features along its banks, including glacial potholes and hoodoos.
Porcupine River
Rising in the Ogilvie Mountains of the Yukon, the Porcupine River flows north into Alaska before joining the Yukon River. The Porcupine is an important subsistence resource for Indigenous communities, who have fished and hunted along its banks for thousands of years. It’s also a designated Canadian Heritage River.
Anderson River
The Anderson River begins in the Northwest Territories and flows north to the Arctic Ocean. This remote, winding river is an important part of the traditional land use and travel routes of the Inuvialuit people. It’s also home to diverse wildlife like grizzly bears, wolverines, and migratory birds.
Milk River
The Milk River originates in Montana and flows north into the Canadian province of Alberta. At 890 miles long, it’s one of the few rivers in the continental U.S. that flows into Canada. The Milk River is an important source of irrigation water for agricultural communities on both sides of the border.
Athabasca River
Starting in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca River flows generally north through the province of Alberta. It’s a major tributary of the Mackenzie River system and an important transportation route, as well as a source of hydroelectric power and drinking water.
Slave River
Formed by the confluence of the Peace and Athabasca Rivers, the Slave River flows north from Alberta into the Northwest Territories. It’s a key part of the Mackenzie River basin and a vital transportation link for remote northern communities. The Slave River is also home to diverse wildlife like wood bison and migratory birds.
Thelon River
Located in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut of Canada, the Thelon River flows north from the barren lands of the central Arctic to the Arctic Ocean. It’s an important traditional travel route for the Indigenous Inuit people and a popular destination for wilderness canoeing and kayaking.
Churchill River
The Churchill River originates in Saskatchewan and flows northeast through Manitoba before emptying into Hudson Bay. It’s an important hydroelectric power source and recreational waterway, offering excellent fishing, canoeing, and camping opportunities in the northern boreal forest.
Liard River
Originating in the Yukon Territory, the Liard River flows north into the Northwest Territories before joining the Mackenzie River. This remote, wild river is known for its dramatic landscape of canyons, waterfalls, and boreal forest. It’s a popular destination for adventurous paddlers and anglers.
Hay River
Originating in northern Alberta, the Hay River flows north into the Northwest Territories and Great Slave Lake. It’s a major commercial transportation route and an important source of hydroelectric power for the region. The Hay River is also renowned for its excellent sport fishing opportunities.
Dubawnt River
One of the most remote rivers in northern Canada, the Dubawnt River flows north from Nunavut to the Arctic Ocean. This wild, winding river is surrounded by vast tundra and boreal forest. It’s a challenging but rewarding destination for experienced wilderness canoeists and kayakers.
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