Often referred to as “the lifeblood of the prairies,” the South Saskatchewan River flows 1,392 kilometres from its headwaters in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains eastward to central Saskatchewan. En route, it passes through grassland, aspen parkland and the southern reaches of the boreal forest.

Its name comes from the Cree “Kisiskatchewan,” meaning “swift current.” Over the centuries, its fast-flowing waters have guided First Nations hunters and fishers, fur traders, missionaries and settlers.

Cottonwood trees flourish along its banks. Bull trout lurk in the cold, clear headwaters, while you’ll find massive lake sturgeon in the lower reaches. American white pelicans — one of North America’s largest birds — fish for their dinner in the river’s shallows.

However, the South Saskatchewan is also one of Canada’s most intensively used rivers. Its waters irrigate vast wheat fields, supply fertilizer plants, turn hydroelectric turbines and provide drinking water for almost half the population of Saskatchewan.