Which river is recognized as the longest river in Canada?

The Mackenzie River is recognized as the longest river in Canada, stretching approximately 4,241 kilometers (2,635 miles) from its source in the Canadian Rockies to its mouth at the Beaufort Sea. This river flows through a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and tundra, and plays a critical role in the ecosystem and the economy of the regions it traverses. It is also significant for Indigenous peoples, for whom it provides resources and a means of transportation.

In contrast, while the Ottawa River, the Mississippi River, and the Fraser River are important waterways, they do not surpass the length of the Mackenzie River. The Ottawa River is notable for its role in linking the Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River but is much shorter. The Mississippi River, although long, runs primarily through the United States, and the Fraser River, while significant in British Columbia, does not have the same length as the Mackenzie. This distinction helps clarify why the Mackenzie River holds the title of the longest river in Canada.