2001

S1.E1 ∙ Stikine River

Sun, Dec 31, 2000

The Stikine River traverses the spectacular wilderness of northwestern British Columbia. Its headwaters are in the vast Spatsizi Plateau, known for its concentrations of wildlife, including the regionally unique Osborne caribou herd. The river then travels through the volcanically formed, infamous "Grand Canyon of the Stikine" and empties into the Pacific Ocean at Wrangell, Alaska.

0 /10

S1.E2 ∙ Klinaklini River

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The Klinaklini is a relatively short river that meanders through a glacier carved valley. Most prominent is an enormous estuary that acts as a magnet for diverse wildlife. The estuary also serves as a magnet for ecotourists who have the rare opportunity to enjoy bear watching carefully managed by their tour operator.

0 /10

S1.E3 ∙ Churchill River

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The Churchill River in Nothern Saskatchewan and Monitoba is more a collection of lakes connected by rapids and water falls. That made it a superb highway for the trade in beaver pelts in past centuries. Today it is left to wildlife and recreation boaters who can enjoy a relaxing paddle in a canoe as well as the excitement of whitewater. The river is dotted with a multitude of islands which Canada has been naming in tribute to fallen servicemen.

0 /10

S1.E4 ∙ Coppermine River

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The Coppermine is a pristine tundra river. It's headwaters compare favorably to distilled water. Historically Europeans were interested in the region for copper. Today the interest is diamonds and kayaking by a few hearty adventurers. The banks are grazed by caribou and muskox. Inuit inhabit the lower half of the river. Many intuit still live traditional lives hunting, fishing and sharing their arts though now with some modern conveniences. Candanian researchers consistently monitor the river to ensure it is not spoiled by diamond mining.

0 /10

S1.E5 ∙ Yukon River

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Although it's headwaters are close to the Pacific, they are cut off from the ocean by mountains causing the Yukon river to meander north through the Yukon then west across Alaska to the Bering Sea. The river is most famous for the gold rush of 1897 at the confluence with the Klondike River. As a result of the gold rush the forests along the river were decimated and it was catastrophic to the Tr'ondek Hwech'in people when the interlopers settled among them. The forests have largely recovered. And fortunately the visionary Chief Isaac relocated his people down river where they have preserved their ancient traditions.

0 /10

S1.E6 ∙ Gataga River

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The Gataga River runs for 146 kilometers within the Northern Rocky Mountains of British Columbia. It is accessible only by helicopter making it virtually untouched by civilization. Only a few old cabins exist and about 50 river rafters visit each year. The river remains as Nature made it with diverse and abundant flora and fauna.

0 /10