The Seven Major Rivers of Alberta, Canada

Alberta's hydrology is defined by seven principal river systems, all ultimately draining to the Arctic Ocean (via Mackenzie) or Hudson Bay (via Nelson).

1. Athabasca River – 1,231 km; flows NE to Lake Athabasca; oil sands region.
2. Beaver River – 491 km; east-central Alberta; part of Churchill drainage.
3. Bow River – 587 km; headwaters in Rockies; through Calgary; joins Oldman → South Saskatchewan.
4. Milk River – Unique: flows *south* into Montana (Missouri → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico).
5. North Saskatchewan River – 1,287 km; Rockies → Edmonton → Saskatchewan River → Lake Winnipeg.
6. Peace River – 1,923 km; BC Rockies → NE Alberta → Slave River → Mackenzie.
7. South Saskatchewan River – Formed by Bow + Oldman; flows east into Saskatchewan.

These rivers support agriculture, hydroelectricity, municipal water, and ecosystems across the province.