The Tatshenshini River

The Tatshenshini River, known as Shawshe Chu in the Southern Tutchone language, begins in northwestern British Columbia and flows nearly 200 kilometers through the traditional territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations into the Gulf of Alaska. It is a traditional travel route with great cultural and spiritual significance to Southern Tutchone and Tlingit First Nations. Flowing through rugged canyons carved through coastal mountains, post glacier-filled valleys, iceberg dotted lakes, and alpine tundra, it is considered one of Canada’s most scenic wilderness trips. The river is also one of Canada’s most significant ecological areas, providing vital habitat for more than 50 species of mammals, including Yukon’s densest population of grizzly bears. It is an important waterfowl migration route that provides rich habitat for more than 40 species of birds and critical spawning areas for salmon. Its designation in the Canadian Heritage Rivers System honors the importance of the area for all people.

Yukon · Canada