Canadian Heritage Rivers System

The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada's national river conservation program. It promotes, protects and enhances Canada's river heritage, and ensures that Canada's leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner. 

The CHRS is a public trust. Local citizens champion the program. Actions taken are grass roots driven. Governments -- federal, provincial and territorial -- lend support and guidance, and provide approvals as required.

Communities, Aboriginal Peoples, landowners, and other stakeholders have their rights and concerns respected. These cornerstones make the CHRS an open and effective forum for collaboration and partnership on river conservation.

Canada honours and respects its leading rivers by distinguishing them as Canadian Heritage Rivers -- places a great pride and importance to Canadians. Having outstanding natural and/or cultural values, and offering quality recreational opportunities, these rivers showcase the benefits and enjoyment of healthy river environments, now and in the future.

Rivers in the CHRS must have their heritage values and integrity protected. Every river named to the CHRS strengthens our identity as Canadians, and enables us to better understand, appreciate and celebrate our rich river heritage.

Canada's network of rivers is vast and diverse. Canadian Heritage Rivers are its gems, beacons of our natural and cultural heritage. Guidelines exist to ensure that candidate rivers meet the selection and integrity criteria that define Canada's leading rivers.

It is not easy to become a Canadian Heritage River. The process is rigorous and lengthy. A river must be proven to posses the requisite natural values, historical importance and recreational potential. Strong public support must also be demonstrated.

See the Canadian Heritage Rivers site for more details and some spectacular river photos