Where the Rivers Meet Two rivers flow through Woodlands County, the Athabasca and the McLeod, and meet at a point where travellers can come and enjoy a beautiful view. The point where the rivers meet is considered to be a sacred spot. The original inhabitants, the Woodland Cree Nation, called Whitecourt “Sagitawah,” which means “meeting of the waters” The mighty Athabasca River originates at the toe of the Columbia Glacier in Jasper National Park. The river flows 1,231 kilometres before draining into the Peace-Athabasca Delta, south of Fort Chipewyan. The gracious and beautiful McLeod River flows northeast down from the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. The river begins just outside the western border of Jasper National Park and snakes through the foothills before meeting the Athabasca River.
To stand at the point where these two rivers meet and experience the difference in the strength of current, one must venture to the Riverboat Park. It is located in Whitecourt behind the Sagitawah RV Park off Highway 43. It is here where you can see the line that divides the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers.
retail stores in the area sell various water shoes, tubes, paddles, and ropes to tie you and your fellow tubers together. There is no charge to set sail on the McLeod River. The trip can be anywhere from two-and-ahalf to four hours, depending on the time of year and speed of the current.
TUBING ON THE MCLEOD RIVER
Signs direct tubers to the starting and finishing points. You’ll need two vehicles – one to deliver you to the starting point and one to pick you up at the end of the trip.
There’s nothing better on a hot day than to kick back and relax with some friends while floating down the McLeod River. A local recreational favourite, tubing down the McLeod River is a great way to take in the serene beauty of the area. Not only is tubing a great way to take in the natural beauty of the forest surrounding the river banks and catch an occasional glimpse of wildlife, but it’s economical too. Several
So, grab your tubes, slap on some sunscreen and invite a few friends. Spend your afternoon taking in one of the most relaxing rides of your life. TUBING CHECKLIST • A good-quality tube • Water shoes • Life jacket • A paddle for slow spots • Sunscreen • Rope to tie group tubes together • Two vehicles – one to park at tubing access site and another at a pickup location MCLEOD RIVER CHARACTERISTICS • The McLeod River is a gentle-flowing river with subtle, light rapids • Source elevation – 1,621m (5,318 ft)
Jet Boat Races
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Your Guide to Whitecourt & Woodlands County whitecourtwoodlandstourism.com
• Mouth elevation – 690m (2,264 ft) • Mouth – Athabasca River