Cool lakes ringed by rustling pines, prairie marshes in spring dawn, remote and rocky ocean coasts and restless rivers tumbling across the northern tundra. That’s Canada!

This country and water go hand in hand. We are the stewards of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water and can proudly claim about 2 million lakes, not to mention enough rivers, marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, sloughs and ponds to make a duck quack! With three mighty oceans offering us more than 200,000 kilometres of coastline — the longest coastline in the world — Canada is truly a watery wonderland.

From wetlands, ground water and springs to creeks, streams, lakes, rivers and oceans, our water is connected through watersheds. Because inland waters flow to the sea, even ocean creatures like our feature species, the killer whale, can be affected by what goes on in our lakes and streams.

Rivers to Oceans Week recognizes this connectedness and reminds us that taking care of our water is a shared responsibility. Join CWF in celebrating Rivers to Oceans Week and help us turn the tide on the threats to Canada’s waterways and the life they sustain.

You can make a difference during Rivers to Oceans Week and all year long. Watch CWF’s water videos, learn about the many threats facing our waterways, then act to protect aquatic ecosystems.