Mackenzie Delta

region, Northwest Territories, Canada

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June 30, 2026

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The Mackenzie Delta is a vast, lake-dotted region in Canada's Northwest Territories. It is the delta of the Mackenzie River, North America's second-largest river system by drainage basin size. This delta stretches over 120 miles north to south and is about 50 miles wide along the Arctic Ocean's Beaufort Sea. The region experiences a harsh climate and is characterized by permafrost, with unique construction methods adapted to these conditions. Historically, the delta has been important for fur trapping, and today, oil and natural gas exploration are significant economic activities. The area also supports diverse wildlife and offers spectacular scenery.1

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Mackenzie River
The delta region
The Mackenzie River delta begins at Point Separation. The mean annual discharge of Mackenzie water into the delta, measured at the confluence of the Arctic Red River, is 340,000 cubic feet (9,630 cubic metres) per second, increasing to an average of 540,000 cubic feet (15,290 cubic…
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The Mackenzie River delta begins at Point Separation. The mean annual discharge of Mackenzie water into the delta, measured at the confluence of the Arctic Red River, is 340,000 cubic feet (9,630 cubic metres) per second, increasing to an average of 540,000 cubic feet (15,290 cubic…
Read More