From the Adams to the Zeballos, the Alouette to the Zymoetz, rivers are the essence of British Columbia. More than 400 rivers course through six major watersheds in the province: the Fraser, Columbia, Peace, Skeena, Stikine and Liard.

Lina Azeez, Watershed Watch’s habitats program director.

Rivers are the foundation of our lives and livelihoods. Every year British Columbians celebrate B.C. Rivers Day on the third Sunday of September to align with the Fall equinox and all the changes that come with it, including the return of spawning salmon. This year we celebrate Sunday, Sept. 22.

Founded in 1980 by river conservationist and friend of Watershed Watch, Mark Angelo, B.C. Rivers Day has grown into an international World Rivers Day celebrated in more than 60 countries. The passion that led Angelo to spearhead these days of recognition – not to mention his overarching conservation work – stems from his lifelong connection to these waterways, and that dedication has inspired people to reconnect with the natural world in many meaningful ways.

My own water connection was inspired by growing up in the desert city of Dubai where every drop of scarce rainwater was celebrated. Many years later after moving to Canada, I got to experience B.C.’s largest and longest river system, the Fraser River, up close and personal through a 25-day paddle along its length from source to sea. I gained a whole new understanding and appreciation for the Fraser River and the people who live, work, and depend on it. And that gave me the tools to better advocate for our most precious resource.

In our busy lives we often don’t have time to really think about our waterways. Why should we care about B.C. Rivers Day? What does it mean to us and our communities today?

Rivers and creeks are far more than just scenic spots for a weekend picnic; they are the lifeblood of ecosystems and civilizations. Without healthy rivers, entire ecosystems would collapse, and human communities would face incredible challenges.

Rivers are the veins of the planet, transporting water, nutrients, and life. They provide vital habitats for countless species, from salmon to sturgeon to diverse birdlife that depend on these aquatic environments. Salmon, in particular, is a keystone species for the Pacific Northwest, nourishing everything from orcas to bears to humans, and even the forests themselves!

Rivers also provide us with fresh drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and energy through hydroelectric power. Tourism, recreation, and local economies are often built around access to clean, vibrant rivers. Activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking in our deep river valleys draw millions of people to B.C. every year.

Rivers draw us to their banks offering tranquility, inspiration, and a connection to the natural world. Indigenous cultures have long recognized rivers as sacred places, honouring their spiritual, cultural, and economic importance.

These waterways allow us to step away from our increasingly urbanized and screen-driven lives to reconnect with nature. The sound of flowing water, the sight of salmon returning to spawn, the feeling of cool river rocks beneath our feet— these remind us we are part of something larger. Rivers are the natural pulse of the Earth, and they offer peace and restoration in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

As we enter an era of global warming, rivers help regulate our environment by supporting biodiversity, maintaining water quality, and even helping to mitigate flooding and droughts through natural flow processes. B.C. Rivers Day is a reminder of the vital roles that rivers play in our lives. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of protecting these waterways for today and into the future.

It also serves as a call to action for us to spend time with our local rivers, whether that means participating in organized cleanups, educational events, or simply taking a moment of quiet reflection by the water.

We are lucky in British Columbia to have an abundance of waterways. These rivers belong to all of us and we must protect them. Our lives depend on it.