Nelson River is the longest river in Manitoba. From its outlet at the northern end of Lake Winnipeg, it flows about 400 miles (640 kilometers) northeast to empty into Hudson Bay. It is the outlet of Lakes Winnipeg, Winnipegosis, and Manitoba, and the Winnipeg, Red, and Saskatchewan river systems. The watercourse to the head of the Saskatchewan’s farthest tributary is 1,600 miles (2,580 kilometers) long. Once a transportation link for Hudson’s Bay Company, the river is now a source of hydroelectric power. Manitoba Hydro operates power stations at a number of locations along the river, including Kelsey Rapids, Jenpeg, Kettle Rapids, Limestone Rapids, and Long Spruce.
