[3] Located in the center of the county, it borders the following townships: Part of the city of Athens is located in western Canaan Township.

Canaan Township contains the unincorporated community of Canaanville.

The township is bisected by the Hocking River and U.S. Route 50.

It includes most of Strouds Run State Park.

The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.