[2] It initially flows in western direction in a gently sloped heavily forested valley.

Following the confluence with its largest tributary the Vishteritsa, the river turns south and its valley deepens significantly, forming steep deforested slopes.

After the village of Marchevo it enters the Gotse Delchev Valley and forms a large alluvial cone.

Perched over its valley overseeing the river are the well-preserved historical villages of Kovachevitsa and Leshten.

Part of the water of the Kanina and its tributary the Vishteritsa are diverted via seven derivations and a tunnel under the Dabrash ridge to the upper course of the river Dospat and from there to the Dospat Reservoir, which form the highest level of the Dospat–Vacha Hydropower Cascade (500.2 MW).