Between Kenakskaniss and Wigwasaus, the river drops 76 metres (250 ft) in a series of rapids and cascades over a distance of about 1.6 kilometres (1 mi).

Its entire course is an official canoe route of the Ministry of Natural Resources and protected in the Kopka River Provincial Park.

But due to its remoteness, strong rapids, and difficult unmarked portages (which receive little maintenance), canoeists must be considerably skilled.

[4][6] In 2005, the wife of nature writer Gary Ferguson died in an accident while canoeing strong rapids on the Kopka River.

[2][4] The park is part of the Lake Nipigon Basin Signature Site, an area remarkable for its range of natural and recreational values that include several provincial parks, conservation reserves, and management areas around Lake Nipigon.