Churchill is about 45 kilometres (28 mi) south of the mouth of the river along the Hudson Bay, while Tadoule Lake is far inland near the source.

The river flows through a mix of boreal forests at the southernmost edge of Canada's tundra.

The river has no human uses, except for the very few skilled travelers on rafts or canoes who brave the treacherous waters each year.

While there are few historical remnants of European existence in the area, there are many artifacts belonging to the Chipewyan and even earlier Talteilei tribes.

Traces of First Nation presence in the area dates back up to 7,000 years ago.

The rivers owes its preservation to the harsh wilderness, infertile soil, and very cold climate, which have made the area very inhospitable to even the most experienced travelers.