It is a major tributary of the Peace River.

The name refers to the presence of "smouldering beds of coal in the riverbank" noted by the Cree people, an Indigenous people of the area.

[5] The Smoky River originates in the Canadian Rockies, in the northern area of Jasper National Park from Adolphus Lake (53.171N 119.117W).

It then flows northeast through the Willmore Wilderness Park until it passes near the hamlet of Grande Cache.

It continues north, passes Watino and merges into the Peace River south of the Town of Peace River, Alberta.