Grand Rapids is found 427.4 kilometres (265.6 mi) from the mouth of the Athabasca River, Alberta, Canada. The rapids are found on both sides of an island in the river. In the channel is an island, where the Hudson's Bay Company built a tramway to transport the outfits for all the northern posts. The river drops 100 feet (30 m) over 1 mile (1.6 km) at the rapids. "In 1989, the Athabasca River was designated a Canadian Heritage River for its importance to the fur trade and the construction of railways and roads opening up the Canadian West, as well as for its natural heritage."