The Cameron River in the Northwest Territories flows east of Yellowknife through a Precambrian landscape of lakes, forests, and ancient rock, forming the backbone of several well-established canoe routes along the Ingraham Trail (Highway 4). One of its most appealing qualities for trip planning is that it can be accessed without a floatplane: a van shuttle of roughly one hour from Yellowknife to kilometre 55 on the Ingraham Trail is sufficient to reach the upper sections of the river.

The river connects a chain of lakes — including Tibbitt, Terry, Reid, Prelude, and River Lake — and ultimately links to the Yellowknife River and the city of Yellowknife itself. Two main routes are commonly paddled: the Upper Cameron River and the Lower Cameron River. The Upper Cameron begins at Reid Lake Territorial Park (61 km from Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail) and runs to Powder Point Day Use Area at the eastern end of Prelude Lake, covering approximately 16 km with four portages and an average trip time of seven to nine hours. The Lower Cameron extends this journey further, incorporating Prelude Lake, River Lake, and eventually Prosperous Lake before reaching the Yellowknife River. A full trip from the Cameron River Ramparts to Yellowknife typically takes four to five days.

The river features a mix of flatwater, fast-flowing sections, and several mandatory portages. Cameron Falls, a 17-metre drop into a scenic gorge, requires a 300-metre portage on river right; the take-out above the falls demands caution due to accelerating current. Reid Lake's outlet drops over a 1-metre ledge requiring a 175-metre portage. Prelude Lake, roughly 16 km long, is large and open, and strong winds can pin down loaded canoes for a full day — wind management on the lakes is a significant consideration throughout the route.

Reid Lake Territorial Park, located on the north shore of Reid Lake, offers 65 campsites, drinking water, firewood, and kitchen shelters, making it a practical resupply or rest point. Powder Point Day Use Area on Prelude Lake provides a boat launch and parking, and serves as an alternate take-out for paddlers not continuing to Yellowknife. Cameron River Crossing Territorial Park Day Use Area offers access to the Lower Cameron River route and includes picnic facilities and washrooms. Fishing along the route is possible for pickerel, northern pike, arctic grayling, and lake trout, though a fishing licence is required.