The Kazan River is a major wilderness paddling route in Nunavut, Canada, running approximately 1,000 km from Kasba Lake to Baker Lake. The river was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1990, with the protected section covering roughly 615 km between the outlet of Ennadai Lake and Baker Lake, recognized for its natural landscape and its role as a migration corridor for the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The typical full descent from Kasba Lake takes 29 to 35 paddling days and involves around 15 portages — relatively few given the river's length and elevation drop.

The paddling season runs from July to September, a window of six to eight weeks. The character of the river is defined by a mix of wide, pushy river sections and extensive lake crossings; paddlers should expect conditions closer to lake paddling for significant portions of the route. Wind is a persistent factor and can halt progress entirely on open lake crossings. A spray deck or covered canoe is strongly recommended, both for rapids and for safety on large windswept lakes. The river passes through several large lakes, including Angikuni Lake, where whitecapped conditions are common.

Whitewater is present throughout, with the section below Kazan Falls considered particularly notable. A practical navigation rule applies across the entire river: avoid paddling on the side where the Canadian Shield shows bare rock at the surface, as exposed bedrock creates ledges and impassable drops. The bank with sand, gravel, or loose stones typically offers a more gradual gradient. On topographic maps, a jagged, spiky shoreline indicates exposed shield rock.

Wildlife along the route includes caribou, muskox, wolves, arctic foxes, wolverines, grizzly bears, and abundant migratory birds. Fishing is considered exceptional. The river corridor is rich in archaeological and cultural heritage, with tent rings, hunting grounds, lookouts, and gravesites of ancient and modern Inuit present at virtually every campsite. These sites must be left undisturbed; anyone who encounters archaeological features or artifacts is encouraged to report findings to the Territorial Chief Archaeologist of Nunavut. A cairn near Kazan Falls has served as a message drop for paddling groups since the 1970s, and the Baker Lake Visitor Centre holds historical records from the route. Only a handful of trips are run on the Kazan each year.