The Drentsche Hoofdvaart is a canal running through the province of Drenthe in the Netherlands, connecting the region around Meppel in the south to Assen in the north. The waterway passes through or near the towns and villages of Meppel, Havelte, Diever, and Dieverbrug, offering access to a landscape that includes natural areas, dolmens, historic buildings, and traditional villages characteristic of Drenthe.

The canal features multiple bridges and locks along its length. At Dieverbrug there is a lock, and adjacent to it a visitor centre called the Dieversluis visitors' centre, which provides information about the Drentsche Hoofdvaart, water management in Drenthe, and the surrounding area through an audiovisual presentation. This centre is open from May 1 to October 1, making that period the primary visitor season on the canal.

Paddlers should be aware that the waterway is also used by motorized vessels, as it is a navigable commercial and recreational shipping route. The canal has a maximum height clearance of 5.4 meters for vessels traveling from the Noord-Willemskanaal via the Havenkanaal to Assen, and 3.5 meters for the section from the Drentsche Hoofdvaart to the center of Assen. Bridge operation along the route is managed through a guided sailing system, and paddlers approaching Assen from the Drentsche Hoofdvaart will be registered with the port authority of the municipality of Assen by a bridge operator.

During the last weekend of June, delays in bridge operation are possible due to traffic congestion associated with the TT motorcycle races held at Assen, which is worth factoring into trip planning for that period.