The Berg River in South Africa's Western Cape province runs approximately 240 kilometres from the Cape Winelands town of Paarl to the coastal town of Velddrif, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean near Laaiplek harbour. This makes it the longest canoe river race course in South Africa, and the river's full length has been paddled competitively since 1962 when the Berg River Canoe Marathon was first organised by Willem van Riet and the Western Province Canoe Union.

The river's character varies considerably. In winter, particularly July, the Berg runs hard and can be unpredictable and at times dangerous, attracting experienced paddlers who are comfortable with challenging conditions and cold weather. The annual Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place each July over four days, starting at the Market Street Bridge in Paarl and finishing at Velddrif. Since 2008, the Autshumato Dam (Berg River Dam), located upstream of the racecourse, has helped ensure adequate water levels for the July race. The lower reaches near Velddrif and the river mouth offer a markedly different experience — calmer water suitable for family paddling, with the area around Bokkom Laan, a heritage site along the river's edge in Velddrif, worth noting as a landmark. Paddlers have also launched from the Laaiplek harbour area to access the open ocean.

The lower Berg is well regarded for birdwatching, with large numbers of waterbirds present in the estuary and surrounding wetlands. The Fort Owen area is another notable point along the river. Camping is common along the route, and the broader Velddrif area offers a range of accommodation from camping sites with river access and launch points to guesthouses, self-catering cottages, and hotels. Multiple launch sites are available along the river, particularly in the Velddrif area.

The winter racing season brings cold, wet conditions that should not be underestimated. Outside of the race period, the lower river near Velddrif is generally accessible and calmer, making it suitable for recreational paddling. The river passes through the West Coast, an area known for its birdlife and estuarine environment near the mouth.