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10 Paddling Routes in Manitoba to Get You Started
Have you really experienced Manitoba if you haven't gone paddling? Home to over 100,000 lakes and waterways, Manitoba has paddling routes for every skill level, including beginners.
Adventure Through Tunnels at Caddy Lake
Great for a group adventure with a mix of intermediate and beginner paddlers, Caddy Lake is a high-traffic route with man-made tunnels blasted through solid granite. When the water level is low enough, you can paddle through the tunnels into South and North Cross lakes.
If you get hungry during your paddle, pack a picnic lunch! While this route is the start of the 169 km round-trip canoe loop, it also has picnic areas perfect for day trips. It’s the perfect choose-your-own-level-of-adventure route.
Still hungry? Grab some dinner at the Nite Hawk Cafe in West Hawk Lake before heading home.
Paddle the La Salle
Paddle this scenic 10-km route, just a short distance from Winnipeg. The out-and-back trail, called the La Salle River paddle route, begins in town of La Salle and finishes at St. Norbert Dam at La Barrière Park. While the best times to visit are between May and September, this slow-moving, meandering prairie river with variable depth is stunning in September when the leaves change colour. It is perfect for birding, paddle sports, and the beginner paddler.
Hungry after reaching the dam? Grab lunch in La Salle at Sliders.
Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures
Explore Willow Creek
Willow Creek runs south of Gimli through wetlands into Lake Winnipeg. It is home to the tall grass prairie march ecosystem, which supports wildlife; you will see many frogs, birds, reptiles, and fish. Not sure how to get started? You could also take a tour with Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures.
Hungry after a paddle? Enjoy some local pickerel from Kris' Fish & Chips (reopening summer 2024). If fish isn’t your thing, grab a slice at Brennivins.
Ride the Roseau River
Start your paddle in Stuartburn and paddle to the Roseau River Park. Depending on the water level there can be some class one rapids on this route. According to Paddle Manitoba in an effort to make the river safer 30 km of the river is marked.
Pack a picnic lunch and visit the Senkiw Bridge while you are in the area.
Wilderland Adventure Company
Dip a Paddle into St. Malo Lake
This leisurely loop around the lake in St. Malo Provincial Park is about 5.3 km and is considered an easy route, great for beginners. It is also great for other paddle sports. You likely won't encounter too many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this route is June through September.
You deserve a sweet treat after your paddle from the Barefoot Café snack shack in the park.
Keeley Braunstein-Black
Wander Cooks Creek
Launch in East Selkirk into Cooks Creek (which is technically portions of the Red River) and paddle your way past nests of eagles on shore. It's a fun paddle with minimal water current. Head out on the east side of the Hwy 212 bridge that crosses Cooks Creek; there is a boat launch and public parking adjacent to the East Selkirk fire hall.
Refuel your body at the iconic Roxie's by the Red Uptown Cafe.
Set out for a Bird Lake Paddle
Push off at at the dock or beach at Bird Lake or Tulabi Falls campgrounds and paddle a loop around calm Bird Lake. Don't confuse this with the backcountry paddling loop that starts on the other side of the Tulabi Falls and continues along Bird River to Elbow Lake. The loop around Bird Lake can be as long or as short as you like. As the name suggests, Bird Lake is great for birding, and the loon's haunting calls is often heard. Camping at Tulabi Falls is a great adventure and perfect way for beginners to work up to backcountry paddling.
Stock up on snacks at Nopiming Lodge's general store.
Paddle Lake Minnewasta
This hidden gem is an easy 3.9 km loop near Morden and is a small, calm lake excellent for paddle sports. Head out on the water between May and September.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been through Morden, check out 2 BRO’ZZ for pizza or stop in for some sips and nibbles at Rendezvous Brewery and Taproom.
Get out on the Souris River
The Souris is gentle, wide and meanders through rolling hills from the North Dakota border. Around Treesbank, where it meets the Assiniboine, it can be on the fast side with rapids in the spring.
The magical, quaint town of Souris is a must-visit if you are a beginner paddler looking to get out of the city. Grab some grub for the road at a good ol’ drive-in burger joint The Dairy Bar or if you want to sit down, head to The Whistling Donkey for a pint.
Dave Reede
Explore West Blue Lake
This 9.3 km loop is located in Duck Mountain Provincial Park, near Ethelbert. A leisurely paddle and worth the drive, West Blue Lake has simmering clear waters are fed by freshwater springs from the lake bottom and have no permanent inlets or outlets. Be prepared to see lots of ducks on your paddle.
About The Author
Hi, I’m Keeley. I love dogs, tea, yoga, and taking photos. Every time you talk to me, I have a new hobby. You can find me haunting local music venues any night of the week, so long as there is a show. My favourite thing about Manitoba is the community.
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