11 paddling routes in Manitoba to get you started
- Karin Schreiber
- 41 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Have you really experienced Manitoba if you haven't spent time on the water? With more than 100,000 lakes and waterways, the province offers paddling routes for every skill level - including gentle, confidence-building options for beginners.
Adventure through tunnels at Caddy Lake
Caddy Lake is a favourite for shared adventures, especially for groups that include both beginner and intermediate paddlers. The route is lively and memorable, defined by a series of man-made tunnels blasted through solid granite. When water levels allow, paddlers can glide through these narrow passages into South and North Cross Lakes.
This section also marks the starting point of the 169-kilometre round-trip canoe loop, yet its picnic areas make it just as appealing for a relaxed day trip. It’s an easy place to tailor the experience to your own comfort level.
Still hungry? Grab some dinner at the Nite Hawk Café in West Hawk Lake before heading home.
Paddle the La Salle
Just a short drive from Winnipeg, the La Salle River paddle route offers a scenic 10-kilometre out-and-back journey. Beginning in the town of La Salle and ending at the St. Norbert Dam at La Barrière Park, the river moves slowly through open prairie landscapes.
While paddling is possible from May through September, autumn brings a special kind of beauty, as changing leaves reflect in the water. With its gentle current and variable depth, this route is well suited for beginners and is also popular for birding and quiet exploration.
After reaching the dam, a stop for lunch at Sliders in La Salle feels well earned.
Explore Willow Creek
Flowing south of Gimli through wetlands before reaching Lake Winnipeg, Willow Creek winds through a rich tall-grass prairie marsh ecosystem. Wildlife is abundant here – frogs, birds, reptiles and fish are all part of the experience. Those new to paddling can ease into the route on a guided tour with Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures.
Afterwards, local flavours await: pickerel at Kris' Fish & Chips or a casual slice from Brennivins.
Meander the Seine River
If you’re looking for a popular paddling destination within the city of Winnipeg, the Seine River offers a surprising sense of escape. It’s easy to feel as though you’re in the wilderness as you paddle its meandering course through St. Vital and St. Boniface. The river is relatively narrow, and fallen trees can occasionally interrupt the route, but many stretches are well suited to an easy Sunday paddle or a brief after-work outing to clear your mind.
Beyond the city limits, the Seine River stretches from the Sandilands Provincial Forest past communities such as Marchand, La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, and Lorette before reaching Winnipeg just north of The Forks.
To round out the day, Kilter Brewing Company – right along the riverbank in St. Boniface – is a popular place to linger.
Ride the Roseau River
Starting in Stuartburn and ending at the Roseau River Park, this route changes character with the seasons. Depending on the water levels, paddlers may encounter mild class-one rapids. According to Paddle Manitoba, approximately 30 kilometres of the river have been marked to improve safety.
Pack a picnic lunch and visit the Senkiw Suspension Bridge while you are in the area.
Dip a paddle into St. Malo Lake
St. Malo Lake, within St. Malo Provincial Park, offers a relaxed 5.3-kilometre loop ideal for beginners and other paddle sports. The calm water and quieter atmosphere make it easy to take your time. The best months to explore are June through September, and a visit to the Barefoot Café snack shack in the park provides a sweet ending to the outing.
Wander Cooks Creek
Launching from East Selkirk into Cooks Creek (which is technically part of the Red River system), paddlers often spot eagle nests along the shoreline. The current is minimal, making this a laid-back and enjoyable route. Access is easiest on the east side of the Highway 212 bridge that crosses Cooks Creek, where a boat launch and public parking sit beside the East Selkirk fire hall.
Afterwards, Roxie's by the Red Uptown Café is a local classic for refuelling.
Set out for a Bird Lake paddle
Bird Lake offers a calm, flexible loop that can be as short or as long as you wish. Launch from the dock or beach at Bird Lake or Tulabi Falls campgrounds and circle the lake at your own pace. It’s important not to confuse this with the more demanding backcountry route that begins beyond Tulabi Falls and continues along Bird River to Elbow Lake. As its name suggests, Bird Lake is excellent for birding, and the haunting calls of loons often carry across the water. Camping at Tulabi Falls is a natural next step for beginners ready to build confidence.
Snacks can be picked up at the Nopiming Lodge general store.
Paddle Lake Minnewasta
Near Morden, Lake Minnewasta is a quietly beautiful 3.9-kilometre loop and an easy introduction to paddling. The small, sheltered lake remains calm throughout most of the season, which runs from May to September.
Back in town, 2 BRO’ZZ offers pizza, while Rendezvous Brewery and Taproom invites a slower pause with drinks and small plates.
Get out on the Souris River
Wide and gentle, the Souris River winds through rolling hills from the North Dakota border. Near Treesbank, where it meets the Assiniboine, spring conditions can bring faster water and occasional rapids.
The magical, quaint town of Souris is a must-visit for beginner paddlers looking to get out of the city. Classic drive-in burgers await at The Dairy Bar, while The Whistling Donkey offers a sit-down option with a pint.
Explore West Blue Lake
Set within Duck Mountain Provincial Park near Ethelbert, this 9.3-kilometre loop rewards paddlers with remarkably clear water fed by freshwater springs from the lake bottom. With no permanent inlets or outlets, West Blue Lake feels especially still. A leisurely paddle here often includes the company of ducks gliding across the surface – a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the lake.
Looking for help getting started? Check out the following links:
Equipment Rentals:
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For further information, visit www.travelmanitoba.com.