In Manitoba, summer beckons to dip a paddle into one of the province’s 100,000 bodies of water. Both, beginners and seasoned pros, can find a route to suit their needs, and there are plenty of whitewater and gently rolling rivers to go around.
Adventure seekers lacking experience with canoeing in the wilderness can now book a trip with Wild Loon Adventure Company. The operator takes guests on all-inclusive trips through Manitoba’s backcountry, to places often only accessible by canoe. With scheduled trips on the Manigotagan and Bloodvein Rivers, they explore two of the most popular rivers for paddlers in Manitoba:
Located on Treaty No. 5 Territory, The Manigotagan runs into the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Wild Loon’s 5-day canoe trip is perfect for a whole range of skill levels. From those seeking their first river trip to seasoned paddlers, this is an incredible way to experience Manitoba's thrilling pool & drop style rapids.
Bloodvein River flows into the east side of Lake Winnipeg through Atikaki Provincial Park on Treaty No.5 Territory. This 13-day and 200+ km trip takes paddlers down Manitoba's first Canadian Heritage River in the heart of the dual UNESCO World Heritage Site Pimachiowin Aki. It is geared towards those who have previous river experience and want to take their adventures to the next level.
Both trips include an experienced guide, canoeing and camping equipment, local transportation and meals.
Custom offerings can additionally be made for Bird River, Whiteshell River as well as Winnipeg River & Pinawa. Trips on Seal River, Pigeon River, Hayes River and Berens River will be added soon.
Wild Loon owner and operator, Garrett Fache has 11 years of guiding experience and looks back on 15,000 kilometers of backcountry canoe trips guided. In preparation of any trip, he offers flatwater and whitewater safety and paddling courses to get people ready for a safe trip on the water – whether guided or unguided.
Garrett also plans to develop offerings for winter camping and rock climbing and to further develop his Indigenous experiences.
Wild Loon Adventure is Manitoba’s only Indigenous-owned and operated outfitter. Through partnerships with local Indigenous organizations and communities, their trips include Indigenous education and wildlife interpretation components. The aim is to increase understanding of Indigenous culture and learnings and to teach people to adventure sustainability, following the Leave No Trace principles, leaving behind only footprints and taking away memories only.
Wild Loon Adventure is based on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, and Dene People, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The land they paddle, climb, and camp on holds spiritual, historical, and cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples who are the traditional keepers of Turtle Island. Wild Loon commits to respecting the land they recreate on, amplifying Indigenous voices, and learning about their past and family history.
Further information can be found at www.wildloonadventureco.ca and www.travelmanitoba.com.