Links
The web sites described below will provide the paddler with resources related to backcountry travel in general and specific topics of interest to all canoeists and kayakers. Paddle Manitoba provides this information as a service to users but takes no responsibility for the views, opinions, or accuracy of facts therein contained.
Associations
1. American Canoe Association. Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a nonprofit organization of the United States serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport recreation.
2. British Canoe Union. The British Canoe Union (BCU) is the National Governing Body for the sport of canoeing and kayaking in the UK, helping and inspiring people to go canoeing. It formulates standards for training programs with certification levels and accredits instructors to teach canoeing.
3. Paddle Canada. In addition to descriptions of our national recreational canoe and kayak instructional programs, this website features job opportunities, course listings and information for the paddling public at large. Paddle Canada’s mission is to promote all forms of recreational paddling to Canadians of diverse abilities, culture or age, to advocate for a healthy natural environment, and to develop an appreciation for the canoe and the kayak in our Canadian heritage.
Canoe – General
1. Canadian Canoe Routes. Operated by the Wilderness Canoe Association, CCR is “the” place to solicit an answer to any question related to paddling – or life in general – in Canada. In addition to its well attended and lively forums, the site contains a comprehensive routes section and articles on diverse paddling topics. This is a great tripping resource supported by paddlers across the country.
2 The Ultimate Guide – Canoeing.com. Our neigbours to the south (Minnesota to be precise) have introduced a comprehensive site with strong Canadian content. While Canoeing.com does not feature the dynamic forum and route information of CCR, it does provide an excellent general guide to canoeing, in-depth articles, and multiple useful links. A well designed and aesthetically pleasing site for all skills levels.
3. Solo Tripping. For those who love to venture into the woods alone, Solo Tripping brings together those of a solitary disposition. Forums, gear reviews, and route information are all bent towards the single paddler, but the take-away features are the concise but comprehensive safety and planning sections.
Clubs
1. Manitoba Whitewater Club. Founded in 2002, by a local group of dedicated paddlers, the MWC is a non-profit club that offers whitewater enthusiasts a relaxed and friendly environment for the neophyte or seasoned veteran alike. In addition to the now-famous Shindiggg Festival, the club hosts indoor paddling sessions and clinics throughout the winter at the Pan-Am Pool. Social events and informal day trips to popular play-spots take place throughout the year.
Heritage
1. Canadian Canoe Museum. Located in Peterborough Ontario, the CCM is a national treasure, often under appreciated and under funded, but with world-class presentation and vision. The website’s virtual galleries gives the reader a taste of what lies within – you’ll be planning your first visit soon. And don’t let the name deceive you, kayaks receive equal interpretation alongside canoes.
2. Che-Mun. Che-mun (Ojibway for “canoe”) is a quarterly magazine which offers an eclectic view of canoeing in Canada’s north country. Published since 1973, Che-Mun offers trip reports, book reviews, northern news, and historical accounts. Issues of this unique publication, with a its focus on the history and culture of northern tripping, are published on-line two quarters after coming to print.
www.ottertooth.com/che-mun/index.htm
3. Ottertooth. An site of diverse interests which focuses on environmental issues as much as it does on the ethos and culture of canoe tripping. Conceived by an American who grew up paddling Temagami, Ottertooth also offers fascinating insight into the history of youth canoe camps and their wood – canvas fleets, as well as back country condition reports and maps of the James Bay area.
Instruction
1. Paddling Instructor. Although its primary focus is sea kayaking, Paddling Instructor contains many articles useful to instructors of all paddling disciplines. Dave Johnson, the webmaster, is a member of Paddle Canada
Kayak – General
1. Beginner Kayaking. Brief but useful articles which introduce such topics as gear selection, safety, and basic strokes. Heavy on advertising content but easy to navigate.
Kayak – Sea
1. See-Kayak. SEE Kayaks is the largest directory of sea kayaking related web sites. It contains the most links to sea kayaking related sites on the web, with 1842 unique pages.
Kayak – Whitewater
1. Playak.com. Those with a passion for park and play will enjoy this site with its descriptions of paddling locations and video clips. It lives up to its claim to be the world’s best kayak portal and community network.
Knots
1. Animated Knots by Grog. Grouped by area of interest, the knot tying videos contained in this site will aid in completing even the most complicated hitches. With advice on the proper use of all 119 knots, and an interesting history of the webmaster’s family, the Grog brings insight and humour to an sometimes difficult topic. A wonderful resource for all paddlers.
Maps
1. Atlas of Canada – Toporama. Natural Resources Canada has made current topographic maps available online through the Atlas of Canada.
2. Canada Map Sales. A source for Topographic maps, Historic canoe routes, Hydrographic Charts, and much more. Canada Map Sales has a wide range of resources for padders and wilderness explorers available online or in person.
3. Geo Gratis. GeoGratis is a portal provided by the Earth Sciences Sector (ESS) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) which provides geospatial data at no cost and without restrictions via your Web browser. In simple terms – free maps!
http://geogratis.gc.ca/geogratis/search?lang=en
4. Interactive Manigotagan River Map. A great interactive map of theManigotagan River that allows users access to overlaying not only canoe tripping basics such as: campsite, portage and rapid information; but also such information as flora/fauna and historically or environmentally significant sites. Complete with pictures and movies taken on the river this website is an excellent tool for anyone planning to take a trip on the Manigotagan.
http://www.mbeconetwork.org/canoemap/map.htm
Paddling – General
1. Paddling.net. One of the original paddling websites and still a great resource for all disciplines and interests. A wealth of information and opinions can be found in its forums and buyer’s guides, as well the continents most comprehensive list of retailers, guides, and outfitters.
Natural History and Environmental Issues
1. BorealForest.org. Educational resources related to the Boreal Forest including in-depth information on the logging industry and the status of Canada’s largest ecosystem.
2. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. CPAWS Manitoba’s goal is to protect the ecological health of our province’s biodiversity and wilderness. The provincial chapter has been instrumental in addressing issues on the eastside of Lake Winnipeg, and in the drive to protect woodland caribou habitat.
3. NatureNorth.com. NatureNorth.com is Manitoba’s online nature magazine dedicated to celebrating the biodiversity of this great province. Their mission is: “Conservation Through Awareness”. A colourful and informative site which provides a solid primer to the province’s ecosystems.
4. Goneoutside.ca. The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network has been developed to reach and support people, businesses, associations, organizations and communities who are interested in eco-tourism, natural or active outdoor adventures, but more specifically in a sustainable environment.
Rivers and Routes
1. Canadian Heritage Rivers System. Explore some of Canada’s most culturally and naturally significant rivers. The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada’s national river conservation program. It promotes, protects and enhances Canada’s river heritage, and ensures that Canada’s leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner.
2. Canoe Stories. First person accounts of travel through Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota. Contains the much sought-after guide to tackling the Obukowin portage.
3. Great Canadian Rivers. The companion website to the classic television series of the same name. This overview of the Heritage Rivers system is replete with natural and human history that will wet your appetite for future adventures across Canada
Safety
1. Equipment for Safe Canoeing and Kayaking. Transport Canada’s guide to equipment for the operation of small craft including minimum requirements and suggested items.
www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/tp/tp511/equipment.htm#mi
Water Levels
1. Water Survey of Canada. View water levels from reporting stations across Canada.
www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/index_e.html
2. Provincial Conditions Report. This page provides a quick reference guide to water levels on many of Manitoba’s major river systems in a variety of formats.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/floodinfo/river_conditions.html
Follow us @paddlemanitoba, hashtag your own photos #paddlemb