Disclaimer: The route information we provide is of a general nature and Paddle Manitoba will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Conditions on waterways are subject to water levels, weather, erosion and other environmental factors. There is no substitute for scouting and care while paddling, and users should consult the latest topographical maps before departure. Also note that older documents may not use language or suggest practices that reflect today's standards. Use the information on this page at your own risk.

 

 

(How to) Kayak Manitoba

 

Sandy Hudson
2024

“How to” Kayak Manitoba is the first Manitoba guide to be written especially for kayakers and includes tips on starting out, kayaking alone, kayaking with kids, how to leave no trace, limit Aquatic Invasive Species,and 40 paddle routes.

Availability: In-print and available through the author.

 

 

Lake Superior to Manitoba by Canoe

 

Hap Wilson
Firefly Books
2017

Hap Wilson was tasked with mapping the water route for the Trans Canada Trail from Thunder Bay to Manitoba, known as the "Path of the Paddle". In this book, the 1200km journey is divided into seven parts, with diary excerpts, hand-drawn maps, GPS coordinates, photos, and other information. Parts of routes in Whiteshell Provincial Park and North-Western Ontario are of particular interest to Manitoba paddlers. 

Availability: In-print and available at local booksellers and on-line.

 

 

Through Field and Forest: A Canoe Companion for the Brokenhead River

Dusty Molinski
Art Bookbindery
2012

Despite it's close proximity to Winnipeg, information on the Brokenhead River was hard to come by. Best suited to day paddles, this guide offers details on access and egress points, distances, trip suggestions, and local history points along the way. Annotated aerial photos map the entire route. 

Availability: In-print and available at some local booksellers and on-line.

 

 

Canoe Atlas of the Little North

Johnathan Berger and Thomas Terry
Boston Mills Press
2007

This remarkable atlas, in an oversized format, is a landmark publication — the result of five decades of travel, research and documentation. Its first section provides an overview of the region’s geography, the nature of its canoe routes, and the influence of natural and cultural history on those routes. Its second, larger section features annotated versions of 50 topographic maps. Annotations include points of interest, portages, rapids and difficult passages. For anyone exploring eastern Manitoba, this is the reference for overall planning and the placement of routes in context with larger systems.

Availability: In-print and available at local booksellers and on-line.

 

 

River Journeys in Southwestern Manitoba

Ken Storie
2006

This guide strives to help people get aquatinted with paddling rivers in the southwest part of Manitoba: The Assiniboine, Souris and Little Saskatchewan. It offers easy directions to access and egress points, distance and time approximations and basic maps. Fascinating local history is included throughout. 

Availability: 
Paper: Not-in-print. Used copies may be found at local used bookstores and on-line. Content is available through the kenstorie.ca website. 

 

 

Wilderness Rivers of Manitoba:
Journey by Canoe Through the Land Where the Spirit Lives

Hap Wilson and Stephanie Aykroyd
Boston Mills Press
2004 (Revised Edition. Original published 1998 with different cover.)

A classic of the guidebook genre noted for its painstakingly beautiful drawings of individual rapids and river features. Authored by noted guide and environmentalist Hap Wilson, this book describes ten of Manitoba’s most compelling and well known river systems. Wilson’s travelougues lace the work and provide personal insight to these special places. While providing the requisite information on the geography and nature of Manitoba, this is not an overview of paddling in the province, but rather a resource for paddlers interested in the final stages of planning the a big trip on the rivers detailed within. 

Availability: In-print and available at local booksellers and on-line.

 

 

Canoeing The Precambrian Edge:
Wilderness, Adventure and Legend

Greenstone Community Futures Development Corporation
1998

This guide features routes of northern Manitoba such as the Grass, Sturgeon-Weir, and Churchill Rivers. Simple colour maps are accompanied by route descriptions and numbered details of portages and points of interest. The volume also contains information on planning a canoe trip, gear, paddling skills, topography, history, and ecology. Colour photographs of wildlife and landscapes highlight the routes.

Availability: Not-in-print. Used copies may be found at local used bookstores and on-line. 

 

 

Canoeing Manitoba Rivers (Vol. 1 South)

John Buchanan
Rocky Mountain Books
1997

In addition to descriptions and maps of twenty-three river trips, John Buchanan provides insights on local history, and general information on Manitoba’s geography. The strength of this work lies with the inclusion of many southern rivers close to urban centres, the often unpaddled front country gems which yield delightful day or overnight trips close to home. At the end of each river segment, readers are treated to a tasty recipe for the trail. Buchanan’s personable commentary and dry wit make for enjoyable armchair paddling during the winter months. A second volume was never published. 

Availability: Not-in-print. Used copies may be found at local used bookstores and on-line. 

 

 

Northern Manitoba From Forest to Tundra:
A Canoeing Guide and Wilderness Companion

Paul Ghalinger
G.B. Communications
1995

Charming pen and ink maps, along with illustrations of flora, fauna, and animal tracks, accompany this overview of twenty-nine Manitoba canoe routes. One page descriptions of Manitoba’s major central and northern canoes routes provide information on skill levels, access, and required topographical maps. For those deciding which of the province’s major rivers to sample, this volume provides an excellent overview, but do not look for river running details.

Availability: Not-in-print. Used copies may be found at local used bookstores and on-line. 

 

 

Canoe Canada

Nick Nickels
Van Nostrand Reinhold
1976

Outlining routes across Canada, twenty-five routes in Manitoba are previewed in this book. There are no maps, but length, time, access, and topoographic map numbers are included, along with a general description. 

Availability: Not-in-print. Used copies may be found at local used bookstores and on-line.

 

 

Canoe Trips in Western Canada 

Department of the Interior - Canada
National Development Bureau
1930

Provides a very general overview of some routes in eastern and northern Manitoba, ranging from seven to fifty days. No maps are included, but there are some packing lists of equipment of the day. 

Availability:
Paper: Not-in-print. Used copies may be found at local used bookstores and on-line.
PDF:
Canoe Trips in Western Canada