Kayaking in Manitoba (part 2)

This is the second in a two-part series about kayaking in Manitoba. The first part was published in our July 23 editions.

Willow Creek, just south of Gimli, is a peaceful kayaking route through a tallgrass prairie-marsh ecosystem before emptying into Lake Winnipeg. Part of a larger watershed, the creek offers a quiet, sheltered paddle past wetlands teeming with amphibians, dragonflies, birds, fish, and diverse plant life. A small dock and launch with free parking can be found just off Highway 9 at the Willow Creek access point. From there, it takes about an hour to reach the lake. Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures offers guided tours with local ecological insights, ideal for those wanting to learn more about the landscape.

About 65 kilometers north of Grand Rapids, tucked away off the west side of Highway 6, is a stunning gem called Little Limestone Lake. The largest marl lake in the world, its calcium carbonate causes the water to shift dramatically in colour — from crystal clear, to vibrant turquoise, or milky blue — depending on temperature and sunlight. The lake is part of a vibrant ecosystem and surrounded by boreal forest, where moose, caribou, and even bears are sometimes seen. This surreal colour-changing lake offers a truly unique paddling experience in the heart of Manitoba.

Paddling the Red and Assiniboine inside Winnipeg is an urban adventure steeped in history and nature. There are launch spots at several parks including Whitter, Kildonan, St. Vital, and Maple Grove. A popular day trip along the Assiniboine River is to start at Beaudry Park or the Perimeter and paddle all the way to downtown. A highlight is passing by the south grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building and seeing the Louis Riel sculpture from water level. The newly installed launch at The Forks makes for a convenient exit point, or a temporary stop for a meal or beverage. No matter where you find yourself on Winnipeg’s two most significant rivers, you’re guaranteed to be treated to a different view of the city that you just can’t see from the street.

The most scenic paddle within Winnipeg city limits is the Seine River. There are launch spots at Lagimodière-Gaboury Park in St. Boniface, at the end of John Bruce Road in Southdale, and at the Seine River Greenway in Royalwood near Shorehill Drive. This little river quietly twists and turns through forested stretches, with overhanging branches, and occasional obstacles to manoeuvre around. With no motorboat traffic and plenty of marshy banks, it’s the perfect place for spotting families of deer, gaggles of geese, and sunbathing turtles. With songbirds singing and gentle breezes blowing, it makes for a serene escape that feels far removed from urban life.

Manitoba has an active and growing kayaking community that can be found at the ‘Kayak Manitoba’ Facebook group. Started by kayaking enthusiast Sandy Hudson, it has nearly 5,500 members and has become an integral resource and hub. Sandy also published a book in 2024 called (How to) Kayak Manitoba, which is an excellent guide for info about where and how to kayak, safe and responsible practices, helpful tips, and more. Find it at Wilderness Supply, Fort Whyte Alive, and Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre.

Manitoba offers countless places to paddle, and while every kayaker has their own favourite spot… for me, the best place of all is wherever I happen to be.