12 Best Kayaking Spots in Winnipeg That Local Paddlers Want to Gatekeep
For me, kayaking feels both lazy and athletic at the same time. Sure, your lower body gets to just chill, but your arms are out there, churning like nobody’s business.
Despite this quirk, kayaking is still one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Winnipeg’s rivers and lakes, as well as the surrounding scenery. The world—or rather, the city’s your oyster, so just pick a spot and paddle away, my friend.
In fact, me and my crew love making a camping weekend out of it. We go kayaking and fishing, and for dinner, we grill hotdogs and burgers under the stars (since we really, really suck at fishing).
So, go ahead and set aside a weekend (or even just a day) for an epic kayaking adventure. This is the only guide you’ll ever need to Winnipeg’s top kayaking spots!
Red River
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Website: https://redriver.cc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/red-river/
Address: Winnipeg
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
As the city’s largest river, it’s no surprise that Red River is the ultimate kayaking spot in Winnipeg.
What’s cool about paddling the Red is that it offers a ton of access points. For instance, you could pull up to Kildonan Park and have a picnic before or after your kayaking trip.
But if city landscapes are what you’re after, you could begin at Whittier Park, then paddle under the Esplanade Riel bridge towards The Forks. Here, you’d get amazingly Instagrammable skyline views!
Just a heads up though—during spring and early summer, the current here moves fast. So, if you’re still a beginner, we suggest avoiding these seasons.
| Pro Tip: If you’re up for it, you could join the Red River Paddle Challenge. It’s an epic two-day race open to all paddle craft, which kicks off in Ste. Agathe and ends in Lockport. |
The Assiniboine River
– Media credit: joannemkelly_
Website: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/assiniboine-river
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforkswinnipeg/
Address: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/279573994/assiniboine-river/
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
Let’s move on to Winnipeg’s second-largest river, Assiniboine. Unlike the Red River, it’s shallower and flows a tad gentler, especially during late summer and early fall, which we believe is actually the best time to go kayaking here.
For a quick trip, we recommend launching near the Assiniboine Park bridge, where you can get snacks (like sundaes!) across Portage, make washroom stops, or even take a detour to the zoo.
Upstream, there’s a tiny island with rapids on one side—you should paddle through the channel and loop around.
You could also launch from Beaudry Park, around 15 minutes from Winnipeg—just make sure to bring your park pass since it’s a provincial park. From there, you’d cruise past St. Charles, Assiniboine Park, and Wolseley, before rolling into the Forks Harbour.
| Pro Tip: If you’re launching from Bourkevale Park, watch out for friendly, four-legged greeters, since there’s an off-leash dog park nearby. Don’t be surprised if a few curious pups even climb aboard! |
The La Salle River
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Website: https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/trails/groups/la-salle-river/documents/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la-salle-river/
Address: Southern Manitoba
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: [email protected]
The La Salle River is another cool spot for kayakers, especially those who are just beginning to get the hang of it. This slow-moving river winds through gorgeous rural landscapes before ending at St. Norbert.
We typically start at La Barriere Park, a popular spot for an afternoon or evening paddle, with easy shore access. Try paddling upstream for a bit of a challenge, but note that going downstream can be tricky during the summer because of lower water levels.
Another option is Rue Des Ruines, which is near the Trappist Monastery Ruins. It’s more quiet here (great for some alone time), and you could even explore the ruins.
This kayaking spot is popular amongst wildlife lovers, too. You could spot beavers, great grey owls, and if you’re lucky, a bald eagle or two!
| Pro Tip: Make sure to bring your fishing gear, so you can fish between paddling sessions. La Salle River is a solid spot for Northern pike, catfish, crappie, and sauger. |
Birds Hill Provincial Park
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Website: https://gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/central/birds.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birds-hill-provincial-park/
Address: Oakbank
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 11 PM
Contact: +1 204-654-6730
Birds Hill Provincial Park is a super scenic spot that’s great not just for kayaking but for a ton of other outdoor activities—perfect for solo, couple, or group/family trips!
In the middle of the park lies Kingfisher Lake, a beginner-friendly flat-water lake. Don’t expect a fast current here—instead, enjoy a slow and scenic paddle.
In between your paddling sessions, you can also go swimming, horseback riding, enjoy a picnic by the water, or try your hand at fishing. Fun fact: You can even book a winter sleigh ride here during winter.
Whenever we work up an appetite, we just hit the on-site restaurant, convenience store, or concessions stand right by the beach!
| Pro Tip: If you can, plan your kayaking trip during the Winnipeg Folk Festival in July. It’s a massive outdoor music festival featuring folk, indie, and roots music—there are even food vendors and artisan markets! |
West Hawk Lake
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/eastern/whiteshell.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west-hawk-lake-manitoba/
Address: Hwy 1, Eastern Manitoba
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 866-626-4862
West Hawk Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park is said to be Manitoba’s deepest lake, which was formed by a meteor impact! That’s why aside from being a popular kayaking spot, it’s also a go-to for scuba divers.
While paddling, we just love looking at the gorgeous granite rock walls around the lake. Coupled with the lake’s shorelines, the sweeping views just help melt our troubles away.
If you’re fairly new to kayaking, we recommend staying in the bay to avoid high winds.
This area is also a popular spot for waterfront camping. So, you could plan an overnight stay here—or maybe even the whole weekend!
| Pro Tip: Why not splurge on a resort stay right by West Hawk Lake? That way, you could kayak straight from your doorstep—pretty fancy, huh? |
Caddy Lake Tunnels
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sdcampground_maps/caddy_lake.pdf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caddy-lake/
Address: Hwy 1, Eastern Manitoba
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 866-626-4862
Another epic kayaking spot in Whiteshell Provincial Park is Caddy Lake Tunnels. Note that this isn’t a beginner-friendly spot since it would take some maneuvering to go through the two tunnels, which are spaced three miles apart.
The first tunnel leads to South Cross Lake. If you’re short on time, this is a great turnaround point—choose one of the shoreline campsites, have lunch, and then head back.
But for a full adventure, you can also go through the second tunnel, which leads to North Cross Lake. It offers first-come first-serve campsites, with picnic tables and a fire pit—you can turn back after a short rest here, or stay overnight.
A cool perk here is wildlife spotting. You could see deer, foxes, and eagles while you’re paddling, so keep your eyes peeled.
| Pro Tip: If the water levels become too high, be prepared to lean back and pull yourself through the tunnels using your hands, especially in the second one! Don’t worry—no one has actually been stuck in there yet (at least, that we’ve heard). |
Black River
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/nopiming.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopiming-provincial-park/
Address: MB-314, Bird River
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 888-482-2267
Not for the faint of heart, Black River in Nopiming Provincial Park is a challenging paddling route that takes four days to complete.
In May, high water levels typically create intense white water. Later in the season, when the water drops, the route becomes fairly technical, demanding tricky navigation through rapids, rocky sections, and flatlands.
Make sure to bring your binoculars since this route is home to tons of birds like the waterfowl. You could even see wolves, caribou, and cougars.
This is a long-haul trip, so plan for overnight stays. Luckily, there are 51 non-seasonal campsites along the route, each with pit toilets and access to well water.
| Pro Tip: Be prepared for portages! Depending on water levels, some sections can be tricky or impassable, so you might have to carry your boat and gear when needed. |
Pinawa Dam
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/eastern/pinawa.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinawa-dam-provincial-park/
Address: MB-520, Pinawa
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 866-626-4862
Pinawa Dam is a section of its namesake channel located in Pinawa Dam Provincial Park. There are no unpredictable currents here, so it’s perfect for beginners.
The route is split into two sections, which are separated by a decommissioned dam that you need to portage around. There’s a 50-foot-long bedrock slide upstream, and you can run it multiple ways, depending on your skill level.
The lower section is actually a bit more exciting—it has small drops, a pour-over, a boot ledge, and even a sticky weir-style hole. Beginners would be able to get in a lot of paddling technique practice here, without it being too difficult.
If you need a break, simply stop at the suspension bridge for lunch.
| Pro Tip: We suggest going early for a quieter paddle. Pinawa is a popular spot, especially on weekends, so hit the water early in the morning when crowds are minimal. |
Brokenhead River
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Website: https://www.anglersatlas.com/place/823853/brokenhead-river
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenhead-river/
Address: Brokenhead
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: [email protected]
Another beginner-friendly route is Brokenhead River. It offers calm waters and currents, but there are also some rapids here and there—just enough to make it fun.
The best time to paddle the upper section is in May or June since the water level is ideal. We also love the clear, tea-colored tint of the water, as well as some Insta-worthy leafy corridors with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers framing the shoreline.
Note that the riverbed itself has gravel, mud, and rock. In some areas, there are boulders that create Class 1 rapids—avoid this if you’re not a confident kayaker, but we heard a lot of beginners were able to tackle these.
While you’ll also see some wildlife, this area is not as remote as the others. You’ll also pass by farms, cottages, and other structures.
| Pro Tip: Planning for an overnight trip? Check out the riverside campsites—many are conveniently equipped with 30 amp service and water. |
Kildonan Park
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Website: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/kildonan.stm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kildonan-park/
Address: 2015 Main St
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 877-311-4974
Kildonan Park is a popular spot for kayakers of all levels. That’s because it offers a variety of paddle routes, which include calm lakes and fast-flowing rivers.
We suggest using the city dock near the north end of the park as an access point, just past the fence. Before kayaking, you could eat at one of the park’s picnic areas.
You could also launch from Kildonan Drive at Essar. Just be careful—the path down to the river can be a bit of a scramble, especially if it’s been raining.
Sadly, the fence runs along the river bank for much of the park’s southern section, which limits access. But once on the water, you’ll see the beautiful tree-lined shore, with glimpses of park-goers on walking trails here and there.
| Pro Tip: We definitely recommend sticking by after sunset and going on an evening kayak trip at Kildonan Park. Just imagine paddling along while the city lights are reflected on the water—so gorgeous! |
FortWhyte Alive
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Website: https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/fortwhyte-alive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortwhytealive/
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (204) 989-8355
FortWhyte Alive has five connected sheltered lakes, which offer a great time for paddlers of all levels. Just remember to wear life jackets at all times as a park rule.
The lakes are home to painted turtles, eagles, and pelicans, so feel free to take a break now and then and just observe these cute critters. Also, bring a rod and tackle box if you want to go catch-and-release fishing here after (or before) kayaking.
An exciting event we always look forward to is FortWhyte’s Open Paddle nights, which are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening during summer. You can go on a fun 40-minute guided paddle tour on Lake 5—just don’t forget to register in advance!
You could also register for canoe and kayak courses throughout the year.
| Pro Tip: If you’re going to rent a kayak, make sure to bring cash since that’s all they accept. But don’t worry, there’s an ATM about 5 minutes away on the street. |
Sturgeon Creek
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Website: https://winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/sturgeon-creek-pathway/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sturgeon-creek-greenway/
Address: 596 Cavalier Dr
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
Sturgeon Creek is one of Winnipeg’s largest creeks, winding its way to St. James. Keep in mind that it’s not exactly for beginners.
We like tackling this route during spring or heavy rain when water levels get high enough for a good run. However, you need to watch out for strong currents, as well as obstacles like low bridges.
You can launch from Crestview Park Drive or Sturgeon Creek Park, and pretty soon you’ll be paddling happily away, surrounded by tall grass prairie and wildflowers. But, avoid Grant’s Old Mill when it’s running as it may create dangerous rapids.
Another solid access point is Woodbridge Road near Assiniboine Crescent, beside the pedestrian bridge. This is convenient if you’re heading to the Assiniboine River.
| Pro Tip: The culverts and bridges at Summit Road, Perimeter Highway, Saskatchewan Avenue, and Ness Avenue can create dangerous currents and undertows. Avoid these areas when the water is high! |