The Manigotagan is a fun and challenging whitewater canoe route only a few hours north of Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital and population centre. Its watershed drains an area of approximately 217 square kilometers or 22,000 hectares, most of which is located in Manitoba (the river originates in Woodland Caribou Park in North-Western Ontario), and discharges into Lake Winnipeg from the East. On this website we describe the part of the river that is the most frequently paddled, the 134 kilometres between Highway #314 and the community of Manigotagan at the mouth of Lake Winnipeg. This novice to intermediate canoe route takes between 5 and 7 days, although there are access points further downstream should you wish to shorten your trip (for more information regarding access points, see below). There are 32 beautiful waterfalls and rapids which range from Class I to Class IV depending on the water level. The longest portage is close to 450 metres, while the shortest is less than 20 metres long. Note that some rapids to not have a portage trail and must be run.
Landscapes along the River
The area between Highway #314 and Quesnel Lake is typical Canadian Shield
country, boreal forest interspersed with marshy areas. This is part of
Nopiming
Provincial Park. You will need to cross 4 larger lakes (Long Lake,
Manigotagan Lake, Quesnel Lake and Turtle Lake, some of which have cottages.
The area downstream of Quesnel Lake is undeveloped (with the exception
of Turtle Lake), but was largely burned in a forest fire in 1999. This
part leads you through regrowth forest and marshy areas and belongs to
Manitoba's newest provincial park, Manigotagan
River Provincial Park.
The entire river flows through beautiful landscapes and we hope that everyone will find their favorites. Enjoy exploring our site and interactive map, which will give you a sneak preview of what to expect and provide you with information on the river environment and environmental issues, as well as its history and people.
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