You will need to be able to read a map and compass before you set out without an outfitter. Map reading can be challenging when navigating across the lakes. Some people like to use GPS units, but you can not entirely rely on them. You may lose your GPS or the battery may run out - or you may not get enough satellites to get a reading. Therefore, take a good compass (one on which you can set the declination) and professional topographical maps, and keep them in a safe, dry bag. Some people use a large resealable plastic food bag so that they can see their location on the map at all times. Make notes on the paper map, so you create a record of where you are at all times. This may prove to be very helpful if you get lost.
Declination
The declination at Turtle Falls (Latitude: 50 58 N, Longitude: 95 47 W) was 2° 30' E on December 20, 2006 (calculated using Natural Resources Canada Geomagnetism Magnetic Declination Calculator). The declination is changing by approximately 0° 8' W/year (National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC)). Set your compass accordingly.
Topographic Maps
You will need the following topographic map sheets before setting out
on your trip (the Manigotagan River Canoe Route Map is for orientation
only. Please use it along with topographic map sheets):
i. Garner Lake 52L/14
ii. Manigotagan Lake 52L/13
iii. Bissett 52M/4
iv. English Brook 62P/1
You can get these for free in digital format on-line through GeoGratis (geogratis.gc.ca), or as good old-fashioned paper maps from:
Map SalesManitoba Conservation
1007 Century Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
R3H 0W4
Phone: (204) 945-6666
Fax: (204) 945-1365
E-mail: mapsales@gov.mb.ca
Website: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/canadamapsales/
