Sixty kilometres of liquid playground

The Pinawa Channel is a man-made waterway originally built to supply the Pinawa Dam (Manitoba's first hydroelectric station, now a provincial heritage park). Today the channel flows gently through undisturbed boreal forest, creating a perfect natural lazy river.

You enter upstream near the old dam site, settle into your tube, air mattress, or kayak, and let the current carry you approximately 7 kilometres downstream over about three hours. The water is clean, the current is gentle, and the forest canopy closes in overhead in places. It's meditative in a way that no waterpark can replicate.

The standard approach is to park a vehicle at the downstream takeout point, then shuttle to the upstream entry. Some local operators offer shuttle services during peak summer. The channel is suitable for:

• Inner tubes and inflatable rafts
• Air mattresses and pool floats
• Kayaks and canoes
• Stand-up paddleboards (in calm sections)

What to bring: Sunscreen, water, snacks in a dry bag, water shoes (the bottom is rocky at entry and exit points), and a waterproof phone case. A cooler strapped to a tube is a local tradition.

The channel is floatable from mid-June through mid-September, with water levels typically highest in June and early July. Late July and August offer the warmest water temperatures but potentially lower water levels — you may need to walk a few short sections where the channel shallows out.

Weekday floats are quieter. Weekend afternoons in July and August see the most traffic, though it never feels crowded the way a public pool does. Start early in the morning for a near-solitary experience.

The current is gentle enough for children (with supervision and life jackets), but be aware that the water temperature can be cool, especially early in the season. There are no facilities along the channel, so plan accordingly.

The Old Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park is at the upstream end of the channel and makes an excellent pre-float stop for hiking and photography.

• Put-in: Near Pinawa Dam
• Take-out: Pinawa town (near golf course)
• Duration:2.5–3 hours
• What to bring: Inflatable tube or air mattress, sunscreen, water, snacks, water shoes

Tip: Arrange two vehicles (one at each end) or check if shuttle service is available for the season.

The Winnipeg River through Lac du Bonnet offers accessible flatwater paddling with enough current to feel like you're making progress. The river is wide enough that motorboat wakes dissipate before reaching shore paddlers. Stick to the edges for the best wildlife viewing — great blue herons, bald eagles, and beaver are common sightings.

Launch from the municipal boat launch near the Town Pier and paddle upstream toward the dam or downstream toward the lake. Round trips of 5 to 15 kilometres are comfortable for most paddlers.

The Lee River is a quieter alternative to the main Winnipeg River, with sheltered water, overhanging forest canopy, and excellent wildlife habitat. The narrower channel makes it ideal for canoes and kayaks — motorboats are uncommon here.

Access is from Lee River Road east of town. Paddle upstream for a peaceful half-day trip through boreal forest, or explore the river mouth where it meets the Winnipeg River for prime fishing from a kayak.

The lake itself offers open-water paddling along Canadian Shield shoreline. The rocky points, small bays, and occasional sandy beaches make for interesting exploration. Wind can come up quickly on the open lake, so intermediate to advanced paddlers will feel most comfortable here.

Early morning paddles on the lake are magical — mirror-still water reflecting the boreal treeline and Shield rock. Bring a camera.

Bring your own kayak or canoe and launch at any of the public access points. Inflatable kayaks transport easily and work well on these calm waters. Ask us about local rental availability when you book your stay — options vary by season.

The Winnipeg River and Lac du Bonnet lake form an interconnected system with over 60 kilometres of navigable water. The river offers a scenic cruise with varying shoreline — from residential stretches to undeveloped boreal forest. The lake opens up for those who want more space.

Be aware of current near the dam and watch for shallow rock shelves along the Shield shoreline. Navigation markers are present on the main channels.

The municipal boat launch near the Town Pier is the primary access point, with a paved ramp and trailer parking. Additional launches are available at the Lac du Bonnet Provincial Recreation Area off PR 313.

Manitoba boating regulations apply. All powered watercraft require registration. Operators born after April 1, 1999 must hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Life jackets are required for all passengers. Speed restrictions apply near shore and in marked zones.