Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find magnificent views and endless canoe routes throughout the North. Brave large — and potentially rough — expanses of water on Reed, Wekusko and Clearwater lakes, or stick close to shore at wayside beaches and parks. Rent a canoe or kayak at Paint Lake Lodge south of Thompson, or at Bakers Narrows Lodge near Flin Flon.

In Thompson, contact Akamihk Adventures for kayak rentals or guided trips.

Step on the Grass

The historic Grass River canoe route draws paddlers from around the world. Indigenous canoeists have traversed the legendary route for some 5,000 years, and you can follow in their wake while enjoying modern benefits such as well-marked portages and camp sites. Head to Grass River Provincial Park or launch a canoe west of the park at Cranberry Portage and take a 176-kilometre run to Wekusko Falls. Admire the Indigenous pictographs at Tramping Lake along the way — it’s believed the artists were seated in canoes when they used red ochre to paint images of people, animals and objects on rock faces not far above the waterline. Expect to spend a week on the route, or take two or three weeks for epic treks to Paint Lake and Split Lake.

You can enter the river from several sites and take side trips to scenic lakes along the way. Find a route map at Canada Map Sales and check out first-hand trip reports at Paddle Manitoba.