The Bloodvein River, regarded as some of the finest white water canoeing in Manitoba, flows north-west from Ontario into Lake Winnipeg at the First Nations Community of Bloodvein. The river, which was designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1986, holds a rich history including undisturbed archaeological sites that provide evidence of hunter-gatherer peoples as far back as 9,000 years ago. More recently in the 17th to 18th century, the river served as a trapping and fishing area of the Ojibwa Peoples and later as a fur trade route. To date, many rock faces still carry the impressions and spirit of 1000 year old pictographs
The Precambrian shield, through which Bloodvein flows is abundant in wildlife with potential opportunities to view species less common to other areas including; wolverine, white pelican, double-crested cormorant, bald and golden eagles, osprey, great gray owl, moose and woodland caribou. The area supports diversity in plant species, exhibiting a unique highland prairie-boreal influence. Fishing along the river is highly productive with many large northern pike and walleye caught throughout the area.
Rapids along the river are generally short technical rapids, by in large class 2. Some rapids pass through steep-canyon walls of pink-grained granite. Portages are required around some chutes, cascades and more technical rapids, but these are relatively short and easy, some allowing lining or lift-overs and many also doubling as scenic camp sites on bedrock outcroppings.
Our planned route will take us on a float plane flight via De Havilland Single Otter, from Bissett Manitoba north east to the Ontario boarder where we will access the river. With approximately 75 potentially runnable rapids (Class I-II + some III) over the 200km it is a great whitewater wilderness trip. The trip will end, near the village of Bloodvein, where a vehicle shuttle will have been arranged. The pace will allow some time to explore, fish, play in the rapids or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Covid Back up plan: If by chance the Manitoba border does not re-open then we would re-route to an nearby Ontario trip for the same dates. e.g. Pipestone River or Otoskwin River in Nw-Ontario.

Skill level required is intermediate.

• Typical itinerary

  Aug 4: Meet Bisset Manitoba (3 hrs north of Winnipeg)
  (Note: In this unusual year some of us will be driving from Ontario, approx. Aug. 3, 4, others would to fly to Winnipeg and then car pool/shuttle to Bisset)

  Aug 5: Flight from Bisset into Artery Lake on Bloodvein River
  Aug 5-16: On Bloodvein River
  Aug 6: Pick up near village of Bloodvein.

  Aug 7: Return Transport Home (drive or flights from Winnipeg)

  * Please note: It’s the nature of remote northern travel that uncontrollable factors like poor weather, pilot judgment, forest fires, and mechanical problems can affect our schedules and cause delays. We regret these situations but cannot accept responsibility for hotels, flight rebookings, and other costs you may incur.

• Photos & video

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Area map

  

  

• More information

  Wikipedia, Bloodvein River