The rhythmic dip of a paddle, the call of a loon echoing across the water, and the endless stretch of wilderness ahead - canoeing in Manitoba is more than just a journey; it’s an immersion into nature’s untouched beauty. With over 100,000 lakes and countless rivers carving through the landscape, this province is a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from tranquil, mirror-like waters to thrilling whitewater adventures.
For those looking to combine their love of paddling with a deep dive into history, Wild Loon Adventure Company’s new Hayes River Canoe Expedition offers a rare chance to follow in the wake of voyageurs, fur traders, and Indigenous communities who have traveled this storied waterway for centuries. Designated a Canadian Heritage River, the Hayes River was once a vital artery for trade and communication, and it remains a living testament to the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and the land.
This 14-day journey begins in Thompson with a scenic flight to Bunibonibee Cree Nation, the gateway to an adventure that retraces the historic fur trade route to York Factory. As paddlers navigate expansive lakes and rushing whitewater, the landscape shifts from dense boreal forests to the rugged Canadian Shield, eventually opening into the vast Hudson Bay Lowlands.
Along the way, wildlife sightings are abundant - moose wade in the shallows, otters slip through the currents, eagles soar overhead, and black bears forage along the riverbanks. Further north, the remote reaches of the river may reveal wolves moving silently through the forest, and even the elusive polar bear near the Hudson Bay coastline. Each night, participants set up camp along the river’s edge, falling asleep to the sounds of the wilderness under a canopy of stars.
A highlight of the trip is the visit to York Factory, a once-thriving settlement and trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company that played a key role in Canada’s fur trade. Here, participants can step back in time, explore artifacts from the era, and even brand their own wooden paddle with the York Factory crest - a lasting symbol of their journey through history. The adventure concludes with a jet boat ride to Gillam and a scenic train ride back to Thompson, offering time to reflect on a trip that blends wilderness exploration with cultural discovery.
Guided by seasoned professionals, the expedition is designed to be both immersive and safe, with expert leadership ensuring that paddlers can fully engage with the landscape, history, and spirit of Manitoba’s wild heart. Wild Loon Adventure is the only Indigenous-owned outfitter in Manitoba. Through partnerships with local Indigenous organizations and communities, their trips include Indigenous education and wildlife interpretation components. The aim is to increase understanding of Indigenous culture and knowledge and to teach people to adventure sustainably, following the Leave No Trace principles - leaving only footprints and taking only memories.
Wild Loon Adventure is based on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, and Dene People, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The land they paddle, climb, and camp on holds spiritual, historical, and cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples who are the traditional keepers of Turtle Island. Wild Loon commits to respecting the land they explore, amplifying Indigenous voices, and learning about their history.
For further information, visit www.wildloonadventureco.ca and www.travelmanitoba.com.
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