PADDLING THE SEINE

SECTION 2: NORTH ST. VITAL

(blue on map)

round-trip time: 2:30-2:45

This quaint section of the Seine runs between golf courses on the east bank and older residential neighbourhoods and parks on the west. Many residents have chairs, swing sets and more next to the river in their yards. A good place to put in is the Tremblay Street bridge (but there are a few places along Egerton Ave such as Blenheim if you want a shorter outing). The hazards are a shallow area in the northern section, a really low bridge through the Windsor Park golf course, and rocks under the tunnel under Fermor (see interactive map). Video of this section here:  https://vimeo.com/226671572

SECTION 3: NIAKWA-LAVALLEE

(orange on map)

round-trip time: 3 hours

This section of the Seine is the most densely-populated. It takes you by a golf course and behind many big apartment towers. Toward the south end, there are townhouses and newer suburban homes, an open area with hydro lines and a bridge under Bishop Grandin. A decent place to put in is at Niakwa Rd. (see interactive map). Video of this section here:  https://vimeo.com/265936340

SECTION 4: BOIS DES ESPRITS

(grey on map)

round-trip time: 1:30

This is the shortest and arguably the most scenic section. It has a bit of a bayou feel when the leaves are in. It runs through a suburban forest with groomed trails which are very popular with people out for a stroll or a bike ride.  Houses, seniors' homes and more are close to the shorelines. You can put in at John Bruce Rd and go upstream until the rocks and riffle structure at Shorehill Drive. Hazards include low branches in a few spots and one tricky corner (Dead Man's Curve), where the river narrows and there are rocks and rebar, just south of John Bruce Rd (see map).  Video of this section here:  https://vimeo.com/424993429

SECTION 5: RIVER PARK SOUTH

(yellow on map)

round-trip time: 2:00-2:15

This is the edge of the city and, thanks to a riffle structure at Shorehill Drive, often the highest water level of the Seine within Winnipeg. New condo towers sit across the river from empty forests and old country homes. Deer, beaver and other wildlife are plentiful. There is also some very interesting folk art along the way. A giant hand lets you know you're approaching the perimeter.  You can put in on a public path just south of Shorehill Dr next to the Morrow Gospel Church. At the other end is a grassy shore at the end of  Sumka Rd, immediately south of the perimeter (see interactive map). Video of this section here:  https://vimeo.com/224144733