Canoe Atlas of the Little North

Canoe Atlas of the Little North: Berger, Johnathan & Thomas, Terry. Boston Mills Press, Erin, 2007. This remarkable atlas, in an oversize format, is a landmark publication — the result of five decades of travel, research and documentation. Its first section provides an overview of the region’s geography, the nature of its canoe routes, and the influence of natural and cultural history on those routes. Its second, larger section features annotated versions of 50 topographic maps. Annotations include points of interest, portages, rapids and difficult passages. For anyone exploring eastern Manitoba and northwest Ontario this is the reference for overall planning and the placement of routes in context with larger systems.

Availability: Chapters and McNally Robinson.

Canoeing Manitoba Rivers (Vol. 1 South)

Canoeing Manitoba Rivers (Vol. 1 South): Buchanan, John. Rocky Mountain Press, Calgary, 1997. In addition to descriptions and maps of twenty-three river trips, provincial paddling icon John Buchanan provides insights on local history, and general information on Manitoba’s geography. The strength of this work lies with the inclusion of many southern rivers close to urban centres: the often unpaddled front country gems which yield delightful day or overnight trips close to home. At the end of each river segment, readers are treated to a tasty recipe for the trail. Buchanan’s personable commentary and dry wit make for enjoyable
armchair paddling during the winter months.

Availability: Currently not in print and a second volume was never published.

Bring back Buchanan! If you would like to see Canoeing Manitoba Rivers back in bookstores, then please email Don at don@rmbooks.com and lend your support to the publication of a new printing.

Canoeing The Precambrian Edge – Wilderness, Adventure and Legend

Canoeing The Precambrian Edge – Wilderness, Adventure and Legend: Greenstone Community Futures Development Corporation (eds), Flin Flon, 1998. In this community published guide, the twelve featured routes which flow through the The Churchill River Uplands and the Mid-Boreal Lowlands of West Central Manitoba include the Grass, Sturgeon-Weir and Churchill River Routes. Simple colour maps are accompanied by route descrptions and numbered details of portages and points of interest. The volume also contains information on planning a canoe trip, gear, paddling skills, topography, history, and ecology. Colour photographs of wildlife and landscapes highlight the routes.

Availability: Contact Gordon Soules Book Publishers of Vancouver at books@gordonsoules.com.

Northern Manitoba From Forest to Tundra – A Canoeing Guide and Wildeness Companion

Northern Manitoba From Forest to Tundra – A Canoeing Guide and Wildeness Companion: Ghalinger, Paul M. G.B. Communications, Lucan 1995. Charming pen and ink maps along with illustrations of flora, fauna, and animal tracks accompany this overview of twenty-nine Manitoba canoe routes by bush pilot and doctor author Ghalinger. Travelling from the Gammon north to the Seal River, one page descriptions of Manitoba’s major central and northern canoes routes provide information on skill levels, access, and required topographical maps. For those deciding which of the province’s major rivers to sample this volume provides an excellent overview, but do not look for river running details.

Availability: Out of print. Buy a copy here or contact the Paddle Manitoba secretary to obtain a copy atsecretary@paddle.mb.ca.

Wilderness Rivers of Manitoba – Journey by Canoe Through the Land Where the Spirit Lives

Wilderness Rivers of Manitoba – Journey by Canoe Through the Land Where the Spirit Lives: Wilson Hap & Aykroyd Stephanie. Boston Mills Press, Erin, 2nd Edition 2004. A classic of the guidebook genre noted for its painstakingly beautiful drawings of individual rapids and river features. Authored by noted guide and environmentalist Hap Wilson, this book describes ten of Manitoba’s most compelling and well known river systems. Wilson’s travelougues lace the work and provide personal insight to these special places. While providing the requisite information on the geography and nature of Manitoba, this is not an overview of paddling in the province, but rather a resource for paddlers interested in the final stages of planning the “big” trip.

Availability: Chapters and McNally Robinson