Disclaimer: The route information we provide is of a general nature, and Paddle Manitoba will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Conditions on waterways are subject to water levels, weather, erosion, and other environmental factors. There is no substitute for scouting and care while paddling, and users should consult the latest topographical maps before departure. Also note that older documents may not use language or suggest practices that reflect today's standards. Use the information on this page at your own risk.

Using Topographic Maps

Topographic maps are detailed and accurate illustartions of human and natural features on the ground such as roads, railways, contours, elevations, names, and especially for paddlers, rivers and lakes. They are a two-dimesional representation of the three-dimensional earth. They are available for all of Manitoba, and the rest of Canada. The most commonly used scale for paddling is 1:50 000. They can be digital or paper. 

Topographic Maps: The Basics

Topographic maps across the country are organized and by a number and letter code. These codes can be found on index maps. 

Prairie Provinces 1:50 000 Index Map

Ontario 1:50 000 Index Map

Paper Topographic Maps