Bloodvein River

Adventure Overview

Many canoe trips down the Bloodvein River begin in Red Lake, located in Northwestern Ontario.  A 40km paddle leads you to the headwaters at Knox Lake, where the Bloodvein begins its 300km journey westward. Flowing over the rugged Precambrian Shield, the river winds through picturesque gorges, serene lakes, and tranquil marshes before emptying into Lake Winnipeg. Traversing both Ontario and Manitoba, the Bloodvein River passes through Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Atikaki Provincial Park in Manitoba, earning its distinction as  Canada’s only Heritage River that located in two provinces.

Our journey begins with a short floatplane ride to Artery Lake. From here we spend the next 11 days paddling 225km of exhilarating class 1-3 rapids. The Bloodvein offers more than just a thrilling whitewater experience; it is steeped in history, set in a strikingly beautiful landscape. Along the way, we will encounter ancient pictographs created by the Anishinaabe people who have traveled these waters for thousands of years. We’ll portage around raging waterfalls, navigate through fast-flowing gorges sculpted through some of the oldest rocks in the world. Our campsites will range from peaceful forest settings to dramatic rock ledges offering panoramic views. In camp, you’ll have plenty of time to fish, relax, savour gourmet meals by the campfire, and reflect on how remote we are in this vast Boreal Forest.

The Bloodvein River is an ideal adventure for experienced whitewater paddlers, eager to immerse themselves in the heart of the Canadian wilderness.

We acknowledge that the Bloodvein River flows through the traditional territories of Metis and Anishinaabeg Nations and is recognized under Treaty 5.  We recognize that we are visitors to this land. 

What's Included