The Bloodvein River is a renowned 340 km Canadian Heritage River flowing from Red Lake, Ontario westward through Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and into Lake Winnipeg. The Ontario section offers pristine flatwater paddling through clear boreal lakes with minimal rapids, while the Manitoba section unleashes 80+ rapids (Class I-III) through ancient granite channels with spectacular rock formations. This is an expedition-class trip requiring 10-17 days and solid whitewater skills; summer access via float plane or road shuttle from Red Lake. Wildlife includes moose, caribou, and abundant eagles; Indigenous pictographs date 900-1200 AD.
About 69 percent of this route lies inside Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.
Crown land free camping does not apply here. Provincial parks and conservation reserves set their own rules: designated sites, permits and reservations. Check with the responsible authority before you go.
Bloodvein River is estimated at Intermediate. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is June-September.
Bloodvein River is located in the Northwestern Ontario region of Canada.
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Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
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