A Land of Water, Forests, and Awe-Inspiring Parks

Red Lake is the base for some of North America's best flatwater paddling opportunities. You can access Provincial Parks like Woodland Caribou, Opasquia and other destinations with the help of the Sunset Country member canoe outfitters listed here.

Woodland Caribou Provincial Park is an exceptional example of the Canadian Shield. The landscape is characterized by elongated lake systems, sudden changes in elevation, erratic drainage patterns, thin soils and massive bedrock outcrops. In the park, you'll find rocks that are 2.5 billion years old. Located in the Arctic watershed, the park's two principal rivers, the Bloodvein in the north and the Gammon in the south, flow westerly into Lake Winnipeg and eventually to Hudson Bay. This northern wilderness is so remote that canoeists and sport fishing enthusiasts can penetrate its interior and reach its backcountry campsites and outpost lodges only by water or by air. Woodland Caribou is known for its high-quality walleye, northern pike, and lake trout fishery.

Canoe Trips into the Park

With over 2,000 km of connecting lakes and rivers to choose from, canoeists can plan many different canoe routes through the park. We recommend you use the services of one of our member canoe outfitters to safely access the best canoe routes and to help you plan a successful trip. Located in the Arctic watershed, the park's two principal river systems, the Bloodvein River in the north and the Gammon River in the south, flow westerly into Lake Winnipeg and eventually into Hudson Bay. In the south, Bird River drains the lower lake system into Eagle Lake, outside the park boundary. A canoe route map, showing portages and areas to access the park is available through your outfitter or at the Park office.

Wilderness Camping

Woodland Caribou offers 1,000 backcountry campsites for the wilderness adventurer. Practice a pack-in/pack-out, no trace camping philosophy. Every bit of debris, every scar is an affront to the natural landscape. Camp at known campsites and use existing fire rings, or better yet, gas stoves. Structures such as lean-tos, tables, and benches are not allowed to be constructed at campsites or anywhere else in the park interior. With approximately 1,000 paddlers using the park each year, the solitude and serenity you seek is guaranteed.

Opasquia Provincial Park 

Located 150 air miles north of Red Lake, Opasquia Park offers an exceptionally unique wilderness canoeing experience. You are not likely to see another soul on your trip but you will see wildlife and experience some fantastic fishing. Opasquia is accessible by air only, where you then fly into your starting point for your trip. A plane picks you up at a predetermined arrival point. Use an outfitter, it is the only way you'll be able to canoe here. The park is massive at 473,000 hectares and is home to some very distinct geological formations.