Canoeing

Canoeing is a great way to get to know the Duck Mountains from a different perspective. These scenic canoe routes give you a chance to get in touch with the natural beauty of ‘The Ducks’. For those real canoe enthusiasts an over night canoe trip is the perfect challenge. You can also do many of the canoe routes in the kayaks we supply. With all of the various routes, no matter what your skill level or preference is, you’re sure to find a great canoe route just for you!

Check the Rentals  page to find out more about our canoe and kayak rentals.



Chain Lakes Canoe Route (5.8 km)
One of the most popular choices, this beautiful route can be done as a day trip, or an over night camp out. There are designated spots to set up camp, and fire pits are provided. The routes are very well marked and maps are also available! Portages are short, enabling access to a series of small sheltered lakes in the chain. You might even catch yourself a few fish! All overnight campers must register at the Blue Lake campground.

Beaver Lake Canoe Route (6.4 km)
This challenging and scenic route can also be done as a day trip, or an overnight camp out. There are outhouses provided and specific areas for setting up camp and having a fire. All overnight campers must register at Wellman Lake campground.

 

Blue Lakes Canoe Route
This route begins right at our beach and leads you on a journey across East Blue Lake with a short portage to a small but picturesque lake called Shilliday. From Shilliday you’ll take another portage and finish at West Blue Lake. This is perfect for the first-time canoers, or for those of you looking for a relaxing light paddle. We are happy to assist you with your expedition.

 

Backcountry Camping

Camping overnight along a canoe route or trail can be a rewarding experience. Park visitors who travel into the backcountry should be familiar with wilderness travel or be in the company of someone who is. In general, camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and fires are permitted only in fireplaces that are provided.

Hiking

Duck Mountain hiking trails offer a charming look in the boreal forest that inhabits the park. Hiking can be tranquil, calming, or it can be challenging and exhilarating. You can keep your own pace deciding which trail suits you best whether it is an hour jaunt or an over night camp out! With all the different trails you’re sure to find the right one for you and make sure you bring your camera!

Shining Stone Self-guiding Trail
This trail juts out off West Blue Lake and gives you a beautiful view of the landscape. Shining Stone Trail is approximately
1.1 km long and takes about 30 minutes. Don’t miss out!

Blue Lakes Hiking Trail
The terrain varies from level ground to rolling hills, with some steep slopes. So for those of you up for a challenge, this trail is perfect. The distance is 5.5 km so allow a couple hours to take this route.

Baldy Mountain Trail
Baldy Mountain is definitely a tourist hot spot. Why not take it all in and do the trail as well! A short distance along the trail, hikers will find an old cabin and stable which were built in the early forestry days of Duck Mountain. The trail is less than a kilometer but allow at least 30 minutes so you can really enjoy the treasured monuments that have been left behind. A continuation to this shorter trail is a 3 km hike where you can see a lot of water-fowl, such as loons, ducks, etc. and beaver activity. Make sure to give yourself a couple hours to fully enjoy this gorgeous hike. The viewing tower provides a southward view of the Grandview Valley and slope of Riding Mountain beyond it.

Mossberry Lake Trails
This multiple-use network of trails between Blue Lake and Child’s Lake are available for hiking, cycling, horse back riding and travel by ATV. It provides angling opportunities and backcountry camping sites at George, Ralph and Mossberry lake.

ATV

Throughout the park there are designated trails for ATVs. While traveling the ATV trails you get to see all kinds of terrain from flat grass areas, to rough wetlands, to thick brush. You get to explore the vast forest of Duck Mountain that is virtually undisturbed. An example of one of the more popular trails is the Mossberry Trail. Many consider this trail as one of the best in the park! You’re sure to see something new and exciting around every corner!



Scuba Diving

The clarity and depths of East and West Blue lakes have made them popular destinations for Scuba diving enthusiasts. Be sure you have all the proper equipment and training to keep this a safe and fun activity. Don’t worry if you don’t Scuba dive, a snorkel and a pair of flippers will also give you a wonderful opportunity to see these beautiful lakes.



Birds, Photography and Flowers

If you want to take home a bit of Blue Lakes with you, be sure to take your camera along your canoe trip, hike or ATV ride! There are beautiful flowers scattered among the brush which makes for great pictures. Many bird enthusiasts find the Duck Mountains a great place to find many birds native to Manitoba and Canada. So be sure to have your camera ready at all times because there is always picture worthy scenery in ‘The Ducks’.

Maps:

Duck Mountain Provincial Park

Sport Fishing Map

Blue Lake Campground

Mossberry Lake Trail

Blue Lake Hiking Trail

Chain Lakes Canoe Route

Beaver Lake Canoe Route