W-04 Bird River (Tulabi L. to Big Whiteshell L.)
Geographic Location:
- Nopiming and Whiteshell Provincial Parks (Manitoba), Woodland Caribou Park ( Ontario), North of Kenora, Ontario.
Name of Trip:
- Bird River (Tulabi L. to Big Whiteshell L.)
Major Lakes/Rivers:
- Tulabi L, Elbow L, Snowshoe L, Chase L, Midway L, Eagle L, Talon R, Dragon L, Kilburn L, Sydney L, Sturgeon R. (downstream from Sydney L), Umfreville L, English R, Winnipeg R. (from junction to English R. to Crowduck Creek), Crowduck L, Big Whiteshell L.
Source of Information:
- Topographical maps (for example: 52 L/10, 52 L/9).
- Bird (Oiseau) River – Elbow Lake Canoe Route Map
- Whiteshell Provincial Park Canoe Route Map.
- Woodland Caribou Park Canoe Route Map.
- MRCA paddler: Jerry Ameis.
Duration of Trip:
- 8 days paddling.
Total Distance:
- 250 kilometres.
River Rating:
- Bird R: up to a Class 3.
- Sturgeon R: up to a Class 3.
- Winnipeg R: Class 1.
- English R. (dam at Caribou Falls)
River Rating:
- About 40 portages (some rapids can be lined/pulled/run). The longest portages are: 800m (from Crowduck L to Big Whiteshell L.) and 700m (from Dragon L. to Talon system to Kilburn L system).
Start (Put In):
- Tulabi L. (road access).
Finish (Take Out):
- Big Whiteshell Lake campground.
Alternate Access:
- Enter the Bird River system at Snowshoe Lake via Davidson Lake to Wilson Lake route.
- Travel north on Umfreville to Werner Lake and then to Trapline/ Wilson/ Bain/ Raynar lakes and exit at Davidson (road access)
Remoteness:
- There are remote wilderness areas, some areas that have fly-in lodges and one area that has road access (Umfreville Lake).
