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Whitemouth River, Cook's Falls
Playspot: Canada, Manitoba, Whitemouth River, Cook's Falls. |
What's it like
Cooks Falls is a secluded playspot that has approximately six different play features. The number of features is dependent on water levels, which rise and fall dramatically due to rainfall. Predictably there is average to great paddling at Cook's Falls from early April to late July.
The features range from ledge style holes to standing waves. The water moves through the falls quickly. The rapids at Cook's Falls are created by a dramatic narrowing of the river. They form a pool-and-drop style of rapid.
In the spring season the water is run off from the winter melt. Dry tops and skull caps are good assets. The Whitemouth river is shallow, so by mid June the water is a pleasant temperature. At this time you can paddle with only your PFD and a spray top.
The most unique feature of Cook's Falls is the campsite, which requires a reservation (only because there is a gate at the entrance which keeps the young local partiers out, and the paddling partiers in). You camp right at the river bank. It is this campsite that local paddlers use no matter where they are paddling in the region because of its central location. Cook's Falls itself is a class II spot. It is within a 20-minute drive of two other class II spots. Sturgeon Falls is a half-hour drive and Whitemud Falls is a one-hour drive from Cooks. Most importantly Cook's Falls campsite is quiet and clean, the owners really cater to paddlers. Rumour has it that the campsite was developed because of the paddlers who were using the rapids.
Cook's Falls is a relatively safe spot to play. However the water is shallow so you must be cautious of rocks. There is a large reef-style rock at the bottom of the rapid, which creates a relatively dangerous hole at certain water levels. This requires proficient scouting from all angles before you jump in to play (it is stronger than it looks). Other potential hazards include logs travelling through the rapid which may be uprooted during high water.
This spot is rustic, no showers or running water only out houses and a large jug of good drinking water, but it is a great spot!
How to get there
Cooks Falls is approximately 60 minutes from Winnipeg, Manitoba or the Ontario Boarder.
If you are travelling from Ontario:
Travelling west on the Trans Canada, turn north onto highway #11 at Hadishville. Follow highway #11 past the town of Elma to the junction of the #11 and #44. Turn west to the town of Whitemouth.
If you are travelling east from Winnipeg:
Take highway #15 (Dugald Road) east to the town of Elma and turn north onto highway #11 at Hadishville. Follow highway #11 past the town of Elma to the junction of the #11 and #44. Turn west to the town of Whitemouth.
At Whitemouth:
Turn into town, follow Main Street all the way to the end (where it curves to the right and crosses the train tracks). Turn left onto the gravel (BEFORE CROSSING THE TRACKS). Follow the gravel road across the bridge for approximately 1.5KM. Turn right, drive 1KM. Turn left, drive 1KM. Left turn again, drive 2KM. Turn right, drive 1KM. Watch closely on your left for a sign saying Cooks Falls. Look for a bright red barn in the distance. Congratulations you have found it!
Just in case, here is a simple map as well.
More info
For more info on water levels or the area contact [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] : +1 204 772 3134 or
per snail mail:
Evan Macdonald
889 Palmerston Avenue
Winnipeg Manitoba
R3G 1J6
Canada
Call Glen: +1 204 348 7752 for reservations and directions.
Locals
Several local fisherman use the site. Local families often come there for picnics. Several canoeists use the rapids for practice. Glen the site owner always comes around for a chat, really nice guy!
Info sources
[mail address protected from spambots with javascript]