Winnipeg business bringing people to local rivers

Getting out on the river in a canoe is something most Winnipeggers wouldn’t associate with the city, but a new business is hoping to change your mind.

“In Winnipeg people have a fairly negative opinion and view of our rivers. I really strive to change that,” Tristan Schneider said.

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Schneider and his friend Sam Anthony want to inspire people to get out onto the water so they launched Twin River Travel in January.

The company offers daily and overnight canoe trips in Manitoba, supplying the canoe, paddles, lifejackets and a guide.

“It gives people access to a great part of Winnipeg they otherwise wouldn’t have had access to,” Anthony said.

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They also offer overnight adventures on waterways a little further outside the city limits.

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“We really strive to get people to realize what’s just beyond their front door. We find that a lot of people are heading down south to Mexico, Florida for holidays and in reality there’s an absolutely beautiful trip just two hours away from Winnipeg,” Schneider said.

The duo said you don’t need to be in shape or have previous paddling experience to hop in a canoe.

“You could have never seen a canoe before and go on our canoe trip,” Anthony said.

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Even a quick trip down the Seine River can feel like a vacation with all the wildlife nestled in the trees. Like beavers, deer even a snapping turtle that took a dip in the water during our visit with Twin River Travel.

“Paddling has made me appreciate Winnipeg more. It gives me a chance to see the natural beauty that there is in the city.  And a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle without driving,” Anthony said.