Locations Emerson Morris Sainte Agathe Saint Adolphe Saint Norbert Winnipeg (The Forks) St. Andrews Lockport Selkirk Netley Creek The water in the Red River has a tendency to fluctuate and even to flood during the spring. This guide will indicate where you can go to observe the Red River s water levels in designated safe locations from Emerson to Lake Winnipeg.
Emerson First Stop Boat Ramp Before you enter the town of Emerson, there is an entrance to a boat ramp. Depending on water levels, you can walk right down to the water to see how murky the water is. GPS coordinates: N49 00.185, W97 13.488 Parking: Just as you are coming into Emerson, right before the bridge, you will see a gravel road on your right, 1Street W. It is located about 1 km from Highway 75. Click here to view the location on a map. CBC
Emerson Second Stop - The Bridges There is a railway bridge with a walking path that was built in 1908 which crosses the Red River. The bridge used to swing sideways to let steam boats through. However, the last time it was opened was in 1929. GPS coordinates: N49 00.294, W97 12.956 Parking: To access the railway bridge park behind the hospital and the Scotiabank, which are located on Main Street. Walk west down the gravel road. Between the traffic bridge and the railway bridge there is a swinging bridge that has a 129' span. It crosses Lake Louise Creek and connects to the Red River. During a flood this bridge is under 25 feet of water. The cables strain the other way as the water wants to pull it upward and away. GPS coordinates: N49 00.250, W97 13.293 Location: There is a pathway from the bridge. Follow the blue trails arrows. Click here to view the location on a map. Flickr
Morris When entering the town of Morris from the North on Highway #75, you will come to the bridge that crosses the Morris River (N49.36045 W97.36453). This will be the first bridge to close when water rises and is the first indication that the flood will be relatively serious. At this location you can observe the Morris River which backs up from the Red River to the East and is about ½ km from the bridge. There is also Scratching River Park, which is a quiet peaceful vantage point from which to observe the river. This park has become completely submerged in water many times over the years as the water has risen to cover the bottom line of the campground sign. GPS Coordinates: N49.35285, W97.35233 Parking: In the town of Morris turn east on Montreal Ave East, also known as PTH #23 East, and drive about 1 km. Here you will find Scratching River Park. Click here to view the location on a map. Metro News
Sainte Agathe River Trail Saint Agathe recently built a river trail along the Red River of about 1 km long. On the trail there is a nice wide view of the river with benches, lights and pique-nique tables. You will also find the famous boiler from the Cheyenne River Boat that sunk in the Red River in 1875. GPS coordinates: N49 33.876, W97 011.048 Parking: Turn South off of Highway 305 onto Pembina Trail, also referred to as Main Street. Park on the street in front of the CO-OP. Click here to view location on a map. 1997 Flood www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Sainte Agathe - Detour Sainte Agathe manages the Red River Valley Flood Interpretive Center which tells the story of the 1997 flood. There are 16 displays which include descriptive texts, photographs and artefacts. Using videos and interactive displays, it truly highlights the anguish and stress suffered by those who had the misfortune to live below flood level, while applauding the tremendous efforts by the military, volunteers and residents to rebuild their homes and communities. To find out more or make a reservation call (204) 882-2696 or (204) 882-2542 or email rrfloods@mts.net. GPS coordinates: N49 34.320, W97 11.469 Parking: On Highway 305, east of Highway 75, you will find a sign for Cartier Park. The centre is located inside the park.
Saint Adolphe Pierre Delorme Bridge Pierre Delorme Bridge, located in Saint Adolphe, connects the town to Highway 75. When water levels are high, it can be one of the only access into town; highway 200 coming in from the north is usually closed due to low lying areas. Viewing of high water levels is also recommended at the end of St. Paul Road located approximately 200 meters south of the ESSO. GPS coordinates: N49 40.773, W97 06.828 Parking: Park your vehicle at the ESSO on the corner of Highway 210 and Highway 200 (Main Street). To reach the bridge, cross Highway 200 (Main Street) and walk West on Highway 210. Click here to view location on a map.
Saint Norbert Floodway Inlet Control Structure Courchaine Road, located along the top of the dike, houses the Floodway Inlet Control Structure. It may be possible to drive across, but this road is frequently closed to vehicles, particularly in seasons of high water. Pedestrian tragic is generally permitted. It s a short and worthwhile walk to the Control Structure where there is an excellent view of the inlet and the man-made floodway channel. In times of high water, the power of the river is palpable here. GPS coordinates: N49 44.939, W97 08.156 Parking: You can either leave your car on Courchaine Road or on either of two roads that connect to it. Those roads include Highway 200 (St. Mary s Road), and Turnbull Drive, which are both east of Highway 75. They are located 4 km south of the Winnipeg perimeter. Click here to view location on a map.
Winnipeg The Forks The Forks is the meeting place of the two rivers: the Red River and the Assiniboine River. Here you will find a big round canopy between the Forks Market and the Johnson Terminal. One of the posts supporting the canopy has markers on it to show the level of water during past floods. The bottom marker represents the 1950 flood, the middle marker represents both the 1852 and 1997 floods, and the top marker is for the flood of 1826. There are plaques with information on the posts as well. Take a walk on the River Trail to get close to the water but note that the trail can sometimes be flooded in the spring. In winter, once the rivers freeze, you can skate, walk, ski or sled your way down the Red River Mutual Trail. GPS coordinates: N49 53.247, W97 07.852 Parking: The Forks is frequently busy, be prepared to explore the parking areas to find a spot. There is 3 hour parking in surface lots and in the parkade. There are also metered spaces near The Forks Market. There are two main roads at The Forks: Forks Market Road runs east/west and Waterfront Drive runs north/south. Click here to view location on a map. Toronto Sun
St. Andrews Heritage Centre St. Andrews The Red River caresses the municipality of St. Andrews on the east side of Highway 9 or Main Street. River Road commences in St. Andrews and, although the road changes names, it follows the River until it spills into Lake Winnipeg. There are many historic sites along the Red River in St. Andrews such as the St. Andrew s Anglican Church. GPS coordinates: N50 03.980, W96 58.684 Parking: There is parking at the St. Andrews Rectory which now houses the St. Andrews Heritage Centre. If it is after hours and the gates are close, you can park across the street at the St. Andrew s Anglican Church. Click here to view location on a map.
Lockport St. Andrew s Lock and Dam A riverside marker provides information about this famous Caméré lock and dam, which has been functioning since it was opened by Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier in 1910. Depending on the season you may see hundreds of white pelicans in this area. It is also a very popular spot for people to fish. GPS coordinates: N50 05.091, W96 56.148 Parking: East of the bridge on Highway 44, turn north towards the Lockport Heritage Park and the A & W. Park your vehicle here and walk down to the water s edge or walk on the bridge. Another option is to drive on River Road located west of the river and the bridge. Here you can drive under Hwy 44 and park just north of the bridge to observe the locks and the water from your vehicle. Click here to view location on a map.
Selkirk Selkirk Waterfront From Selkirk s waterfront you can see the river flowing towards you from the south. In times of high water the bridge to the east of Selkirk has been closed and has been occasionally engulfed by water and ice. Now, special amphibious excavators, or amphibex, are used to break up the ice in this area to allow continuous flow to Lake Winnipeg, significantly reducing ice damage and flooding. GPS coordinates: N50 08.631, W96 52.083 Parking: At the four-way stop of Eaton Avenue, Eveline Street and River Road, drive north on Eveline Street. Take a right on Superior Avenue, located north-east from that intersection. Find a place to park and walk to the water s edge. Click here to view location on a map.
Netley Creek Netley Creek Provincial Park Neltey Creek Provincial Park is the last stop where one can view the Red River before it flows into Lake Winnipeg. GPS coordinates: N50 17.529, W96 51.997 Parking: Drive down Highway 320 or Breezy Point Road until the road ends. You can park your vehicle here. Click here to view location on map.