The Seine is a 150km long river with headwaters in Sandilands Provincial Forest in southeastern Manitoba. It passes through the communities of Marchand, La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, Lorette, and Grande Pointe before being diverted through the Seine River Siphon to go under the Red River Floodway. Upon reaching the other side of the Floodway, it continues overland through Winnipeg, passing through the neighbourhoods of St. Vital and St. Boniface, finally joining the Red River in Whittier Park.

Historically, the Seine River watershed was much larger, passing through vast wetlands. The Manning Canal was built in 1906 to drain these wetlands so the area could be used for agricultural purposes; it diverts a portion of the Seine River starting in Ste. Anne to the Red River near St. Adolphe. In 1968, with the completion of the Red River Floodway, a portion of the Seine River could also be diverted into the Floodway at the Seine River Siphon in times of high water. A third diversion east of Grande Pointe also allows a portion to be diverted into the Floodway during times of high water, protecting the community from flooding.

For kayak rentals with Horned Owl Kayaks, you will be on a 3.5km portion of the Seine between the Grande Pointe diversion and the Seine River Siphon.

The river is 5 to 10m wide and up to 1.5m deep under typical water levels. The riverbanks are treed on both sides, with the trees leaning over the water creating a "tunnel of leaves" effect.

The water is turbid - it's cloudy due to the mud it picks up through its course. This does not mean it's polluted or dangerous; it's just... muddy.

The riverbed and banks closest to the water are covered in silt. Stepping on them may lead to you sinking down to your knees.

Several residential properties back onto the riverbank, but these are mostly hidden by trees in summer and fall.

Learn more about what wildlife you may see.