Winter River

The Winter River is a very accessible and easy paddle if you time your trip with the incoming tide. The part of the river you can navigate at high tide by kayak is only about 3 miles and narrows from about 1/3 mile wide at the mouth to only about 80 ft where the shallows turn you back. A few cottages exist at the mouth of the river (by this I mean the bridge where you access it) but become scarce as you make your way along. Lots of osprey and kingfishers. No motorcraft so the journey if peaceful and relaxing. The current is quite gentle - so that you need to observe the sea grasses in the clear water in order to tell which way the current of going. Great for beginners. The approximate distance of 7km is based a return trip.

Directions:

Very easy access. Take Route 2 out of Charlottetown and then Route 6 toward Stanhope. Immediately after you cross the bridge at Coran Brae you will see Tracadie Bay on your right and the Winter River on your left. You are permitted to drive your vehicle onto the edge of the beach of this launch area. After you launch travel under the bridge to start up the river. If you arrive here about an hour before the tide turns at high tide you will be travelling with the current in both directions. At one point along the river, going in, you will encounter a 'T'. At this point hang a left.