Launch : To get to the Bunclody Bridge, drive south from Brandon on Highway #10 and turn west onto Highway #2. Turn south on the "Fairfax: Road (#348). Landing : Drive south from Brandon on Highway #10. Turn east on Highway #2. Take the Margaret road south (#346). For a shortcut to Bunclody Bridge take the Burbank Road back to #10. Distance : About 30 km Time : 3 - 6 hours See Google Earth View See Google Earth View

When we did this stretch in June of 96 the water was very high and fast and it took less than 3 hrs. The rapids were safe, with no rocks near surface. The trip can be divided into two very short trips by using the landing at the Riverside Bridge. Either way it's a nice spot to stop and access by the little park just past the main bridge is easy. When we did just the part from Riverside to Margaret in late summer it took over 5 hours. We had to walk through several shallow rapids. The scenery made it a worthwhile and peaceful trip.   If you time your trip so that some rocks are beginning to show, the rapids can be quite challenging.

Historical Notes

The bridges near Highway 10 tell a story. First you encounter the main bridge. Then you pass under the "Old Bridge" where the highway used to run, and in a short while you will see the remains of a much older bridge. As the roads (and bridges, and vehicles) got bigger, more advantageous crossing sites were located.

Alexander Henry Jr., on his way back from the Missouri River in 1806, crossed the Souris at a spot he called "The Grand Passage" and indicates that it was a few miles above "a considerable bend". If you stand upon the Margaret Bridge and look west, I believe you are looking at the crossing he mentions. 

Some photos from Sept 23, 2013...

For More Details...

False Starts: A Settlement History of Western Manitoba

The Souris Bend

The Manitoba Photo Gallery

Google Earth View