Much of Canada was first explored by canoe, as low-lying lakes and slow rivers form vast waterway systems across the central and northern regions. Canoes are still excellent for exploring the backcountry. Several-day canoe/camping trips through wilderness waterways make popular summer and early-fall expeditions for small groups; you'll see lots of wildlife (especially mosquitoes) and keep as gentle a pace as you like. Generally speaking, the longer the trip, the more experience you should have with a canoe and with wilderness conditions (weather, wildlife, and chance of injury). Lake-filled Manitoba is a good place to plan a canoe trip.