Minden Whitewater Preserve: A Spectacular Haliburton Attraction

Privately owned and operated by Whitewater Ontario, the preserve features an 800-meter whitewater course as well as multi-use trails. The whitewater course includes Class II to IV rapids and was the site of canoe slalom events for the 2015 Pan American Games.

The water volume of the Minden Whitewater Preserve is controlled by dam releases on Horseshoe Lake.

The top section of the rapids is considered the most difficult and is reserved for highly skilled paddlers since the water is fast and dangerous and falling into the water results in riskier swim consequences. The bottom section features a more manageable Class II conditions.

For those who wish to hike, there are 7 kilometers of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The trails were closed on the day we were there because they were going to filming an episode of a very popular TV series on Prime Video so we were able only to walk down to the top section of the rapids.

The Minden Whitewater Preserve is available for members and guests and features over 30 campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, plus Wi-Fi and trailer areas. Many people stop at the preserve kayaking, canoeing and competitive paddling.

Daily Fees: A daily pass costs $12 for Whitewater Ontario members and $17 for non-members. Annual Passes: Regular visitors can purchase an annual pass directly through the Whitewater Ontario Store.

Minden Whitewater Preserve, 1020 Bethel Road, Minden, Ontario K0M 2K0

You may be interested in reading, “Events and things to do in Toronto in September 2026”