Is Riverfront Living in Winnipeg Worth It? What 15+ Years of Selling (and Living on) the River Has Taught Me
Riverfront living is unlike any other lifestyle Winnipeg has to offer.
It combines incredible views, abundant wildlife, year-round recreation, and a sense of tranquility that's difficult to replicate elsewhere in the city. However, it also comes with unique considerations such as erosion, flood protection, insurance, and property maintenance. If you're considering purchasing a riverfront home, understanding both the rewards and the realities will help you make an informed decision.
I Should Probably Start With a Disclaimer...
Logan and I are completely biased. We've lived on the river for over a decade, and if you asked us today whether we'd choose riverfront living again, the answer would be an immediate yes.
Just this morning, before we grabbed a coffee, we watched deer wandering through our backyard, spotted a groundhog along the riverbank, and counted more rabbits and squirrels than I could keep track of. That's a fairly normal morning for us.
One of my favourite things about living on the river is that it feels like you're at the cabin...
...except you're still only minutes from work, schools, restaurants, Costco, and everything else Winnipeg has to offer. It truly is the perfect balance between city convenience and country living.
Having said that... Riverfront living isn't for everyone. And pretending otherwise wouldn't be doing buyers any favours. Over the years, I've sold many riverfront homes throughout Winnipeg, and almost every buyer asks me the same questions. So let's answer them honestly.
"Should I Be Worried About Flooding?"
This is almost always the very first question. The short answer? Sometimes. But not nearly as often as many people think.
The longer answer is that every riverfront property is different. Some homes have permanent dikes. Some sit well above the historical flood line.
Others require temporary flood protection during exceptional water years.
Some neighbourhoods have benefited enormously from Winnipeg's flood protection infrastructure, while others still require closer scrutiny. That's why one of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming that all riverfront homes carry the same level of flood risk. They don't.
Two homes only a few blocks apart can have completely different flood histories. If I'm helping someone purchase a riverfront property, we'll look at things like:
historical flood information
existing flood protection measures
whether the home sits inside or outside community dikes
the property's elevation
previous insurance claims
municipal records where available
Flooding should absolutely be discussed. But it should never be assumed.
The Bigger Question Might Actually Be...
Erosion
If there's one issue I spend more time discussing than flooding, it's riverbank erosion. Unlike flooding, erosion is gradual. It can happen over years or decades. And some properties are much more susceptible than others. One of the biggest factors is where the property sits on the river.
Generally speaking:
Properties located on the outside of a river bend tend to experience stronger water flow and greater erosion.
Properties on the inside of a bend often experience less erosion and may even see sediment build over time.
That doesn't mean every outside bend is a problem or every inside bend is perfectly safe. It simply means they deserve different levels of investigation.
When we're evaluating a riverfront property, I encourage buyers to ask questions such as:
Has the riverbank ever been stabilized?
Was an engineer involved?
Are there reports available?
Have neighbouring properties experienced erosion?
Are mature trees helping stabilize the bank?
Has any land been lost historically?
Riverbank stabilization can be a significant investment. We are talking oftentimes over six figures. It is not for the faint of heart. The good news is that many properties have already had substantial work completed. The key is understanding exactly what has been done and what, if anything, may still need attention.
Every Riverfront Property Is Different
One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that buying one riverfront home is essentially the same as buying another.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Every river behaves differently. Every lot behaves differently. Even neighbouring properties can have completely different characteristics. Some have:
gentle slopes
mature tree cover
professionally stabilized banks
exceptional privacy
Others may have:
steeper banks
different soil conditions
greater exposure to moving water
easier river access
Riverfront homes should never be evaluated using broad assumptions. They deserve individual attention.
"Does It Smell?"
Believe it or not... This is probably the funniest question I get. And it's almost always one of the first.
The answer? In my experience... No.
People often assume the river behaves like a stagnant pond. It doesn't. Both the Red and Assiniboine Rivers are constantly moving.
Over more than a decade of living on the river, unpleasant odours have simply not been part of our day-to-day experience.
I understand if you’ve read the news about some of the City’s water projects this may sound difficult to believe. But I promise you, we have never noticed foul smells from the River.
What About Mosquitoes?
This question surprises many people. Most buyers assume mosquitoes must be dramatically worse on the river. Honestly? I haven't found that to be the case.
If you've lived in Winnipeg long enough, you already know mosquitoes are simply part of summer life.
Living on the river hasn't created a noticeable difference compared to many other established neighbourhoods we've lived in or visited. Keep in mind that mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. With a fast-moving body of water like the Red River, they do not have that opportunity.
The Wildlife Is Incredible
This is probably the biggest reason I'd struggle to ever leave. Our backyard feels alive. Depending on the season we've seen:
deer
rabbits
squirrels
foxes
coyotes
countless birds
waterfowl
and more wildlife than I ever expected to see while living in a major city.
There are trade-offs, of course. Deer aren't particularly respectful of flower beds. Geese certainly don't clean up after themselves. If you have very small pets, you'll naturally want to be aware that coyotes occasionally travel along river corridors.
But for us?
Watching wildlife has become one of the greatest joys of living here.
It Feels Like Cabin Life... Every Single Day
When people ask why we love riverfront living so much, this is usually my answer.
It's not because of one spectacular sunset. Or one beautiful morning. It's because every season offers something different. Spring brings returning wildlife and fresh green banks. Summer means coffee on the deck overlooking the river. Fall colours reflected on the water are absolutely stunning. Winter transforms the landscape entirely.
Some neighbours skate on more protected sections (our section moves to fast for this). Others ice fish (again, not us). Some simply enjoy watching the snow settle over the river while sitting beside a warm fireplace (this is us!).
It's difficult to explain until you've experienced it.
Riverfront living changes the rhythm of everyday life.
Can You Swim in Winnipeg's Rivers?
This is one area where it's important to separate lifestyle from water quality. Winnipeg's rivers are beautiful, but they're also working waterways.
Following heavy rainfall or spring runoff, portions of Winnipeg's aging combined sewer system can discharge diluted wastewater into the river system, affecting water quality. The City continues to invest in long-term infrastructure improvements, but these projects will take many years to complete.
For that reason, I always encourage buyers to stay informed about public advisories regarding recreational water use.
That doesn't stop people from kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding or enjoying the river. We see boats going by daily.
It simply means understanding how the river functions and making informed decisions. I would personally never swim in the River - I’m more of a lake or pool girl to be honest. We’ve had dogs that couldn’t resist (labs in particular) that would take a dip every chance they got. But that always meant a bath when they came inside. I’m not quite sure I’ll ever love the idea of swimming in the River.
Buyer Due Diligence Matters
Buying a riverfront property requires a little more homework than buying an interior lot.
That's not a bad thing. It simply means asking the right questions. When helping buyers purchase riverfront homes, I often recommend investigating:
Previous flood history
Riverbank stabilization work
Engineering reports
Insurance costs
Backflow valve installation
Property surveys
Buildable lines and setbacks
Waterways permits
Historical aerial imagery
Future maintenance requirements
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer?
Talk to the neighbours.
Nobody understands a riverfront neighbourhood better than the people who've lived there for years. Ask them where the water came into in the flood of ‘97 or on high water years like 2011 (if they remember).
They're often an incredible source of practical information about flooding, wildlife, erosion, winter conditions, and what life is really like.
Riverfront Living Isn't for Everyone...
But It Might Be Exactly What You're Looking For
If you're looking for absolute predictability... Riverfront living may not be your first choice. Nature always has the final say.
But if you're looking for peace. Privacy. Wildlife. Views. And a lifestyle that feels like a permanent escape from the city without actually leaving it... I honestly don't think there's anything quite like it.
Would I buy on the river again?
Without hesitation.
Would I ask a lot more questions than I did the first time? Absolutely. And that's exactly why working with someone who understands riverfront properties can make such a difference.
Every riverfront home tells a different story.
The key is making sure you understand yours before you write the offer.
Riverfront Buyer's Checklist
Before purchasing a riverfront property, consider asking:
☐ Has the property ever experienced flooding?
☐ Is there any permanent flood protection?
☐ Has the riverbank been stabilized?
☐ Are engineering reports available?
☐ Is the property on an inside or outside river bend?
☐ Are there any known erosion concerns?
☐ What does insurance coverage cost?
☐ Is there a backflow valve installed?
☐ Are there restrictions on future construction?
☐ Have neighbouring properties experienced erosion?
☐ Are there Waterways permits that affect future improvements?
☐ What do the neighbours say about living there?
Key Takeaways
Riverfront living offers one of Winnipeg's most unique lifestyles, combining nature with city convenience.
Every riverfront property is different and should be evaluated individually.
Flooding is property-specific and should be researched rather than assumed.
Erosion is often a more significant long-term consideration than flooding.
Wildlife, privacy, and year-round scenery are among the biggest advantages of living on the river.
Professional due diligence—including engineering reports, insurance review, and conversations with neighbours—is invaluable before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living on the River in Winnipeg, MB
Are riverfront homes in Winnipeg more likely to flood?
Not necessarily. Flood risk varies significantly depending on the property's elevation, location, flood protection measures, and history. Every property should be evaluated individually.
Is riverbank erosion a serious concern?
It can be on some properties. Factors such as the shape of the river, soil conditions, and previous stabilization work all influence erosion risk. An engineering assessment can provide valuable insight.
Are mosquitoes worse living on the river?
In our experience, no. Winnipeg has mosquitoes regardless of where you live, and we've not found riverfront living to create a dramatic difference.
Do Winnipeg's rivers smell?
Generally, no. Because the rivers are constantly flowing, unpleasant odours are not something we've experienced as part of everyday riverfront living.
Is buying a riverfront home worth it?
For the right buyer, absolutely. The lifestyle, scenery, wildlife, and connection to nature are difficult to replicate elsewhere in Winnipeg. Like any specialized property, it simply requires thoughtful due diligence before purchasing.
Are riverfront homes harder to insure?
Insurance costs can vary depending on the property's flood history, location, and protective measures. It's a good idea to obtain insurance quotes early in the buying process so you understand any additional costs before writing an offer.
Do riverfront homes hold their value?
Like any property, value depends on location, condition, and market demand. Well-maintained riverfront homes in desirable locations often remain highly sought after because of their unique setting, privacy, and limited supply. In general, they do appreciate at a rate higher than most homes, due to the scarcity of riverfront lots.
Questions or thoughts? We’d love to hear them.
Email us anytime at hello@queenteam.ca.
Your Friend in Real EstaTe,
Jennifer Queen
Phone: (204) 797-7945
Email: Jennifer@QueenTeam.ca
About the Author
Jennifer Queen is a Winnipeg REALTOR® and team lead of The Queen Team, with extensive experience helping clients buy and sell waterfront and riverfront properties throughout the city.
She specializes in guiding clients through the unique considerations of riverfront living—including riverbank stability, flood protection, insurance, and long-term property value—so they can make confident, informed decisions.
Jennifer’s approach is rooted in clarity and transparency, helping clients understand not just the lifestyle benefits of waterfront homes, but the practical realities that come with them.