Canoeists are reminded that they travel at their own risk at all times. There are privately operated resorts and also a campground on the sheltered shores of Howe Bay from where canoes may be launched. This short, relatively easy trip traverses part of Meadow Lake Provincial Park. The canoeist will experience both travel along the shores of a sizeable lake and down portions of the Cold River with moderate but not dangerous rapids. This is not a wilderness trip because it borders areas of agricultural development at various points.
Shorelines are generally low, rocky, sandy or overgrown with aquatic vegetation.
Pierce Lake contains pike, walleye, perch, whitefish and lake trout, as does Lac des Iles, except for lake trout. These rapids are passable by canoe but not recommended for beginners. Experienced canoeists electing to traverse this rapid-filled stretch of the Waterhen River should be prepared to do some wading and some lining of canoes. There are no portage trails. Because of the sun's reflection on a generally east-flowing river these rapids are especially hard to judge on bright sunny mornings.