Seven Sister Dam – Self Tour
Wilderness Edge encourages you to visit the hydroelectric dam while in the East Whiteshell Park area. It is one thing to see photos of it, but its a completely different experience to actually walk right up to the dam. Here is some recent drone footage of the Dam to help you get a perspective on the sheer size. It is wondrous to hear the sound of the water rushing over the spillway and to see the massive size of the dam itself.
Use the TTC (TransCanada Trail)
Seven Sisters Dam Hike (17km Hike or Bike)

Seven Sisters to Pinawa Hiking Map
Download full printable PDF map here.
Another great hike while you are here.
Old Pinawa Dam (8km Hike, Bike or Canoe)
Also from our retreat centre in Pinawa, you can take an 8km hike, bike or canoe trip to a second hydroelectric facility with a ton of history, Old Pinawa Dam. Along the channel leading to the Old Pinawa Dam we offer tube, raft, and canoe rentals. We also offer day, 1 night and 2-night adventures.
There are just a ton of amazing hiking trails in the area. Check-out this amazing Whiteshell Park Directory to find hidden gems.
Facts about Seven Sister Dam
- Construction started in 1929;
- Construction completed in 1952;
- Capacity 165 MW;
- Average annual generation 990 million kWh;
- Waterfall drop 18.6 meters;
- Powerhouse 128 meters long;
- 6 turbine generators (units) (units 1 to 3 turn at 138.5 rpm, units 4 to 6 at 128.6 rpm);
- The first unit in service 1931;
- Units’ discharge capacity 1,146 m3 of water;
- Forebay area 21 km2;
- Forebay’s normal water level 274.2 meters;
- Spillway length 225 meters (Seven Sisters has 2 spillways with 27 bays, divided by a sluiceway with 2 bays);
- Spillway’s discharge capacity 1,030 m3 of water;
- Transmission lines:
- 5 115-kV lines to Winnipeg;
- 1 115-kV line each to Whiteshell area and Kenora, Ontario.