The Whirlpool River is located within Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada. It is listed among the popular river paddle routes in the western parkland region of Manitoba, alongside rivers such as the Valley River, Assiniboine River, Red Deer River, Woody River, Swan River, and Turtle River.

Paddlers should be aware that the Whirlpool River has an intermittent water supply, which significantly limits when it can be paddled. Parks Canada notes that canoeing on the river is generally only possible during spring runoff or following heavy rainfall events. Outside of these conditions, water levels are typically insufficient for paddling, making trip planning highly dependent on recent precipitation and seasonal timing.

All watercraft and water-related equipment entering Riding Mountain National Park waters, including the Whirlpool River, are subject to mandatory inspections for aquatic invasive species (AIS). These inspections are free of charge and must be completed before entering any park waterway. Watercraft that pass inspection receive a permit from Parks Canada. Those that fail may undergo a decontamination process conducted by trained staff, also at no cost. Non-compliant watercraft are denied entry. Paddlers planning a trip should factor in time for this inspection process.

Given the river's intermittent navigability, those planning a trip to Riding Mountain National Park primarily for paddling may want to consider the park's lakes as a more reliable alternative, as Parks Canada generally directs paddlers to lake routes within the park.