The La Manche River flows through La Manche Provincial Park on Newfoundland's east coast, offering approximately four kilometres of paddling accessible from the park's day use area. From this central launch point, paddlers can head in either direction along the river, making it a flexible out-and-back destination rather than a one-way route.

Heading upstream, the river winds roughly two kilometres through marshes and bogs to a river delta. This stretch is calm and well-suited to canoes and kayaks alike, with meandering channels through wetland habitat where beaver lodges are visible along the banks. The character of this upstream section is quiet and unhurried, with the surrounding marshes and bogs providing a sense of open, low-lying wilderness.

Heading downstream from the day use area, the river runs approximately two kilometres before transitioning into rapids near the site of the old village of La Manche. Paddlers should be aware of this change in character and plan their turnaround point accordingly, as the rapids mark the practical downstream limit for recreational paddling. The park describes these rapids as suitable for more adventurous paddlers, though no specific difficulty rating is provided.

The La Manche River connects to La Manche Pond, and the broader paddling area includes adjacent ponds and marshes, giving paddlers options beyond the river corridor itself. Wildlife viewing is a notable feature of the experience, with the wetland environment supporting a range of species. The river ultimately flows toward the Atlantic, passing through a gorge near its mouth where a reconstructed 50-metre suspension bridge spans the canyon above the river. A waterfall is also accessible via trail in the park.

Canoes and kayaks can launch from the day use area and near the swimming area. The park also offers standard provincial park amenities. Angling is permitted within the park, and a provincial salmon license is required for scheduled inland waters, which is relevant context for paddlers sharing the river with anglers. No paddling-specific restrictions are noted beyond the standard requirement to wear a personal flotation device.