Featured Hikes: Manitoba

Situated right in the centre of the country, Manitoba is rightly known as ‘Canada’s beating heart’. The ‘keyhole province’ is famous across the world for its Indigenous heritage, its incredible range of flora and fauna and its friendly communities – all of which can be experienced on the Trans Canada Trail. 

 


 

Centennial Trail 

The Centennial Trail is a hiking trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park, ideal for day hikes. Built in honour of Manitoba’s centennial in 1970 and recently celebrated its own milestone: its 50th birthday, the Trail was built and now maintained by youth and leaders of Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada – passing from generation to generation. The Trail follows granite ridges — formed over 2.5 billion years ago — and boreal forest, valleys, streams and bogs. 

It winds by Caddy Lake Beach, McGillivray Falls, Lily Pond, Hanson’s Creek, Ross Lake, Jean Lake, and the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary. Multiple access points are available from Highway 44, with sections appropriate for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers of all levels. Occasionally, you’ll see original Scout sign marking the way through the forest. This orange fleur de lis emblem stands for “true north” and is universally used on maps and a symbol associated with Scouting. 

The Centennial Trail provides a unique outdoor experience where trail users can immerse themselves in nature, with minimal impact to the environment, and has been designed for users of all levels of experience from novice to expert, and from children to adults. Some sections are suitable for family hikes, while the more remote sections are intended for fully-equipped and experienced hikers. 


 

City of Winnipeg  

Explore Winnipeg on foot, bike or cross-country ski on this vast trail network. Journey through forests, parks, greenway corridors and residential neighbourhoods along the route. The Trail follows the Red, Assiniboine and Seine rivers past several landmarks, including The Forks, a National Historic Site.  

Pop off the Trail for a visit to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights or visit the Riel House National Historic Site to learn more about Louis Riel and Métis history and culture. Assiniboine Park is home to a zoo, conservatory and English garden, plus the kids will love the miniature train and nature playground. 

The City of Winnipeg Trail spans over 90 kilometres and includes paved and natural firm surfaces. The Forks and North Winnipeg sections of the Trail were recently reviewed and rated for accessibility as part of our partnership with AccessNow.  

 


 

Crow Wing Trail  

The Crow Wing Trail is the longest section of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba, running from Winnipeg all the way to Emerson. Situated on an ancient glacial lake, the Trail was originally built to link the Red River Settlement (now Winnipeg) and the Crow Wing Settlement (now St. Paul, Minnesota) and runs through the municipalities of Emerson, Franklin, Roseau River First Nation, De Salaberry, St-Pierre-Jolys, Niverville and Ritchot. 

Check out the quaint Francophone village of St-Pierre-Jolys, home to a fascinating museum and great dining options. Explore St. Malo Provincial Park, and make a stop at the Senkiw Swinging Bridge, built in 1946 to transport children to school across the river. The Crow Wing Trail is ideal for walking, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. 

 


 

Pinawa Trail 

Taking users through grasslands, granite shield and boreal forest, the Trail runs from the Pinawa Dam Provincial Park to the Seven Sisters Generating Station. 

Walk, hike or bike on trail options of varying difficulty, taking in gorgeous views of the Pinawa Channel and the stunning 54-metre Pinawa Suspension Bridge. The trail is home to resident and migratory birds, making it an ideal choice for bird watchers. The relatively flat Alice Chambers Trail section is ideal for a family-friendly outing. 

 


 

Red River North Trail 

This gorgeous 110-km section of the Trans Canada Trail follows the Red River Trail north from Winnipeg to Lake Winnipeg, then follows the southeast shore of the lake to Grand Beach Provincial Park. 

The Trail is great for walking, jogging, hiking, cycling and horseback riding, as well as great for sightseeing! Wander through the popular summer vacation spots of Grand Beach, Grand Marais and Victoria Beach. Explore Bird’s Hill Provincial Park or stop at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, then head through the Mars Sand Hills, past Gull Lake, Beaconia. From here, the route south heads through the Belair Forest, west to Powerview-Pine Falls, and ending at the Great Falls Dam. 

Great for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter.   

 


 

South Whiteshell Trail 

Running from Rennie to the Ontario border, the South Whiteshell Trail offers up great options for walking or hiking, cycling, horseback riding and skiing or snowshoeing in the colder months.  

Hike the 25-kilometre Centennial portion from Bear Lake Trailhead to Caddy Lake. At West Hawk Lake, take in the serene beauty of the natural surroundings, formed when a meteor hit approximately 100 million years ago! The spur trail from West Hawk to Falcon Lake is a well-built Trail section, popular year-round.  

At Falcon Lake, take a break for a swim or picnic, or check out the townsite’s dining options for a snack. Trail sections around Falcon Lake include the Falcon North Shore Trail, a 5.7-kilometre section that’s great for hiking and cycling, and the Marsh Trail, a short mountain biking route.  

 


 

 

 

 

 

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