Key Takeaways for Hiking in Manitoba:

• Manitoba's lesser-known trails span every corner of the province, including urban Winnipeg paths to remote multi-day backcountry routes in the Porcupines.
• Difficulty ranges from short, family-friendly loops of under 2 km to serious multi-day expeditions requiring overnight gear.
• Spring is ideal for wildflower spotting; summer for wildlife; fall for dramatic colour on the trails in Whiteshell Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park.
• Several trails connect to the Trans Canada Trail, letting you extend your adventure if you have the time.
• Book ahead for backcountry cabins!

Short and Sweet Trails Under 5 km in Manitoba

Willow and Deadwood Loop

Morden: 3.4 km / Loop / Moderate

If you find yourself in the quant city of Morden, take some time to explore this unique hike! The Willow and Deadwood Loop combines two distinct trails: the Willow Trail, which traces the shoreline of Lake Minnewasta for 1.5 km to a lookout over the Dead Horse Creek valley and the Deadfall Trail, which returns through a hillier, more forested route with repeated climbs and descents. It's open to both hikers and mountain bikers and is one of the more underrated spots in southern Manitoba. The trail is best used from April through November and visiting on a weekday means you'll likely have it to yourself.

Blueberry Rock Trail

Lac du Bonnet: 1.8 km / Loop / Easy

Blueberry Rock Trail is a short loop is part of the Trans Canada Trail and sits on the Precambrian Shield, so expect exposed granite and open rock faces alongside the forest. The lookout tower gives you an elevated view of the Canadian Shield landscape and the open rock quarry is a unique historical feature worth pausing at. Good for families as the trail is short enough for young children and the picnic facilities make it an easy half-day stop.

Senkiw Bridge and Crow Wing Trail

Roseau River: 3.7 km / Out-and-Back / Easy

The Senkiw Bridge and Crow Wing Trail follows the historic ox-cart route used in the mid-1800s to connect the Red River Settlement to Crow Wing, Minnesota. The route was pioneered by Métis trader Peter Garrioch in 1844. The Senkiw Bridge itself replaced a hand-powered cable basket system that had been in use at this crossing since 1916, allowing children to cross the river as they walked to school. The current bridge was restored between 2004 and 2005 as part of the Trans Canada Trail and was designated a municipal historic site in 2005. The trail goes past historic farm sites, through prairie and forest sections, and the bridge is a short walk from two picnic areas. In winter, the riverbank is used for ice fishing.

Bead Lakes Trail

Riding Mountain National Park: 3.8 km / Loop / Moderate

Bead Lakes Trail passes three of the four Bead Lakes, with side trails that lead down to the water's edge. The trailhead is along Highway 10 with a large parking lot. If you're visiting in May and June, it's best to carry bear spray and make noise on the trail, as this is the time of year when bears and their cubs are out foraging. This trail is best for families comfortable with a moderate loop, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone wanting a quieter alternative to some of the more popular trails near Wasagaming and Clear Lake.

Ominnik Marsh Trail

Riding Mountain National Park: 1.4 km / Loop / Easy

Ominnik Marsh Trail is a short boardwalk trail that meanders through diverse wetland ecosystems, making this one of the most accessible trails in Riding Mountain for all ages and abilities. It's a standout spot for birding — the marsh attracts a wide variety of species throughout the season — and for wildlife photography. Short and flat enough for visitors with limited mobility.

Oxbow Nature Trail

Minnedosa: 3.1 km / Loop / Easy

The Oxbow Nature Trail follows the Little Saskatchewan River through a marsh walk, crosses a swinging bridge and circles past a bison compound, which is a rare combination of habitats in a single short loop! Minnedosa is an underrated small-town stop, perfect for a day trip and this trail is a good reason to slow down and get out of the car. Best for families and anyone driving through the Parkland region looking for a scenic break.

Little Steep Rock Trail

Village of Steep Rock: 4.4 km / Loop / Easy

The Little Steep Rock Trail follows the limestone cliffs along Lake Manitoba's eastern shore are part of the Devonian formation which is a tropical sea bed from 350 million years ago. Hikers regularly spot fossils of ancient corals and brachiopods in the rock faces. The calcium-rich limestone tints the lake water a distinctive turquoise and benches along the cliff top face west for exceptional sunset views. Visit on a weekday in summer to have the place almost entirely to yourself! Parking is at Steep Rock Beach Park.

Bois-des-Esprits

Seine River Greenway: Winnipeg 3.1 km / Loop / Easy

Bois-des-Esprits — French for "Forest of Spirits" — is one of Winnipeg's most beloved urban nature corridors. The trail follows the Seine River through mature forest, with a remarkable collection of whimsically-carved tree sculptures created by local artists woven throughout the route. Active wildlife is common, including woodpeckers, foxes and beavers. An ideal choice for visitors based in Winnipeg who want a quiet natural escape without leaving the city.

Rex Leach Museum Trail

Swan River: 4.7 km / Loop / Easy

The Rex Leach Museum Trail begins behind the Swan Valley Historical Museum and Heritage Village, making it a natural pairing with a visit to the museum itself. The loop winds through forest thick with ferns and passes along quiet sections that feel remote despite being just steps from the heritage grounds. Best for history-minded visitors passing through Swan River or families looking for a quiet loop after exploring the museum.

Half-Day Hikes Between 5 and 10 km in Manitoba

Amisk Trail and Inverness Falls

Whiteshell Provincial Park: 5.8 km / Loop / Moderate

The trailhead for this forested and scenic trail is along a gravel road off Highway 44, just north of Brereton Lake. The route travels over exposed Canadian Shield granite and through mixed forest, with boardwalk sections, rocky terrain and two lookout points with views over the Rennie River. A junction roughly halfway through offers the option to extend to the Inverness Falls spur. Note that wet boardwalk sections can be slippery, so sturdy and/or waterproof footwear is recommended. Dogs are welcome on leash!

Wild Grape and Elm Trail

Beaudry Park: 5.7 km / Loop / Easy

Just a short drive west from Winnipeg is the mesmerizing Beaudry Provincial Park. The forest here contains some of the largest cottonwood, basswood and maple trees in the region, and the Wild Grape and Elm Trail follows the south bank of the Assiniboine River through ferns and wild grapevines. White-tailed deer, fox, owls and beavers are regularly spotted.

Blue Lakes Trail

Duck Mountain Provincial Park: 5.3 km / Loop / Moderate

East and West Blue Lakes are spring-fed, which gives them a shimmering clarity and colour that stands apart from most lakes in the province. The Blue Lakes Trail winds through boreal forest before opening onto views of both lakes. Best visited in summer when the water is at its most vivid. Duck Mountain is roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Winnipeg, making it a worthwhile overnight destination.

Turtle's Back Loop

Turtle Mountain Provincial Park: 6.4 km / Loop / Moderate

Turtle Mountain sits on the Manitoba Escarpment and this the Turtle's Back Loop climbs to one of the park's highest points, where a tower gives you an unobstructed view over the rolling hills of southwestern Manitoba toward the Canada-US border. Best for: anyone driving the southwest corridor who wants a high-vantage-point payoff for a half-day effort.

Langford Trails Loop

Neepawa: 8.7 km / Loop / Moderate

About 10 km east of Neepawa, the Langford Recreational Trails offer a backcountry experience without the backcountry commitment. The system consists of four interconnecting loops and a spur trail to a tamarack marsh, for a total of 8.7 km through oak and aspen forest over sand dunes in the Whitemud Watershed Wildlife Management Area. Because the loops connect, you can tailor the distance to suit your group: a short outing or the full system, depending on your energy and the season.

Full Day and Multi-Day Adventures over 10 km in Manitoba

Rice Creek Tower Trail

Porcupine Provincial Forest: 32.2 km / In and out / Moderate

Porcupine Mountain near Swan River is home to some of the highest elevations in Manitoba and the Rice Creek Tower Trail climbs through active logging country to reach the Rice Creek Lookout. It's one of the most stunning views in the province, looking out over Red Deer Lake and the Pasqua Hills. The old ranger tower is no longer standing, but a picnic table and fire pit remain at the summit. The trail is largely a gravel road which means you can drive in as far as conditions allow and walk the final 3 km from a parking area to the summit. Or commit to the full route for a true challenge. It's recommended to contact the local government office before you go, as road conditions vary with logging activity and wet weather.

Epinette Creek and Newfoundland Ravine Trail

Spruce Woods Provincial Park: 17.2 km - 41.2 km / Loop / Moderate to Hard

The Epinette Creek Trail system consists of four connected loops — Spruce, Juniper, Tamarack, and Newfoundland — that together travel through prairie grasses, mixed forest and rolling sandhills about 180 km west from Winnipeg. In spring, prairie crocuses bloom along the grassland sections, making this trail perfect for adventurous photographers. The Spruce, Juniper and Tamarack route (17.2 km) connects the first three loops for a challenging day hike. Turn it into a multi-day adventure by tackling all four sections (41.2 km) with an overnight stay in the Jackfish Lake Cabin. You'll need to reserve the cabinin advance by calling the Carberry District Office directly at 204-834-8800.

Elk Island Loop Trail

Victoria Beach / Elk Island: 16.3 km / Loop / Easy

Accessible from Sandy Bay, the Elk Island Loop Trail sits north of Victoria Beach on Lake Winnipeg. The route follows sandy shoreline around the island's perimeter, with opportunities to swim when the heat peaks. The distance and access point make this a commitment, so build in a full day and go prepared with water and food, as there are no facilities on the island. Best for experienced day hikers comfortable with route-finding.

Centennial Trail

Whiteshell Provincial Park: 35.1 km / Point-to-point / Moderate

The Centennial Trail travels across the boreal shield, crossing high granite ridges, areas of bog and a series of forest ecosystems before reaching McGillivray Falls — one of the most scenic waterfall destinations in the Whiteshell. It connects to the Trans Canada Trail and is well-suited to hikers who want a longer, more varied day in the park. A car shuttle between start and end points makes the most sense for the point-to-point format.

Grey Owl Trail

Riding Mountain National Park: 14.2 km / Out-and-back / Moderate

The Grey Owl Trail passes through Jack pine forest and clusters of aspen, poplar, and balsam ending at Beaver Lake, which is the site of the 1931 cabin where conservationist Archie Belaney, known controversially as Grey Owl, lived and worked during his time as the Dominion Parks Service's first naturalist. White-tailed deer, beaver, fox, moose, and coyote have all been spotted along the route. Plan for approximately five hours return. The Ominnik Marsh Trail (under 5 km) makes a good pairing for a full day in the park.

Millennium Trail

Thompson: 12.6 km / Loop / Easy

Thompson is Northern Manitoba's largest city and the Millennium Trail traces the perimeter through boreal forest and past city landmarks including the Heritage North Museum. Best for visitors spending time in Thompson who want to stretch their legs and get a feel for the north.

Pinawa Dam and the Trans Canada Trail

Pinawa Dam Provincial Park: 28 km / Point-to-point / Moderate to Difficult

The seven-section route moves from the Seven Sisters Generating Station through boreal forest, across granite ridges and alongside the Winnipeg River before reaching the historic Pinawa Dam Provincial Park. The dam itself, which was decommissioned in 1951, is a striking industrial ruin now reclaimed by forest and river and one of the most photogenic destinations in eastern Manitoba. A vehicle shuttle is required for the full point-to-point. Sections can also be hiked individually as day trips from Pinawa.

Travelling from west to north:

• Seven Sisters Trail: 8.5 km
• Willis West: 2.1 km
• The Ironwood Park and Trail: 4.0 km
• Pinawa Channel Heritage Walk: 3.5 km
• Alice Chambers Trail: 2.9 km
• Westdal: 2.0 km
• Old Pinawa Trail: 3.8 km

Plan Your Hiking Trip

Manitoba's trails are largely open from May through October, with the shoulder seasons, particularly September and early October, offering some of the best conditions: cooler temperatures, fall colour and far fewer people. Multi-day routes like the Epinette Creek Trail and Rice Creek Tower Trail are best attempted June through September, though spring can mean wet conditions and active bear movement.

A few practical notes:

• Park entry fees apply at all Manitoba provincial parks and thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission is free for Riding Mountain National Park until September 7, 2026.
• Bug spray is non-negotiable from late May through July on most trails.
• Bear awareness applies to any backcountry route; carry spray and know how to use it.
• If you're heading to a remote trail like Rice Creek Tower, let someone know your itinerary and check in with them when you start and end your hike.