Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find day trip hiking trails, multi-day hiking trails?

Trails Manitoba offers handy maps with summer and winter trails that include estimated time to complete each trail, so you can select the trail that fits your timeline. On AllTrails, you can filter trails by length and difficulty levels, as well as distance from your location. Try Trail Forks app for detailed trail information and offline maps.

Blueberry Rock Trail is an easy 1.8 km loop on the Trans Canada Trail. Blueberry Rock Trail crosses granite landscape alongside a forest. Hike for a view of the Canadian Shield and the open rock quarry.

Turtle’s Back Loop is a moderate trail 6.4 km in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. The trail climbs to one of the park’s highest points providing an unobstructed view of the hills of southwestern Manitoba.

Centennial Trail is a multi-day trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park that stretches 35 km across the boreal shield, high granite ridges, areas of bog and forest ecosystems. The trail culminates in one of the most scenic waterfall destinations in the Whiteshell, McGillivray Falls.

Browse 20 spectacular trails in Manitoba here.

Where can I find family-friendly hiking trails?

Use trail filters on AllTrails to find trails in easy and moderate difficulty levels. Use an AI-powered assistant on travelmanitoba.com to pick the best trail for your skill level (click the red chat icon in the bottom-right corner of the page to begin) and visualize it on a map.

1.4 km Ominnik Marsh Trail in Riding Mountain and 1.8 km Blueberry Rock Trail in Lac du Bonnet are some of the best choices for a family hike. Explore diverse wetland ecosystems, spot birds and other wildlife.

For slightly more challenging hikes, check out 3 km Oxbow Nature Trail that follows the Little Saskatchewan River through a marsh walk, crosses a swinging bridge and circles past a bison compound. 4.4 km Little Steep Rock Trail is another option if you want to see the limestone cliffs along Lake Manitoba’s eastern shore. The rocks that are part of the Devonian formation dating back 350 million years tint the water here a spectacular turquoise colour.

How to find accessible hiking trails in Manitoba?

Provincial parks in Manitoba have plenty of trails accessible to visitors with different mobility ranges. The Bur Oak Trail in Birds Hill Provincial Park and Blue Trail in St. Malo Provincial Park are mobility-friendly 1-km trails that offer scenic views of an aspen forest and lakeshore, respectively.

Browse the list of accessible trails here.

How to track your hiking progress?

Track distance covered, speed and even get predictions on when you’ll complete a hike with specialized apps like Strava or AllTrails.

What are the best trails in Whiteshell Provincial Park?

Some of the best trails in /whiteshell-provincial-park/ are Hunt Lake Trail, Top of the World Trail and Pine Point Rapids. Hunt Lake Trail is a challenging 12.6 km round-trip hike that takes three to six hours to complete. You’ll go along the rocky terrain along the steep shores of Hunt Lake and West Hawk Lake. 4 km Top of the World Trail culminates in a 180-degree view of Falcon Lake. This will take you between one hour and an hour and a half to complete.

Pine Point Rapids near Nutimik Lake is a longer 8.2 km trail that showcases Manitoba’s forests, rapids and waterfalls. Plan approximately three to four hours for this hike.

How to avoid getting lost while hiking in Manitoba?

Many parks and trails may fall outside your cell provider range, so make sure you download the map of the area before you head out. You can download an area map on Google Maps or specialized hiking apps like AllTrails and Trail Forks. Bring a paper map and a compass on your hike and make sure you always stay on marked trails to avoid dangerous cliffs, slippery rocks or getting lost.

Make sure your phone and GPS tracker are fully charged and pack hiking emergency essentials, including sufficient water and food for the duration of your hike and any detours. Remember to bring a flashlight, first-aid kit, emergency shelter, sun and bug protection.

Pay attention to your surroundings as you hike. Remember which path got you to your current location in case you need to trace your steps. Research advice from seasoned hikers before you head out.

How to stay hydrated while hiking?

Carry more water than you expect to need in case of unexpected delays or detours. Distance and weather will determine how much water each member of your group will need.

If you are heading out on a remote trail, bring enough food and water to get you through an unexpected overnight stay. For longer hikes, bring a water-treatment system as a backup in case you run out of water and need to use water from nearby rapids or lakes in case of an emergency.

Learn what to pack for your hike from the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

How to avoid common hiking mistakes?

Not planning your hike well enough is one of the most common mistakes. Neglecting to bring sufficient provisions and getting too tired to complete your hike in the time you’ve allocated can turn your outing from an exciting adventure into a stressful problem. Make sure you plan your outing and research the route and common recommendations for the hike.

Other common hiking mistakes include picking a trail that’s too difficult for your skill level, wandering off the marked route, not bringing enough supplies or packing a heavy backpack, drinking untreated water, feeding or interacting with wild animals or touching or eating unknown plants. All of these can be dangerous and result in injury or loss of life. Avoid these by staying on marked trails, planning and adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

What are safety tips for hiking?

To stay safe on your hike, check conditions before you leave, pack the essentials to keep you hydrated, nourished and protected against the elements and wildlife. Plan for unexpected delays or detours, keep a respectful distance from wildlife and leave no trace. Be cautious around water as slippery rocks, flash floods or heavy rainfalls can be dangerous. Know what to do in emergencies and bring a first-aid kit. Check for wildfires or floods in the area before you head out on your trip.

Check the Know Before You Know page for more information.