Go outside. Breathe in the fresh air. Smile at nature’s beauty. Let’s all take some time to appreciate this beautiful place we live in by walking these 10 amazing trails that you may have never heard of.
1. Rice Creek Tower Trail — Porcupine Provincial Forest 32.2 km/In and out/Moderate
This off-the-beaten-path trail is not without its rewards. A multi-day hike will bring you to the Rice Creek Lookout - offering one of the best views in the Manitoba Lowlands. If you don’t have the option of a multi-day hike, you can drive to the last portion of the trail (3 km).
2. Willow and Deadwood Loop — Morden 3.4 km/Loop/Moderate
If you find yourself In the quaint city of Morden, take some time to walk this moderately difficult hike that will take you along the shorelines of Lake Minnewasta in a series of climbs and descents. Opt to do the hike in the summer and reward yourself with a dip into the lake afterwards!
3. Amisk/Inverness Falls Trails — Whiteshell Provincial Park 5.5 km/Loop/Easy
Pack a picnic lunch and journey up this forested trail to a scenic spot on top of the rock ridge, which looks out onto the lake on one side and to the river on the other. Continue down the rock ridge to find several benches that overlook the Rennie River and a beaver dam. Back up the trail to the top of the ridge, take a right for approximately 1 km to get to Inverness Falls Beach and a picnic area with washrooms. A view of the falls is available from the block road. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your best friend (just keep them on leash and off of the beach).
4. Neepawa/Langford Trail — Great Trail Portion — Neepawa 9.5 km/Loop/Easy
Get outside and explore a fantastic portion of the Great Trail in Neepawa. The town hosts over 10 km of trails that will lead you by landmarks such as the Stony Creek School No. 133, the Canada 150 commemorative loop and Neepawa’s downtown.
5. Seine River Greenway — Bois-des-Esprits — Winnipeg 3.1 km/Loop/Easy
There’s much to discover along this urban trail: keep an eye out for an amazing collection of whimsical tree carvings and active wildlife.
6. Turtle’s Back Loop — Turtle Mountain Provincial Park 6.4 km/Loop/Moderate
Turtle’s Back Loop leads to one of Turtle Mountain’s highest points where a tower gives you the best vantage point for a breathtaking view of southwestern Manitoba.
7. Epinette Creek and Newfoundland Ravine Trail — Spruce Woods Provincial Park
29.6 km/Loop/Moderate
Travel through the grasslands and stay overnight at the Jackfish cabin along the Epinette Creek and Newfoundland Ravine Trail (reservations can be made by calling 204-834-8800). In the springtime, keep your eyes peeled for Manitoba’s provincial flower, the prairie crocus!
8. Wild Grape and Elm Trail — Beaudry Park — Cartier 5.7 km/Loop/Easy
Just a short drive from Winnipeg is the mesmerizing Beaudry Park. The forest is home to some of the largest cottonwood, basswood and maple trees in the region. The Wild Grape and Elm Trail will take you along the south bank of the Assiniboine River, through lush ferns and wild grapevines. The trails are known for wildlife, so watch for white-tailed deer, fox, owls, beavers and more.
9. Blue Lakes Trail — Duck Mountain Provincial Park 5.3 km/Loop/Moderate
So you like clear, shimmering lakes, do you? Venture out onto the Blue Lakes Trail in Duck Mountain Provincial Park and get a fantastic view of two of Manitoba’s most beautiful spring-fed bodies of water: the East and West Blue Lakes.
10. Senkiw Bridge Loop — Roseau River 2.4 km/Loop/Easy
While there are many interesting portions to check out along the historic Crow Wing Trail, the Senkiw Bridge Loop is one of our favourites. The Senkiw Swinging Bridge was constructed in 1946 so that children could cross the Roseau River in order to get to school; an excellent alternative to the previous method, in which children would simply be hoisted across in a hand-powered cable basket.
Wherever you travel throughout the province this summer, please remember to continue to practise physical distancing and be COVID careful.
— For more Manitoba travel ideas please visit www.travelmanitoba.com