Top 6 Hiking Trails in Manitoba on Trans Canada Trail
Popular Trails of Manitoba to Hike and Bike
This list of the best hikes in Manitoba Canada includes our favourite sections of the Trans Canada Trail in the prairie province of Manitoba for hiking and cycling. With more than 1400 km of the Trans Canada Trail (formerly the Great Trail) in Manitoba, choosing the best paths, rail trails, cycling routes, and cross-country ski trails is challenging. Manitoba's section of the Great Trail allows hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers to traverse the vast Boreal forests of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Alternatively, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy the beautiful Asessippi Valley or venture through Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Or, cyclists can explore the open landscapes of the prairies or explore the urban pathways of Winnipeg. Regardless of whether you set out to explore a single trail, trek the entire system, or cycle across the province, the top sections of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba are worth a place on your bucket list!...the sea, the woods, the mountains
by Albert Pike
all suffer in comparison with the prairie ...
the prairie has a stronger hold upon the senses.
Best Hikes in Manitoba Canada includes the South Whiteshell Trail
The South Whiteshell Trail runs from the Ontario border to Rennie, through the stunning forested landscapes of Whiteshell Provincial Park. In addition, the 59 km long South Whiteshell Trail is part of network of over 100 km of pathways within the park. Specifically, the well established route begins by taking hikers and cyclists through the resort community of Falcon Beach on the shores of Falcon Lake. Next, this part of the Trans Canada Trail circles West Hawk Lake, which was famously created by a meteor strike. Finally, it heads north to Caddy Lake, venturing over the rugged Canadian Shield, granite cliffs, dense Boreal forests, and to the shores of gorgeous lakes. Hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, relaxing at a lakeside resort, and visiting the Bannock Point Petroforms are just a few of the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed along the Trans Canada Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Insider Tip: The South Whiteshell Trail overlaps with the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail, which is a must-do trail for birders!
Pinawa Trail
The Pinawa Trail is located just north of Whiteshell Provincial Park. As part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Pinawa Trail is a multiuse, all-season pathway. It stretches 28 km from the Seven Sisters Generation Station to Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park. Interestingly, it passes through the planned community of Pinawa, which is also known as the Deer Capital of Manitoba. This nickname seemed highly appropriate during our visit, when large groups of deer were hanging out in the middle of town! As a result, the Pinawa Trail provides a wonderful of mix of urban and backcountry wilderness pathways, taking people past ponds, rivers, and forested areas. Highlights along the route include the Pinawa Heritage Walk, the Pinawa Suspension Bridge, and the historic Pinawa Dam. These are just a few of the reasons the Pinawa Trail made it onto our list of the best hikes in Manitoba Canada.
Insider Tip: Bring your camera! The Pinawa Suspension Bridge is a great spot for a selfie, and you're sure to spot some deer along the trail.
Duff Roblin Parkway Trail
The Duff Roblin Parkway Trail is the third choice on our list of the best hikes in Manitoba Canada to hike and bike as we move from east to west across the province. The Duff Roblin Parkway Trail is a 44 km section of the much longer Red River North Trail. Specifically, it follows the Red River Floodway from Lockport to Duff Roblin Provincial Park, passing Birds Hill Provincial Park and skirting around Winnipeg on the way.Red River Floodway
Provincially known as "Duff's Ditch", the Red River Floodway was built between 1962 and 1968. Amazingly, it is one of the country's most expansive flood protection measures ever undertaken. Specifically, it was designed to protect Winnipeg and the surrounding agricultural land from floods along the Red River. Therefore, since its development it is believed to have saved tens of billions of dollars in flood damage! In 2013, redevelopment of the floodway included the creation of a 44 km long section of paved, level, walking, jogging, and cycling pathway around the eastern edge of Winnipeg from Lockport to St. Norbert.Wildlife viewing along the Duff Roblin Parkway
One of the key reasons we included the Duff Roblin Parkway on our list of best trails in Manitoba Canada is the opportunity to view birds and wildlife so close to the city limits. During our cross-Canada Come Walk With Us Expedition, we spotted red foxes and coyotes on the open grassy fields bordering the floodway. In addition, large flocks of American White Pelicans and other waterfowl were swimming in its waters. Further, while only a small segment of this well developed path is part of the Trans Canada Trail, the entire route is worthwhile. From end to end, additional wildlife viewing opportunities along the Duff Roblin Parkway can be experienced in Birds hill Provincial Park, Duff Roblin Provincial Park, and St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park.
City of Winnipeg Manitoba Trails
The City of Winnipeg Trails form a terrific network of well developed and maintained paths across Winnipeg that includes some of our favorite trails in Canada. The Trans Canada Trail in Winnipeg allows hikers, cyclists, and joggers to visit urban green spaces like Fort Douglas Park, Whittier Park, and Sir John Franklin Park. In addition, users pass historic sites like Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park. Furthermore, there are opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and test your skills on epic mountain bike tracts – all in the same city!Highlights of the City of Winnipeg Trails
Specifically, highlights along the Trans Canada Trail in Winnipeg include visiting The Forks National Historic Site of Canada at the cultural and social centre of the city. Furthermore, you can enjoy amazing wildlife viewing opportunities by following the Aspen to Preston Trail through Assiniboine Park or venturing along the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail out to Beaudry Provincial Park. Finally, exploring the Thundering Bison Trail through Fort Whyte Alive takes you to one of the best birding hotspots in Winnipeg. The ability to connect with nature, venture along trails through tunnels of trees, and visit nature sanctuaries and historic sites along one pathway are some of the reasons the City of Winnipeg Trails are on our list of best hikes in Manitoba Canada. Furthermore, if you're visiting Winnipeg, the Trans Canada Trail is a great way to explore the city and to foster a deeper connection with nature and with yourself.
Insider Tip: If you are looking for an epic mountain bike challenge of fat biking adventure in the City of Winnipeg be sure to check out the trails of Fort Whyte Alive!
Crow Wing Trail Pilgrimage Route
The Crow Wing Trail Pilgrimage Route is the next choice on our list of the top sections of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba to hike and bike. It is also one of our favourite Canadian Camino routes, like the pilgrimage route in Ontario. In addition, at 198 km in length, it is the longest Trans Canada Trail section in Manitoba. The Crow Wing Trail begins at the southern edge of Winnipeg and runs south to Emerson, on the Canada-US border. Furthermore, it follows the historical route of the Red River Ox Cart Trail. Interestingly, this route was used throughout the 1800s to transport goods to and from both the Red River and the Crow Wing Settlements.
More than just a trail
Much of the pilgrimage route follows backcountry gravel roads. However, it offers opportunities to visit the famous Senkiw Swing Bridge over the Roseau River. In addition, it takes hikers and cyclists to the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and Grotto in St. Malo. Furthermore, if offers opportunities to learn about early setter history at the Mennonite Memorial Landing Site at the junction of the Rat and Red Rivers. Finally, in Emerson hikers have the opportunity to walk along the international boundary between Canada and US.
A Camino Experience
Along the Crow Wing Trail, hikers, cyclists, and pilgrims enjoy a true prairie experience, which is reminiscent of the Meseta landscape along the Camino Frances in Spain. In addition, pilgrims can collect stamps in a pilgrim passport at accommodations, businesses, and attractions in the communities of St. Adolphe, Niverville (the home of GORP), Shelburne, St Pierre-Jolys, St. Malo Provincial Park, and Emerson. Moreover, the Crow Wing Trail is partnered with the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This means that pilgrims who have trekked 25 km of the Crow Wing Trail can count this towards receiving their Compostela (certificate of completion) on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Insider Tip: To learn more about Canadian Caminos and pilgrimage routes across Canada check out this article!
Crocus Trail
The Crocus Trail is the final choice on our list of best hikes in Manitoba Canada. This is the most westerly section of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba, extending 145 km north from Russell to the Saskatchewan border. Interestingly, the Crocus Trail picks up where the Rossburn Subdivision Trail ends, which is one of the top ATV routes on the Trans Canada Trail. Much of the route follows backcountry gravel roads. However, major highlights along the route include visiting Asessippi Provincial Park and the Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site - a national treasure that was featured by Rick Mercer.
Connecting to nature on the Crocus Trail
The final 17 km of the Crocus Trail leaves the backcountry roads and becomes a gorgeous footpath through the lush Duck Mountain Provincial Forest. In this stretch the trail builders and volunteers of the Crocus Trail have done an outstanding job connecting visitors and hikers to nature. In particular, hikers can enjoy a walk in the woods, spot amazing wildlife, and view dozens of bird species. In addition, the trail skirts around the beautiful Benson, Bird and Slip Lakes. As an added bonus, while the Crocus Trail technically ends on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, the route of the Trans Canada Trail takes visitors into the wonderful Duck Mountain Provincial Park in Saskatchewan which has great opportunities for camping.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, our list of the best hikes in Manitoba Canada includes our favourite sections of the Trans Canada Trail for hiking and biking in this beautiful prairie province.Simply put, the great trails of Manitoba showcase amazing landscapes, terrific wildlife viewing opportunities, and a glimpse of prairie life. Furthermore, there are plenty of fantastic options for weekend walkers, thru-hikers, long-distance cyclists, mountain bike enthusiasts, and ATV drivers. There is something for everyone on the great trails of Manitoba!