Trail Guide/Etiquette
With more than 400 km (250 miles) of trails, Riding Mountain offers a variety of walking and hiking opportunities for all abilities. You can choose a short walk on one of the self-guided trails, a longer day hike into Grey Owl's cabin or around Moon Lake, or take a multi-day trip into the backcountry.
You are in Bear Country. Avoid a bear encounter, if you encounter a bear, if an attack occurs...
Front Country Trails
Backcountry Trails
Trails
Arrowhead
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 3.4 km (return)
TIME: 1 to 2 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 7 km (10 minutes)
With the use of the Arrowhead Trail booklet, available at the Visitor Centre, guide yourself along this rolling terrain. Learn about the flora and the fauna that has adapted to this land once influenced by glaciers
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Bald Hill
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 8.8 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 24 km (40 minutes)
While on your journey look for Bald Hill, a curious natural feature (250 feet above Bald Hill Creek) that can easily be seen from the trail. When planning your trip, keep in mind there are several steep sections along the trail that create a good challenge for those who attempt to ascend its slopes.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Baldy Lake
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 10 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 86 km (1-1.5 hours)
Looking for an alternative to Central Trail? Whether you hike, cycle or horseback ride, travel is made easy along this route. Wildlife sightings are not only common throughout the prairie-pothole terrain, but an enjoyable experience as well.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Beach Ridges
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 3.5 km (return)
TIME: 1.5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 48 km (45 minutes)
Are you interested in some natural history? Then take a hike along this interpretive trail to learn how glacial Lake Agassiz formed these beach ridges thousands of years ago. While on the north side of the park stop at the Agassiz Tower to get a view of the farmland below.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Bead Lakes
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 4 km (return)
TIME: 2 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 25 km (15 minutes)
Bead Lakes, an enjoyable day hike for the family, is named for the chain of small lakes found at its mid-point. While on this trail, you will pass through a mature white birch forest, and an understory of hazel, young aspen and white spruce.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Birdtail
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 11.4 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 106 km (1.5 hours)
This species-rich trail is a great choice for a rewarding outdoor experience. You will be introduced to a combination of mixed forest and fescue meadows.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Boreal Island
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 1 km (return)
TIME: 1 hour DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 34 km (20-25 minutes)
Cool, humid, pungent, and alive! This is what you will sense as you hike along the Boreal Island Trail. A great outing for the whole family and accessible for all! Remember to watch for moose along the way.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Brûlé ( Virtual Tour)
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: Short loop - 2.2 km (return), Long loop - 4.2 km (return)
TIME: Short loop - 1 hour, Long loop - 2.5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 7 km (10 minutes)
Have you ever wondered what the Lilium philadelphicum was? Well, it is the Wood Lily of course! To learn about and view a variety of wildflowers hike the Brûlé Trail. With the help of the guide booklet, available at the Visitor Centre, you will surely enjoy this outing.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Burls and Bittersweet
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 2.2 km (return)
TIME: 1 hour
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 34 km (45 minutes)
This easy self-guiding trail leads you into the diverse, eastern hardwood forest on the base of the Manitoba Escarpment. With the use of a guidebook, available at the Visitor Centre, it is a fun way for kids of all ages to learn about and view the flora and fauna of the area.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Central
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 73 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 43 km (1 hour)
Central is the longest trail in Riding Mountain National Park. No longer used as a patrol road, it is the main entryway into the western half of the park, providing access to seven other trails.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Clear Lake
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 25.2 km (one-way).
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: .5 km or 5.3 km (5-10 minutes)
This trail provides an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of nature and the tranquillity of this spring fed lake. Convenient access to Clear Lake Trail is available at several points along its 25.2 km distance. Before embarking on this long stroll or bike ride, be aware that you'll be crossing through Indian Reserve 61A. It should be noted that this Reserve area is NOT maintained or regulated by Riding Mountain National Park. Therefore, caution is advised as this section of the trail is not clearly marked. If you are going to hike the entire trail, you should get permission from I.R. 61A at 1 (204) 625-2004.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Cowan Lake
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 7.8 km (one way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 15 km (10-15 minutes)
The Cowan Lake Trail is an excellent route for anyone contemplating their first overnight hike Nestled between Whirlpool Campsite and Grey Owl Trail, it offers quick and convenient alternatives for both day and overnight uses.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Crawford Creek
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 5 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 51 km (45 minutes)
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Gorge Creek
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 6.4 km (one-way)
TIME: 3 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 27 km (40 minutes)
Hiking the steep slopes of Gorge Creek trail, one can observe the effects of thousands of years of erosion - a gorge cut out of the bedrock that forms part of the Manitoba Escarpment. A sequence of vegetation types begins with aspen/hazel forests followed by oak/nanny berry scrubland and concludes with Manitoba maple, American elm, green ash, and white birch.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Grasshopper Valley
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 17.9 km (return)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 41 km (1 hour)
Unique as it is rare, this remnant grassland area is representative of the prairie that once extended across most of Western Canada. Skirting the edge of the bison enclosure, this trail evokes an appreciation of the remaining prairie habitat!
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Grey Owl
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 8.7 km - 17.4
TIME: 5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 7 km (10 minutes)
Take a day out of your visit to Riding Mountain National Park to explore the wilderness that Archie Belaney (commonly known as Grey Owl) experienced during his six-month stay at Beaver Lodge Lake. The cabin at the end of the trail is named for the first naturalist hired by the national parks. Although Grey Owl only resided here for 6 months in the summer of 1931, his stay and this cabin represents one of the earliest efforts to practice conservation in Canada's national parks. As "caretaker of park animals," Grey Owl focused Canada's, and the world's, attention on the plight of wild animals and wild spaces. His job also included the education of park visitors. Today, you can still enjoy the spirit of Grey Owl's educational talks by attending one of the park interpretive programs. The trail length is 17 km return, and makes for a great day hike (and a slightly rough mountain bicycle trip). Inside the cabin there is a display on Grey Owl's life while he stayed in the park.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
JET
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 7.3 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 24 km (40 minutes)
Named after James E. Thomlinson, the J.E.T. Trail offers an exhilarating ride for mountain bike enthusiasts . The reward along this trail is the great view from the ridge, allowing one to scan the horizon for miles. For alternative sights follow the two spur trails (2.4 km along the descent) to see Packhorse Creek or the shaled slopes of Bald Hill.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Kinosao
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 4 km
TIME: 1 to 1.5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 7 km (10 minutes)
Similar in terrain to the Grey Owl and Brûlé Trails, Kinosao guides you along a gentle rolling path to the shore of Kinosao Lake. While resting at the dock, hikers can dangle their feet in the water, enjoy a snack or just relax before hiking the remainder of the trail.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Kippan's Mill
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.2 km (return)
TIME: 1 hour
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 40 km (40 minutes)
Step into the past as you hike this short trail that explores the remnants of the park's logging history. Don't expect to see any lumberjacks today, but you may spot some old foundations and paraphenalia from this logging camp of the 1940s.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Lakeshore
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: Short loop - 1 km (return), Long loop - 2.6 km (return)
TIME: Short loop - 30 minutes, Long loop - 1 hour
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 5 minute walk from the Visitor Centre
While enjoying your after dinner ice cream, treat your family to a sunset walk along this accessible trail. Here you can feel a cool, summer breeze while watching the twilight colours dance off the waves.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Long Lake
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 14 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 50 km (1-1.5 hours)
One can take a break from Central Trail and head south to Long Lake. Here you will find a tranquil, picturesque campsite where you can swim, relax or fish for northern pike.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Loon's Island
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 2.4 km (return)
TIME: 1 hour
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 9 km (10-15 minutes)
Loon's Island Trail requires you to use your senses! While hiking along the shore of Lake Katherine listen for the echoing call of the loons, watch them dive and swim in the nearby water as you inhale the fresh, clean air. Along this trail, nature will surely "touch" you!
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Moon Lake
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 9.2 km (return)
TIME: 3-4 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 35 km (20-25 minutes)
Easily accessible from Moon Lake campground and picnic site, Moon Lake Trail gradually becomes easier as it encircles the north Eastern Shore of the lake. Interested in bird watching? Watch for osprey and bald eagles, or their nests along the trail. This trail is "difficult," due to its length and low lying wet spots.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Muskrat Lake
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 7 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 27 km (1 hour)
This gentle rolling trail heads eastward from Rolling River Road to the intersection with the South Escarpment Trail. Due to beaver activity, it is highly recommended that you check the trail conditions before heading out on your excursion.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
North Escarpment
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 9.2 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 24 km (40 minutes)
Explore the North Escarpment Trail with its eastern hardwood forests and scenic highlands. This trail provides access to three trails that descend the escarpment: Bald Hill, J.E.T., and Packhorse. A circular route can be travelled beginning at any one of these trailheads, thus creating several unique trail loops.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Oak Ridge
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: Short loop - 3 km (return), Long loop - 6.4 km (return)
TIME: Short loop - 1.5 hours, Long loop - 2 to 2.5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 60 km (1 hour)
If you want to take "the road less traveled," this is the trail for you. See the sights that few have seen: the Manitoba Escarpment, Scott Creek Gorge and a forest of oak and hazel.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Ochre River
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 24.9 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 23 km (20 minutes)
Plan your first trip well and you will be tempted to come back year after year to trek this rugged and exhilarating trail. There isn't another experience in Riding Mountain National Park that equals a trip on Ochre River Trail.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Ominnik Marsh
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.9 km
TIME: 1 hour
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 5 minute walk from the Visitor Centre.
Ominnik Marsh provides excellent opportunities to experience one of the park's busiest environments. Borrow a Marsh Kit from the Visitor Centre before walking the boardwalk at Ominnik Marsh.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Packhorse
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 9.5 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 24 km (40 minutes)
Having a gentler slope than Bald Hill and J.E.T., this trail still offers adventure for those interested in experiencing the escarpment's ruggedness. Following a gorge cut by Packhorse Creek, this trail exemplifies the gradual process of stream erosion.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Robinson Loop
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 6.7 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 27 km (40 minutes)
This scenic trail branches off the South Escarpment trail and rejoins it further south to form a loop. The trail crosses patches of prairie grasslands along stretches of the McFadden Valley.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Scott Creek
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.8 km (one-way)
TIME: 1 hour
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 60 km (1 hour)
Easily accessible from Agassiz Ski Hill Road, this trail is a great hike for first time backcountry campers. It offers you a brief and exciting introduction to the escarpment and the eastern section of the park.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
South Escarpment
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 31.8 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 27 km (40 minutes)
Venture out on this scenic trail which begins in an old burn area and proceeds over a prairie landscape into the McFadden Valley. The autumn season accentuates the numerous breath-taking viewpoints encountered along the trek.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Strathclair
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAIL LENGTH: 22.9 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 43 km (1 hour)
Used for centuries by the natives and early settlers of the area, the Strathclair Trail has often provided north-south passage through this highland region. Its mixture of forest and meadows provide a great opportunity for wildlife viewing, especially elk and white-tailed deer.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Sugarloaf
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: 8 km (one-way)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 123 km (1.5-2 hours)
At the southern tip of this pleasant trail you will reach the Birdtail River Valley and connect to Central Trail. Keep your eyes open for the usual signs of wildlife: tracks, scats and the live one!
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Tilson
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Difficult
TRAIL LENGTH: 38.5 km (return)
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 106 km (1.5 hours)
Take advantage of the diverse photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities along this trail. Tilson Campsite, situated high above the surrounding aspen parkland offers a splendid view of the lake below. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera! A word of advice to potential bikers, "Tilson is hell for wheels", quoted from park Warden Steve Malcolm.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
Wasagaming Bike
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAIL LENGTH: Short loop - 10 km (return), Long loop - 15 km (return)
TIME: Short loop - 1 hour, Long loop - 1.5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD FROM WASAGAMING: 5 minutes from the Visitor Centre
Are you looking for a leisurely bike trail that is close to Wasagaming? Then this is the trail for you! It is ideal for all ages and provides an excellent experience for the beginning trail rider.
Map
Front Country Trail Index
Back Country Trail Index
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