The best walks and hikes in Manitoba

Riding Mountain National Park spans an expansive 2,969 square kilometres of forest, lakes, and rolling hills at the edge of the prairie. The park protects a mix of boreal, aspen, and grassland ecosystems that support a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, moose, and wolves. With over 400 kilometres of trails, sandy beaches at Clear Lake, and secluded spots for year-round recreation, it offers the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and beautiful prairie-parkland scenery.

Moon Lake Trail runs just over nine kilometres that loops around the shoreline, crossing 16 small streams and into a beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers on the north side of the lake. It’s a moderately challenging and can be muddy in places, but it's an ideal path complete with the peaceful sounds of birds, solitude, and classic boreal beauty.

Moon Lake is beautiful and quiet, surrounded by forest in Riding Mountain National Park with a day use area, campground, and a small dock for paddling or fishing. It’s a good base for exploring nearby trails year-round, perfect for hiking in summer, with fewer crowds than Clear Lake. There is plenty of wildlife, including loons, moose, and an occasional black bear. It's a peaceful setting that feels remote without being difficult to reach.

Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve protects 1,240 hectares of rare wetland habitat in southeastern Manitoba, including one of the few calcareous fens in North America. The reserve is home to more than 20 provincially rare or uncommon plant species, including 28 native orchids and eight carnivorous plants, like pitcher plants and sundews. Long used by the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation for gathering medicinal plants and practicing traditional land use, the area remains a vital place for both biodiversity and cultural heritage, with public access available via the nearby interpretive boardwalk trail.

The Brokenhead Wetland Trail is a unique boardwalk path that winds through a rare mix of boreal forest, cedar swamp, and calcareous fen, one of the rarest types of wetland in North America. Along the way, interpretive signs share the deep cultural knowledge of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, whose members have long gathered medicinal plants, hunted, and fished in this area. The trail offers a quiet, educational walk through one of Manitoba’s most biologically diverse wetlands, home to pitcher plants, native orchids, and more than 20 rare or uncommon species.

Whiteshell Provincial Park stretches across more than 2,700 square kilometres, protecting boreal forests, granite ridges, and over 200 lakes on the Canadian Shield. It's celebrated for its beautiful canoe routes, particularly the Caddy Lake tunnels, as well as its crystal-clear swimming lakes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking, paddling, skiing, and snowmobiling. The park is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including black bears, moose, beavers, and an impressive variety of bird species such as loons, bald eagles, and pileated woodpeckers.

Bear Lake is a peaceful gem surrounded by granite outcrops and dense boreal forests. It’s clear, pristine water, along with the classic Canadian Shield scenery, creates a picturesque and tranquil spot perfect for enjoying solitude and connecting with nature amid the natural beauty of the Whiteshell.

This trail is a well-maintained route dotted with beautiful wildflowers that weaves over ancient granite ridges and through clusters of jack pine. Parts of the trail can be muddy, so prepare for wet and slippery conditions, especially after rain. As you get closer to the lake, you’ll traverse over a rocky ridge lined with ropes, which makes it relatively easy to cross. Once you reach the lake, you’ll find a lovely picnic area that is the perfect spot to rest and take in the surrounding wilderness.