One of Manitoba's Most Beloved Backcountry Trails Is Coming Back
Good news for wilderness lovers across Canada: the Mantario Trail in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park is expected to reopen in late June, following what Manitoba Parks is calling "remarkable" progress in the trail's post-wildfire restoration.
The rugged backcountry route — a favourite among serious hikers for its remote lakes, Canadian Shield terrain, and multi-day wilderness experience — was forced to close after wildfires swept through the region in 2025, scorching sections of the trail and damaging critical infrastructure along the way.
What Happened to the Trail
The 2025 wildfire season hit parts of Manitoba particularly hard, and the Mantario Trail was caught in the path of the destruction. Stretching roughly 63 kilometres through the Canadian Shield, the trail is one of the most challenging and scenic backcountry hikes in the province, drawing experienced hikers from across Canada who come for its pristine lakes, granite outcroppings, and true wilderness feel.
When fire damaged sections of the route, Manitoba Parks made the call to close access entirely — both for hiker safety and to give the land a chance to begin recovering. Restoration crews got to work assessing damage, clearing hazard trees, rebuilding water crossings, and repairing the trail tread itself.
Progress Described as 'Remarkable'
According to Manitoba Parks, the pace of recovery has exceeded expectations. Restoration teams have been working steadily through the spring to get the trail back into shape, and officials say conditions have improved enough to target a late June reopening.
The timeline is welcome news for backcountry enthusiasts who had already been planning summer trips around the trail's hopeful return. The Mantario is the kind of hike that requires significant preparation — multi-day permits, bear canisters, and solid navigation skills are all part of the deal — so hikers will need that lead time to plan accordingly.
What to Know Before You Go
While the reopening date is encouraging, Manitoba Parks is reminding hikers that post-fire landscapes require extra caution. Hikers should expect:
- Hazard trees — burned and weakened trees can fall without warning, particularly in windy conditions
- Changed terrain — fire can alter drainage patterns and trail surfaces
- Reduced shade — burned canopy means more sun exposure along sections of the route
- Wildlife activity — recovering ecosystems often see increased wildlife movement
Parks officials are expected to share updated trail conditions and any access restrictions closer to the reopening date. Anyone planning a trip is strongly encouraged to check Manitoba Parks' official channels before heading out.
A Trail Worth the Wait
For those who've done the Mantario, the wait has been tough. The trail consistently ranks among the top wilderness hikes in the Canadian prairies — a genuinely remote experience that feels worlds away from Winnipeg despite being a couple of hours' drive southeast of the city.
Its return this summer will be a milestone not just for hikers, but as a symbol of the resilience of Canada's natural landscapes after the increasingly intense wildfire seasons the country has been experiencing.
More details on the official reopening are expected from Manitoba Parks in the coming weeks.
Source: CBC Manitoba via CBC News RSS
