Black bear sightings, two major trailheads and 10 campsites to sleep in!  

Experienced backpackers will have their skills tested on this beautiful wilderness hiking trail. The trail crosses some of the country’s oldest rock in the Canadian Shield, passing peat bogs, streams and lakes. Most hikers take three to four days to complete the entire trail.

Whether you choose to tackle the entire route of Manitoba’s classic backpacking route or knock-off a day-trip segment, the Mantario Trail delivers a hard-hiking challenge only two-and-a-half hours’ drive east of Winnipeg. Despite being reasonably well-known and relatively close to the province’s largest city, it’s far from crowded. Expect heaving Precambrian Shield terrain, granite cliffs, beaver dams, fallen timber, peat bogs, steep gullies and jack pines and maple trees. There are 10 primitive campsites along the route, with fire pits and food storage boxes and, maybe, a picnic table or two. The trail is well-marked, and water can be accessed at many points throughout. Parking is at the north and south trailhead — keep in mind this is not a loop; you’ll have to arrange return transport. The Mantario Trail is best in fall, as spring’s floods can be troublesome and summer’s bugs are brutal.