Cacti, sand dunes, high temperatures, and refreshing rain. 

There are a variety of trails that sprout from the main trailhead. You can trek to a canoe launch, an interpretive shelter, or Devil’s Punch Bowl, which is the highlight of the area. 

You’ll come face-to-face with 30-metre sand dunes, but this is no desert — 400 mm of annual rainfall sees to that. Nevertheless, the Sahara-like terrain of Spirit Sands, located in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, about two hours west of Winnipeg (27 km south of Carberry), offers two- to 3.5-hour hiking routes with spectacular payoff. From the trailhead at Seton Bridge, take either a three- or 5.5-km trail (one-way) through shifting sands, ever encroached on by forest and rich with cacti, en route to the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a 45-metre depression containing an ethereal blue-green pool; a visible segment of one of the many underground rivers. Drinking water and washrooms are available along the well-marked trail. Fall is the best time to tackle this easy jaunt, as summer’s heat can be oppressive. Beware of the abundant poison ivy! 

Be sure to bring bug spray and extra water for the trip. The trail is best done from April to October.