The Mantario Trail was created for wilderness backpacking in Manitoba’s first designated wilderness zone. Development was originally funded through the Federal Local Initiatives Program in partnership with the Manitoba Naturalist Society (Nature Manitoba) and Manitoba Parks.

This rugged trail crosses highly varied terrain and is best suited to experienced backpackers. It is not recommended for beginners or children. Children under 14 should not attempt the trail, and anyone under 18 should be accompanied by an adequately prepared adult.

Because of its terrain and natural conditions, the trail changes throughout the season. Conditions can shift significantly during years of heavy spring runoff or after extended rainfall, so hikers should be prepared for changing footing and route conditions.

Campsites along the trail are limited due to these and other physical constraints. To reduce pressure on campsites and improve trip safety, groups should be kept to fewer than 10 hikers.

The trail was closed in May 2025 after a wildfire that began in Ingolf, Ontario, spread into the Mantario Wilderness Zone, and burned approximately 27.6 km of trail (about 45%). While impacts varied across the landscape, five of the 11 backcountry campsites were damaged. 

A fall 2025 assessment informed the development of a comprehensive restoration plan, to guide planning, safety decisions, and procurement for remediation work.

Manitoba Parks partnered with the South Whiteshell Trail Association (SWTA) to begin recovery work, with the goal of reopening the trail for summer 2026. A team of 23 volunteers, led by Aaron Webb, board member with SWTA, completed the work with collaboration from Nature Manitoba, Manitoba Association of Trail Runners, Awaken Collective, Toban Specialities, Wildwood Arborcare, Wilderness Supply, Sky Helicopters, and local cottagers in the Nora and Florence Lakes area.

Over May and June 2026, an impressive 1,885 kilometres were travelled by foot and paddle to complete critical restoration work, including:

• clearing and brushing the entire 64 kilometre trail;
• establishing a new 100-metre connector to the West Caribou Lake campsite;
• clearing 10 campsites of hazardous trees and establishing 11 new helipads for emergency access;
• clearing 10 portages totalling 8.85 kilometres;
• installing approximately 700 new trail markers and repurposing an additional 500 from fallen trees;
• constructing 12 new log bridges across wet areas and creek crossings; and
• installing a new climbing rope at the Rae Creek climb, secured with anchors in granite.

Manitoba Parks is now planning future improvements, including enhanced campsite amenities, upgraded wayfinding signage and updated mapping.

Although the wildfire affected nearly half the trail, many areas were only partially burned or left untouched. In heavily burned sections, signs of recovery are already evident, with new growth of poplar, blueberries, ferns and wildflowers emerging. The landscape now presents a striking contrast of vibrant green understory against standing blackened trees.

Manitoba Parks extends sincere thanks to Aaron Webb, the South Whiteshell Trail Association and all the dedicated volunteers and partners for leading recovery efforts. Their dedication, long hours, and hands-on work brought Manitoba’s signature long-distance backcountry trail back to life.

The Mantario Trail presents a unique challenge to those wishing to experience exceptional hiking terrain and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Much of the plant life along the trail is typical of the Canadian Shield, featuring stands of jack pine along rock ridges with sandy soils. Black spruce and tamarack thrive in the wetter areas including creek beds. Aspen and balsam fir are associated with these areas. Other species along the trail are mountain maple, saskatoon, alder, chokecherry, pincherry, wild plum and numerous mosses and wildflowers.

A wide range of wildlife may be observed in the area including the bald eagle, turkey vulture, spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, red fox, black bear, moose, deer, wolf, lynx, pine marten, porcupine, mink, weasel and red squirrel. Many more species of animals and birds may be observed depending on the season.

Some of the best walleye and northern pike can be found at Peggy Lake, Olive Lake, Mantario Lake and Caribou Lake. There are 25 lakes within one kilometre of the trail and 32 lakes within 1.5 kilometres.

The ruggedness of the Mantario Trail contributes to a demanding hiking experience. The rock ridges, some of which are the highest south of the Winnipeg River, are tough obstacles, especially when combined with heavy packs and/or adverse weather.

The complete Mantario Trail is 64 kilometres in length. Plan on approximately 25 hours of actual time spent hiking. For example, if you have three days, you must hike approximately nine hours per day. Pace will vary by person and conditions encountered. On average, a person hikes at a pace of 2.5 kilometres per hour.

The day trip or overnight excursion from the south trailhead to the west campsite on Caribou Lake is approximately nine and a half kilometres one way. Expect a seven-hour round trip.

The Mantario Trail is marked by signs with white arrows on a blue background.  Portage trails between lakes are marked by triangular signs with black arrows on a yellow background.

Do not build rock cairns or move stones along the trail, as you may be damaging ancient petroforms.  Petroforms are sacred rock formations to many Indigenous peoples, features formed by the careful placement of stones to create the outlines of figures or shapes and can be found throughout the Whiteshell.  Learn more about the petroforms here.

At designated campsites along the trail, there are picnic tables, food storage boxes, toilets and metal firepits with grills. There are 11 campsites in total.

OPEN FIRES ARE PROHIBITED. Open fires may only be in the approved metal firepits found at each campsite, otherwise use portable camp stoves. During extreme hot/windy weather, any fires may be restricted, regardless of an approved fire pit. Rock rings are not a suitable firepit.

PACK OUT ALL GARBAGE. Leave only your footprints behind. Do your part to keep the trail as clean as possible. Please pick up litter.

Dispose of all wastewater 400 metres from water sources. This includes human waste. This allows contaminants to remain out of the water supply. Pack out your toilet paper with other garbage.

Exercise caution when crossing rail lines, as both the CN and CPKC rail tracks are in active use. Do not enter the railway tunnel, adjacent to the trail, on the second set of CPKC tracks north of Caddy Lake, as it is extremely narrow and designed to accommodate trains only.

Emergency Response: Emergency services are limited in this remote area and may take hours or even days to reach you. In severe weather or a medical emergency, you may need to shelter in place for at least one night before rescue is possible.

If You Become Fatigued: Stop to rest and rehydrate before continuing. If needed, turn back to your starting point. Check in regularly with your trusted contact using your satellite messaging device.

If You Lose the Trail: If the route becomes unclear because of overgrowth, fallen trees, or open terrain, carefully work around obstacles and return to the last confirmed trail marker if needed. Use your GPS device and maps to reorient yourself and stay alert to landmarks and other recognizable features along the way. Mark waypoints with your GPS device as you travel.

If You Need Medical Assistance: Use your satellite messaging device to contact emergency services and provide your location on the trail, including the nearest campsite.

When experiencing the backcountry, remember that you are surrounded by wildlife.

Review information on wilderness interactions with wildlife available on the Manitoba Wildlife website and read the Coexisting with Black Bears booklet.

Here are some general wildlife guidelines:

• Carry bear deterrents and know how to use them. Each group member should carry bear deterrent spray, where it is easily accessible and not in a backpack. Be familiar with how to use the spray, as well as your canister’s effective range and length of spray time.
• Make noise frequently to alert wildlife to your presence. This can be done by handclapping, singing, talking, or the use of noisemakers such as safety whistles, or rattlers (pebbles in a canister). Most wildlife will avoid people if they are aware of their presence. Be especially noisy on windy days or near running water, both of which make it more difficult for wildlife to hear you approach.
• Don’t obstruct your hearing by listening to music on headphones/earbuds so that you are able to hear any nearby wildlife, or any warnings given by your group members.
• Always keep dogs on a leash and under control as they may provoke aggressive behaviour from wildlife.
• Be aware that odours produced from cooking and burning garbage may attract wildlife. If possible, avoid burning garbage. Any garbage that is not completely burned should be secured with other attractants and packed out.
• Stay alert and watch for signs that wildlife may be present. Signs could include tracks, droppings, claw marks on trees, ant hills or squirrel caches that have been disturbed, logs that have been rolled over, or patches of ground that have been disturbed.
• Be alert to the foul odour of rotting meat or a gathering of scavenger birds that could indicate the presence of an animal carcass; avoid these areas as they will attract predators.
• Give bears and all wildlife distance. Wildlife at close range can feel threatened and become aggressive.
• Avoid cooking food that has a strong odour, such as canned fish. Burn tin cans and food scraps in the fire; then remove any unburned remains (including the tin) and pack it out.
• Use the food storage boxes (bear box) available at campsites to keep your food and other attractants secure.  Attractants can include food products, toiletries such as toothpaste, and clothes that were worn while cooking. Do not bring these items into a tent. Ensure you empty the bear boxes before you leave the campsite.
• Cook, clean and dispose of dirty dishwater far from a sleeping area; try to target 100 metres or more upwind from your sleeping area. Never keep food in your tent.
• Do not bury garbage or deposit garbage in toilets, bear boxes or fire pits. This will attract bears, rodents and other wildlife and may result in potential confrontations. Pack out everything.
• Report any unusual sightings or encounters to a park office.

Remember, black bears are wild, unpredictable animals. Keep your campsites clean and never feed any wildlife including birds and squirrels.

Planning your trip ahead of time will help prevent many potential problems on the trail. It is important to prepare a backpacker’s checklist and ask a friend to review it. They may suggest items that you have overlooked. Finally, remember that good footwear means easier walking and a more enjoyable experience.

Trail conditions and regulations are subject to change. Please consult with the local park offices for current information.

1. PREPARE/PLAN. Make a list of equipment and food required for the trip. Divide equipment among your group to lighten the pack load. Reading a few books on wilderness camping/hiking will ensure you develop a comprehensive equipment list. Ensure that you are familiar with basic survival skills and techniques.

Talk to someone who has hiked the Mantario Trail.  Join the Mantario Trail Facebook Group  to engage with other trail users, check for trail updates from Manitoba Parks offices at Rennie and Falcon Lake and review recent comments on the AllTrails app.

2. COMPLETE A TRIP PLAN. Note the dates of your trip, your route, the people in your group, contact numbers for everybody in the group, expected return time, medical conditions of group members,
automobile types at trailheads and any other information you wish to include. This information should be left with a trusted contact. Use the AdventureSmart Canada Trip Plan app to help prepare your trip plan.

3. PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER. Check the weather forecast ahead of time when planning to hike. Always be prepared for unexpected weather conditions. Environment and Climate Change Canada issues weather alerts through local radio stations and the WeatherCAN mobile app.

Thunderstorms are common in Manitoba. They are often accompanied by hail, lightning, high winds, heavy rain, and occasionally tornadoes.

If lightning approaches while on the trail, stay away from tall objects like trees.  Take shelter in a low-lying area.

If extreme winds or a tornado approaches, seek shelter on the leeward or downwind side of a large rock or granite outcrop, to provide some protection from any trees that snap and fall.  In open areas, drop low to the ground and seek a ditch or depression.

Always carry a satellite messaging device on the trail to communicate with your trusted contacts in your trip plan.

4. FIRST AID TRAINING. Along with carrying an adequate first aid kit for the size of your hiking group, first-aid training is an asset and is recommended for all hikers.

5. LEAVE AS A GROUP - HIKE AS A GROUP. Hike at the pace of the slowest person in the group. If in a large group, break into two smaller groups but stay in contact with each other. If you allow a
member of your group to fall behind, they risk becoming lost or may become injured in an attempt to rush to keep up pace.

6. HAVE NAVIGATIONAL AIDS. Bring a GPS device loaded with the trail files available under Maps and Resources on this page, follow a topographical map and have a compass with you. Know how to use these navigational tools. Although the trail is marked, you could become lost, requiring the use of these lifesaving tools.

Always pay attention to your surroundings as you hike.  If the path becomes unclear due to fallen trees, carefully navigate around obstacles and return to the last confirmed trail marker if needed.

7. FLUIDS. Have the necessary containers to carry at least two litres of water. Treat all water either by filtration, chemicals and/or boiling. Refill water bottles everywhere you have a chance. The trail
has several sections where water is not available. Your body requires continuous fluids.

8. FOOTWEAR AND FOOT CARE. Your feet will be the most important asset of your hiking adventure. Ensure you have good broken-in hiking shoes. Waterproof your footwear prior to leaving on your hike. Consider bringing two pairs of hiking boots and a pair of sneakers for around camp. A spare set of shoelaces is also a good idea. Bring an extra pair of socks for each day hiking. Ensure your first aid kit is equipped to deal with blisters.

9. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS. When dry conditions cause fire danger levels to be high, campfire and travel restrictions may exist including trail closures. Check with a park office or online for any backcountry restrictions before heading out on the trail.

10. TRAIL RUNNERS: The Mantario Trail has become an increasingly popular destination for trail runners. While it can be an incredibly rewarding activity, please have respect for the remote and rugged nature of the trail. The distance should not be underestimated, as this technical trail will certainly slow down your pace compared to most other trails in Manitoba. Consider shorter out and back excursions from the trailheads to become familiar with the trail and speak with someone who has experience running the trail before attempting it in its entirety. Ensure that someone knows your plans and carry a satellite messaging device.

Quick List
Consult a hiking/camping book or brochure and/or talk to experienced hikers regarding appropriate gear to bring. This “Quick List” is intended to remind you of essential equipment only.

• topographical map/compass/global positioning system (G.P.S.)
• waterproof matches / lighter / fire starter - in a waterproof container
• first aid kit
• tent
• sleeping bag
• cooking implements
• food (for one more day than planned)
• 2 water bottles
• extra clothes
• rain gear
• sunscreen / sunglasses / hat
• insect repellent
• small flashlight
• pocket knife
• toilet paper

Trail Section Guide (PDF)

Mantario Trail on AllTrails app

GPS Downloads (includes trail and campsites)

• GPX File for Garmin Devices
• KML File for Google Earth

Manitoba Parks Backcountry Registration Form

AdventureSmart Trip Planning App

Coexisting with Black Bears (PDF)

Wildlife Smart Publication List

Manitoba Parks has partnered with the South Whiteshell Trail Association for trail maintenance and development in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Trail users that are looking to support ongoing maintenance and enhancements of the Mantario Trail are encouraged to support the South Whiteshell Trail Association.