Mantario Trail

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The Mantario Trail is a multipurpose trail in southeastern Manitoba, approximately 150 km east of Winnipeg.

This 63 kilometer trail meanders through rugged Canadian Shield (Precambrian Shield). The trail is predominantly in Whiteshell Provincial Park, although it does enter Ontario briefly, and is named after Mantario Lake, where one of several backcountry campsites scattered along the trail sits. A large portion of the Mantario Trail is in a Wilderness Zone, an area protected from motorized access and hunting. This is definitely a trail designed for experienced and well-prepared backpackers. An average hiker can usually complete the trail in 3 or 4 days. Water, particularly spring thaw and recent rainfall, can significantly affect many areas of the trail. Wind has also closed sections of the trail in the past. Cellular phone service is usually limited to open rock faces at higher altitudes. Middle sections of the trail can be accessed by canoe, but there are no roads that access the trail other than at the trailheads. This should be considered when planning and executing your trip.

The south trailhead is north of Westhawk Lake and just to the east of Caddy Lake. The north trailhead is on the north side of Big Whiteshell Lake. There is parking available at both trailheads, although the lot at the south trailhead is considerably larger. As of yet there are no businesses that offer shuttle service between trailheads. Very good waterproof and tearproof maps are available from several sources, including Manitoba Conservation. There are organizations that offer guided hiking trips on the Mantario Trail, if needed.

The Manitoba Naturalists Society (MNS) [1] is a volunteer non-profit organization that has stewarded Mantario trail development and maintenance over the years. The MNS Outdoor Committee has leaders who offer minimal-cost trips on the trail. Another MNS Committee Friends of Mantario Trail (FOMT)[2] is involved in Mantario Trail maintenance and improvement.

Associated with the Mantario Trail is the Mantario Wilderness Cabin a facility located on an island on Mantario Lake and which is stewarded by the MNS Mantario Committee. The Mantario Wilderness Education program is intended to offer remote wilderness education opportunities in numerous disciplines with reasonably priced 5-day programs through July and August. The cabin is accessed by non-motorized means such as canoeing and portaging, hiking, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing. Various trips to the Mantario Cabin are organized by MNS Trip Leaders throughout the year.