Embrace the kaleidoscope of colours that paint the landscapes as fall gracefully descends upon Manitoba. If you're an eager explorer or a budding nature enthusiast, you're in for a treat. Get ready to savour Manitoba's fall foliage with our list of 10 enchanting hiking trails that beckon beginners, families, and friends alike. Whether you're capturing the beauty of the season on camera, planning a picnic amidst nature's splendour, or simply revelling in the awe-inspiring vistas, hiking any one of these trails is a fantastic way to spend a crisp fall day.
Pembina Valley Provincial Park:
Pembina Rim Trail
Located approximately 50 km south the cities of Morden and Winkler, Pembina Valley is one of the best spots to witness the colours of the changing of the leaves in Manitoba. The Pembina Rim Trail is a picturesque option that circumnavigates the park, offering multiple vistas of the Pembina River, a lovely bridge and a lookout tower.
Length: 6.8 km
Elevation gain: 179 m
Route type: Loop
Nopiming Provincial Park:
Walking on Ancient Mountains Trail
Nestled to the north of Black Lake in the heart of Nopiming Provincial Park, the Walking on Ancient Mountains Trail promises an unforgettable journey. Embark on a hike that transports you to a rock outcrop, offering an awe-inspiring panorama of none other than Tooth Lake - a name that sparks curiosity in itself. As you traverse this path, the very rocks unveiled by the flames unveil a secret: this terrain was once graced by towering ancient mountains.
Length: 1.8 km
Elevation gain: 63 m
Route type: Out & back
Riding Mountain National Park:
Gorge Creek Trail
Explore the bounty of nature on one of Riding Mountain National Park’s finest trails, Gorge Creek Trail. Walk along steep slopes and observe the effects of thousands of years of erosion, which have formed a gorge carved into the bedrock as part of the Manitoba Escarpment. The trail winds through aspen and hazel forests, alongside oak and nanny berry scrubland. The colours are truly something to behold.
Length: 11.3 km
Elevation gain: 360 m
Route type: Out & back
Whiteshell Provincial Park:
Dragon Fire Trail
Beginning amidst the trees, the Dragon Fire Trail offers a lush setting and various lookout points to appreciate the beauty of West Hawk Lake. As you progress, the trail inclines uphill, presenting a mildly challenging yet manageable climb over some rocks.
Length: 1.1 km
Elevation gain: 25 m
Route type: Out & back
Birds Hill Provincial Park:
Cedar Bog Trail
Frequently chosen for day trips from Winnipeg throughout the year, Birds Hill Provincial Park boasts a special allure during the fall season. Revel in the autumn vibes on pathways such as the Cedar Bog Trail, highlighted by a boardwalk flanked with majestic trees.
Length: 3.5 km
Elevation gain: 53 m
Route type: Loop
Spruce Woods Provincial Park:
Hogsback Trail
For enthusiasts of breathtaking vistas, this trail is tailor-made. The Hogsback Trail offers an easy to moderate expedition that treats you to captivating panoramas of Spruce Woods Provincial Park. From the expansive sandhill prairies to the glistening freshwater springs and the picturesque Assiniboine River valley, this trail is a must-see.
Length: 1.0 km
Elevation gain: 29 m
Route type: Out & back
La Barrière Park:
La Barrière Park Loop Trail
La Barrière Park is another easy location if you need your fall foliage fix and don’t want to travel far from Winnipeg. The leisurely La Barrière Park Loop is an easy trail that typically takes around 30 minutes to finish. The picturesque views and the photogenic footbridge add an extra layer of charm to this inviting spot.
Length: 2.9 km
Elevation gain: 0 m
Route type: Loop
Grass River Provincial Park:
Karst Spring Trail
Heading north this fall? A standout hiking experience awaits at Lake Iskwasum within the stunning expanse of Grass River Provincial Park, situated 60 km away from Cranberry Portage. The Karst Spring Trail leads you through dense woods, culminating at a wooden bridge that crosses over an underwater spring surging from a sedimentary rock cliff.
Length: 3.4 km
Elevation gain: 68 m
Route type: Loop
Grand Beach Provincial Park:
Ancient Beach Trail
Walking the Ancient Beach Trail feels like stepping into a story. You might be surprised to discover that you’re actually crossing the beach of glacial Lake Agassiz, an ancient body of water that vanished roughly 8,000 years ago. Evidence of its existence is found just beneath the layer of pine needles and soil – sands left behind by glacial activity dating back 14,000 years. Along the way, you’ll encounter large boulders and remnants of a small erosional escarpment nestled between two beach levels. In the autumn, the trail takes on an added charm as the surrounding foliage adopts the warm hues of the season.
Length: 2.1 km
Elevation gain: 46 m
Route type: Loop
Grand Valley Provincial Park:
Trail of the Buffalo Chase
Situated just off the Trans-Canada Highway and a short drive from Brandon, Grand Valley is a charmingly wooded campground nestled within the picturesque Assiniboine River Valley. It is home to the historic Stott Site and features a lookout tower and an informative interpretive trail, the Trail of the Buffalo Chase.
Length: 1.5 km
Elevation gain: 41 m
Route type: Out & back
Further information can be found at www.travelmanitoba.com.
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