Introduction
This is an introduction to some of the cross country ski trails within day trip distance of Winnipeg. There are trails for everyone from beginners to experts, with lots of choices in between.
Cross country skiing opens new perspectives on Manitoba. Familiar summer destinations like Birds Hill and Grand Beach take on a new look under the snow. You can also discover hidden treasures like the hills of Sandilands and Pumpkin Creek.
The trails in this guide are grouped according to driving time from Winnipeg. The first group are close enough for an afternoon or evening ski. The second group is practical for a day trip. The longest driving times are about 2 1/2 hours each way. If you leave home by 9:00 am you should have time to ski for 3 or 4 hours and return by dark. The third group are too far away for a day ski but are a worthwhile destination for a weekend getaway.
If a trail is in a Provincial Park or recreation area, you will need a current Provincial Parks pass on your vehicle when you use the trail. Other trails are in provincial forests or a mix of public and private land. These trails are maintained by a local ski club which collects user fees on the honour system.
Hill Ratings
Beginning skiers who have never ventured beyond Birds Hill Park may think that Manitoba trails are flat, easy and a bit boring. In fact, you can find some very challenging trails within an hour's drive of Winnipeg.
Trails in this guide are rated from flat or gently rolling to difficult hills. The difficulty of a trail varies with weather and snow conditions. On a cold day with fresh snow, relative beginners should be able to negotiate fairly difficult hills. When the tracks are icy and temperatures are warmer, even experienced skiers may have trouble with some descents.
Keep in mind the location of a hill when deciding whether to attempt it. If you injure yourself an hour's ski from the trail head, it could take more than two hours for your friends to ski out and return with help. During that time, the risk hypothermia could make even a minor injury life-threatening.
Flat or Gently Rolling: Nothing here should pose a problem even for a beginner with minimal technique.
Beginner Hills: Descents will have a long run out or a wide turn. You will need to know how to do a herringbone climb and a basic snow plow turn on a medium slope.
Intermediate Hills: There will be some long and steep climbs. Descents will be steeper and may have involve tight turns. You will to master multiple snow plow turns and step turns. Take some lessons from a qualified instructor before attempting these hills. Never ski alone on these trails.
Difficult Hills: Frequent and lengthy climbs require a high level of fitness. Steep slopes, narrow trails and tight turns may make descents hazardous. Do not attempt these hills until you are fit and confident in your technique. Always ski these trails with a group of experienced skiers.
TopWindsor Park
Location: Windsor Park Golf Course, 10 Desmeurons, just north of St. Anne's Road and Fermor Avenue.
Trail Description: The Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba maintains 8k of lighted trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing. There are some sheltered stretches along the creek banks but most of the trails are exposed to the wind.
Difficulty: The Green trail (3k) flat or gently rolling with two beginner hills. The Blue Trail (5k) is mainly flat but has a number of beginner and intermediate hills.
Facilities: The club house has heated wash rooms, showers, rental lockers, a canteen, ski rentals and a waxing room.
Cost: Trail pass required. Seasonal and family passes available.
Other Information: Call 986-3006 or check this page.
Amisk Trail, La Barriere Park
Location: About 3k south of the Perimeter Highway on Waverley.
Trail Description:The City of Winnipeg maintains trails in LaBarriere Park itself, but the more interesting trails are on the Boy Scout property on the east side of the road. About 6 km of trails wind along the bank of the La Salle River. The trails are skier tracked so quality can be hit or miss but, when conditions are good, this is the most interesting trail in the Winnipeg area.
Difficulty: The river bank is surprisingly steep so the trail has some beginner hills and even some optional intermediate slopes. All of the trails are two way and there are a few blind corners where you need to watch for oncoming skiers.
The La Barriere Park trail is basically flat except for beginner slopes at the river bank.
Maps / Directions: No maps available. There are a few directional signs on the trail but they are not very reliable. Just follow the river bank.
Facilities: Parking lot at the trail head. Picnic shelters and primitive toilets in La Barriere Park.
Cost: None.
Note: The Amisk trail is on private property. It may be closed to the public from time to time for Boy Scout events.
Winnipeg City Parks
The City of Winnipeg grooms trails in Assiniboine Park, Harbour View Recreation Complex, Kildonan Park and Golf Course, St. Vital Park and La Barriere Park. At the beginning of the season, skate skiers make their own track in the field behind the Assiniboine Park Conservatory.
The parks are a convenient and inexpensive option for skiers. However, they are equally convenient for non-skiers so the tracks tend to trampled by sled pullers and dog walkers.
Difficulty: Flat or gently rolling trails with the river banks offering some beginner hills.
Facilities: Warming shelters, heated wash rooms and change facilities are available in most parks. Assiniboine Park, Kildonan Park and Harbourview also have restaurants or canteens.
Visit the City of Winnipeg web site for more information.
Other Winnipeg Locations
Once the river freezes, there are usually classic and skating trails around the Forks. The river trails are a good place for night skiing but they are quite exposed to the wind.
A number of private golf clubs may also have groomed trails on their property. Check at the clubhouse to see whether these trails are open to the public or for members only.
Beaudry Park
Location: About 5k west of the Perimeter Highway on Roblin Boulevard / Provincial Road 231.
Trail Description: There are three separate loop trails in the river bottom forest along the Assiniboine. The Elm and Wild Grape trails form a single loop (with a cut off in the middle) on the south side of the Assiniboine. When ice conditions permit, you can cross the river and ski on the Basswood and Maple trails. The Oak trail is a 2k trail where people are allowed to walk dogs or pull sleds. The trails are single tracked for classic skiing. All trails are one way except the Oak trail. The trails are generally well sheltered but the Maple trail has some open stretches.
Difficulty: The Oak trail has a number of small beginner hills. The remaining trails are flat or gently rolling. There are beginner hills at the river banks where the trails connect. The river crossing to the Basswood trail is an intermediate hill. Be alert for snowmobiles on the river.
Maps /Directions: All trails are easy to follow loops. Maps available at trail head or for download at the Provincial Parks web site.
Facilities: Primitive toilets at the trail head. Warming shelters on each trail. Services in Headingly.
Cost: Provincial Park pass required.
TopBirds Hill Park
Location: About 10k north of the Perimeter Highway on Highway 59. From the west gate, follow North Drive to Nimowin Road. Follow the signs to the riding stables. You can also access the trail system from the Chickadee trail parking lot off North Drive but there are no facilities at this trail head.
Trail Description: The trails through the mixed woods and meadows of the park are double tracked for classic skiing. There is a 5k skating loop on the Group Use Road. There are four loop trails ranging in length from the 4k Chickadee trail to the 14k Bluestem trail. All trails interconnect and you can ski up to 38k without retracing your steps. The trails are generally well sheltered from the wind but there are some exposed stretches on the Lime Kiln and Bluestem trails.
Difficulty: The trails are flat or gently rolling. There is a beginner hill at the viewing tower where the Bluestem, Chickadee and Esker trails intersect. There is also an optional intermediate hill on the Esker trail just before the tower.
Maps / Directions: Maps are available at the trail head or at the Provincial Parks web site and all trails have good directional signs.
Facilities: Heated wash rooms and canteen at the riding stables. Warming shelters and toilets on each trail.
Cost: A Provincial Park pass required. It can be purchased at the riding stables restaurant.
TopGrand Beach Provincial Park
Location: About 85k north of the Perimeter Highway on Highway 59 and 12. The trail head is on the road to the campground and the East Beach. Follow the directional signs from the park gates.
Trail Description: A network of over 20k of trails in the spruce and pine forest along Lake Winnipeg. All trails groomed with a double classic track and a skating trail. The trials are divided into a number of overlapping loops All trails are well sheltered from the wind.
Difficulty: The Jack Pine (2.6k) and Blueberry trails (3.2k) are gently rolling with a few beginner hills and an easy descent back to the parking lot. The Beaver Pond (13.3k), Boulder Hill (6.1k) and Squirrel Run (2k add on to Boulder Hill or Beaver Pond) all have intermediate to difficult hills. The most difficult hill is known as The Wall or "Heart Attack Hill". A steep twisting descent leads to a long and spectacular climb through a jack pine and birch forest. There is a skier made detour around this hill.
Facilities: Warming shelters and primitive toilets at the trail head and at several points on the trails. Services in Grand Marais.
Maps / Directions: Maps available at trail head or for download at the Provincial Parks web site. All trails have good directional signs.
Cost: A Provincial Park pass is required. It can be purchased in Grand Marais.
TopCamp Morton Trails
Location: Near Gimli about 75k north of the Perimeter Highway on Highway 8. The first trail head is about 5k north of Gimli on the west side of Provincial Road 222. The second trail head is a further 2k north on the east side of the road along the lake.
Trail Description: There are two sets of trails here. The trail on the west side of the road is a 3.9 k loop with a 1.1k add on through mixed forest. The second set of trails are about 6k of loop trails in forest along the shores of Lake Winnipeg. All trails are flat or gently rolling and sheltered from the wind.
Maps / Directions: Trails are well marked and easy to follow. Maps available at trail head or for download at the Provincial Parks website.
Facilities: Warming shelters and primitive toilets at each trail head. Services available in Town of Gimli.
Cost: A Provincial Park pass required.
TopDuck Lake Ski Trails
Location: Just outside the Town of Pine Falls, about 90k north of the Perimeter Highway. Take Highway 59 north, turn left at Provincial Road 304 (near Stead) and follow the road to Pine Falls. The trail head is across the road from the Health Centre.
Trail Description: About 8k loop trail through boreal forest over Canadian shield rock. The trails are single tracked for classic skiing. The trail is gently rolling with a few optional beginner hills. The trails are well sheltered.
Maps / Directions: There are maps at the trail head and warming shelter and directional signs on the trails.
Facilities: None at the trail head. Warming shelter and toilet on the trail. Services available in Pine Falls.
Cost: Donations can be left at the warming shelter.
TopPinawa Ski Trails
Location: The Town of Pinawa is about 100k north east of Winnipeg. Take Highway 59 north to Highway 44. Turn right and drive east to Highway 11. Turn left and then turn right at Provincial Road 211. There is a parking area for the main trail head at the end of the Provincial Road. You can also follow the signs to the Pinawa Golf Club for an alternate trail head with more facilities.
Trail Description: Over 35k of trails through Canadian Shield country. All trails are single tracked for classic skiing and the Golf Course trail also has a skating loop. The Golf Course trail is exposed but all other trails have good shelter from the wind.
Difficulty: There is something for every skill level. The Golf Course trail (6.5k) is gently rolling. The Red trail (7k) has beginner hills and the optional Derek Martin loop adds some intermediate hills. The Blue trail (4.5 k) has beginner hills. The English River trail (5k) has beginner and intermediate hills. The Orange trail (10k) and the Jones-Graham Freeway, which connects the Orange trail and the English River trail, have some intermediate and difficult hills. None of the hills are very big but some of them are steep with tight turns or sharp dips at the bottom.
Maps / Directions: Maps are available at the trail heads and on the Whiteshell Ski Club web site . There are good directional signs on all trails.
Facilities: The Pinawa Golf Club has a licensed restaurant, heated wash rooms and change rooms. There are warming shelters and primitive toilets on each trail.
Cost: Donation to the Whiteshell Ski Club.
TopSandilands Trails
Location: About 20k southeast of Steinbach. Follow Highway 52 from Steinbach to Provincial Road 210 and turn right. The trail system starts about 20km east of Marchand at the intersection of Provincial Road 404. There is a parking on PR 210 area at the Marchand Wayside Park and another about 5k further east on PR 210. There are also two parking areas on PR 404. Not all of the parking areas are being cleared of snow this year.
Trail Description: Over 25k of trails groomed for classic skiing through mixed forest. There are some impressive views and challenging hills a little more than an hour from Winnipeg.
The Sandilands Ski Club has invested in professional quality grooming equipment to maintain the trails.
Difficulty:The Green trail is a gently rolling trail with some beginner and intermediate hills. The Black trail is an extension to the Green trail with some intermediate to difficult hills. The Yellow trail has a number of intermediate to difficult hills. The trail groomer does not set tracks on the hills so its easy to snowplow.
Maps / Directions: Maps available at the trail head or for download on this page (jpg file). Note that the forest is being logged so some trails may be moved.
Facilities:Warming shelter and primitive toilets on the trails. The warming shelter does not have a door so it isn't very comfortable on really cold days. Services in Marchand.
Cost: The trails are maintained by the Sandilands Ski Club. You may purchase season passes for $45/individual or $60/family, or $5/individual for a day pass. Fees can be paid at the Marchand General Store. Don't use the boxes at the trailheads because they tend to get broken into. To order a a season pass send your cheque to Sandilands Ski Club, Box 3016, Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1P4.
In 2004 the provincial government stopped clearing the snow from the parking lots. The Sandilands Ski Club has arranged for a private contractor to clear two of the lots. If you use these trails please support the club so they can keep this facility open.
Other Information: Sandilands Ski Club web site
TopPumpkin Creek
Location: About 65k southwest of the Perimeter Highway. Take Highway 3 to Carman and then follow Provincial Road 245 west. Turn left at the sign for the Birch Ski Area and then right at the first cross road. The clubhouse is about 2.5k down the road and on your right.
Trail Description: Over 20k of classic trails through the hills of the Manitoba Escarpment. The Blue Moon trail (9.7k) runs west from the club house along the valley. You have the option of turning back on the 3.6k, 5.8k or 9k loops. The Club Trail (4k) runs east from the club house up into the woods on the north side of the creek. It connects to the 3.6k Rogers Pass loop. The Stroll and Easy Street are short loop trails which are suitable for beginners. The trails that used to be on the Birch Ski Area property are closed. Both the Blue Moon and Club trails cross the creek a number of times. If the creek has not frozen, all sections of these trails may not be open. The trails are mainly sheltered from the wind.
Difficulty: There are intermediate and difficult hills on all the trails except for The Stroll and Easy Street.
Maps / Directions: Maps are available at the clubhouse or for download from this page. (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Facilities: Heated shelter and primitive toilet at the trail head. Services available in Carman or Roseisle.
Cost: Donations to the Pumpkin Creek Ski Club of $3.00 for individuals or $5.00 for families per day. Donations can be left at the club house.
Other Information: Contact the Pumpkin Creek Ski Club
TopBittersweet
Location: About 100km west of the Perimeter on Highway 2. Take Provincial Road 242 north. The parking area for the trails is on the west side of the road just after you cross the Assiniboine River. (You can also take Highway 1 and go south on PR 242). Map of location.
Trail Description: There are 21k of trails through a hardwood forest of elms, oak, cottonwood and poplar. The trails are well sheltered except for a few open meadows. There are several viewpoints overlooking the Assiniboine River Valley.
These trails are on private land. The continued existence of this excellent trail system depends on the cooperation of a number of landowners and a group of volunteers. If you use the trails stay on the designated trail system, obey the directional signs and leave a donation for the local ski club.
Difficulty:The trails on the east side of the club house are gently rolling with beginner hills. On the west side of the club house the hills range from intermediate to difficult.The Bittersweet hills are mostly long and fast. They end in straight run outs or wide turns so, when snow conditions are good, they can be skied in track. However, when conditions are icy, the bigger hills can be dangerously fast and the club closes the west trails.
There are warning signs before all of the larger downhills.
There are a few spots where trails intersect at the bottom of a large hill. Pay attention to the "Look Left" or "Look Right" signs.
Maps / Directions: Maps are available at the trail head or by download. There are good directional signs on all of the trails.
Facilities: There is a club house with a wood stove in the middle of the trail system. Primitive latrines at the trail head and the club house.
Cost: Donations to the Bittersweet Ski Club of $3.00 for individuals or $5.00 for families per day. Donations can be left at a box at the trail head.
TopWhitemouth River / Hadashville Trails
Location: About 82k east of the Perimeter Highway on Highway No. 1. The access road to the trails is on the south side of the highway.
Trail Description: A total of 7k of trails through mixed spruce, pine and birch forests.
Difficulty: Flat or gently rolling.
Maps / Directions: Maps available at trail head or for download at the Provincial Parks ski report page.
Facilities: None at trail head. Warming shelter and primitive toilet available on trails. Services in Hadashville.
Cost: Provincial Park pass required.
Whiteshell - South Whiteshell / McHugh Lake Trails
Location: At 140K east of Winnipeg on Highway 1, the Whiteshell is close enough for a day ski. There are also year round resorts throughout the park for a weekend getaway.
The start of the South Whiteshell / McHugh Lake trail system is at Faloma, just east of Falcon Lake on Provincial Road 301. Watch for the signs for the Trans-Canada Trail. It is about 3k from the parking area to the start of the main loops. For a shorter ski, you can park near Westhawk Lake and start the trail where is passes through the trailer park.
Trail Description: There are a number of different loops available from the 4.5kl South Whiteshell Loop to the 9k McHugh Lake Loop with a possible total distance of over 24k.
The McHugh Lake Loop crosses McHugh Lake and a small pond. It connects to a 4km Falcon Lake Trail which leads across the lake to the High Lake Trail system.
The trails pass over shield rock and some small lakes through mixed forests of spruce, pine and birch.
Difficulty: The trails are gently rolling with beginner to intermediate hills. The sections that follow the Trans-Canada trail are on a prepared surface with gentle grades and wide turns. The McHugh Lake Loop is a narrower wildnerness trail with some tight turns. There is one very steep hill just before the small pond.
Maps / Directions: Maps available at trail head. There are good directional signs on all trails.
Facilities:There is a warming shelter and primitive toilet on the trail. Services are available in Falcon Lake or Westhawk Lake.
Cost: Provincial Park pass required.
TopSpruce Woods Park
Location:Take Highway 1 about 134 km West to Highway 5. The trail heads are about 34 km south on Highway 5.
Trail Description:There are three trail systems in the park. The Epinette Creek trail system is on the east side of the road as you drive south from Carberry. These trails are series of loop trails which allow you to choose distances of 3.6 to 38.4k. The round trip distance to Cabin 3 is about 14 km. On the way you will enjoy some spectacular views of the Epinette Creek Valley. From Cabin 3 you can access the Newfoundland Trail which is a 24.4k loop to Jackfish Lake. The Jackfish Lake Cabin can be booked for overnight stays.
The Seton trail head is about 1km south of the Epinette Creek trails on the west side of Highway 5. There are about 11km of loop trails through sand hill country.
The Yellow Quill trail head is 1km south of the Seton trails on the west side. It has about 11km of looped trails. The Cree and Assiniboine trails run along a ridge with some views of the Assiniboine River valley.
The trails pass through a mixture of spruce forest and open sandhills. There are large open stretches which could be uncomfortable when the wind chill is high.
Difficulty: There are a lot of hills on the Spruce Woods trails but most of them have easy descents with a wide turn or gentle uphill and the end.
The Yellow Quill trail and the Epinette Creek trails up to the second warming hut are gently rolling with beginner hills.
The Seton Trails and the last Tamarack loop of the Epinette Creek trails (up to cabin 3) have beginner to intermediate hills. There is a lot of climbing and some long descents but no major technical challenges. There is one very steep hill on the Epinette Creek trail where you must remove your skis and walk down. The parks branch has even provided a rope hand rail.
The full 38.4k of the Epinette Creek / Newfoundland Trail should only be attempted by fit and experienced skiers.
Maps / Directions: Maps available at trail head or for download from the Provincial Parks web site.
Facilities: Warming shelters and primitive toilets available on the trails and at the trail heads. Services in Carberry or Glenboro.
Cost: Provincial Park pass required.
TopTurtle Mountain Provincial Park
Location: About 100km south of Brandon on Highway 10. The trail head is at the Adam Lake campground area. Turtle Mountain is about a three hour drive from Winnipeg which is a little long for a winter day trip. If you want a short get away, consider staying overnight in Brandon or Boissevain. You can also book the James Lake cabin for an overnight stay.
Trail Descriptions: Starting from the parking lot, you can choose between loop trails of 15, 10, 9 and 5km. The trails pass through hardwood forest around various small lakes and ponds. There is shelter from the wind along most of the trails except for a few short stretches along lakes and one longer section where the Orange and Green trails pass along the highway and through a picnic area. The trails are double tracked for classic skiing. There is enough room for skating but you will have to check with the Parks Branch to find out if a skate trail has been packed.
Difficulty: The trails are rolling with beginner and some intermediate hills. Some of the hills are quite large but the trails are wide and the descents end in wide curves or uphills. The larger hills have warning signs.
Maps: Available at the provincial parks website.
Facilities: There is a heated washroom at the trail head and warming shelters and primitive toilets on each trail. Services in Boissevain.
Cost: Provincial Parks pass required
TopRiding Mountain National Park
Location: The Wasagaming townsite is 3 1/2 hours northwest of Winnipeg or about 1 hour north of Brandon. From Winnipeg, take the Highway No. 1 west and turn right at Highway 16. Turn right at Highway 10 near Minnedosa and drive north to the park gate.
Description: There are 25 ski trails in the park with a total distance of 260k. Some of the trails are in remote parts of the park and should only be attempted by experienced winter campers, but there are still enough recreational trails within easy reach of the townsite to make a weekend trip worthwhile.ownsite
Services: You can obtain maps, directions and a park pass at the Administration building in the Wasagaming townsite. The other businesses in the townsite are closed. The Elkhorn Resort, which is just outside the townsite on Highway 10, offers 5 star resort and housekeeping cabins. You can find some more economical accomodations and services in Onanole, about 3km south of the park gate. If you are interested in exploring the trails in the north or west of the park you could stay in Dauphin or Russell.
Maps and Directions: All of the trails are well marked and easy to follow. You can obtain maps at the Administration Centre. Further information is available at the Parks Canada website.
Cost: National Parks pass required. You can purchase one at the Administration Centre.
Townsite and South Lake
Description: The trail passes through the townsite, makes a number of loops around the campground and cottage area. Distances of 4 to 8k are possible. This trail connects to the South Lake trail which is a 3.4k loop trail beside Ominik marsh.
Location: You can start the trail from any parking area in the Wasagaming townsite. There is also a short path connecting to the trail right across the highway from the Elkhorn Resort.
Facilities: There is a washroom and warming shelter in the picnic area behind the Visitor's Centre.
Difficulty: The trails are gently rolling with a number of beginner hills (fairly steep but with long run-outs). There is one tight corner hill on the South Lake trail that can take you by surprise.
Compound and Lake Katherine
Location: The trail head is at the maintenance compound just north of the townsite on Highway 10. Follow the signs to the compost depot to find the parking area.
Description: The Compound trail is an out and back trail through thick forests of spruce and birch (3.2k each way). It connects to a 3.2k loop trail around Lake Katherine. You can return the way you came or by the more challenging Compound East trail.
Difficulty: The Compound trail is gently rolling with beginner hills. The Lake Katherine trail is slightly more challenging. The Compound East trail has intermediate hills. Two long roller-coaster descents take you to a view point overlooking Clear Lake and the golf course. Next you regain all the elevation you lost in one long stiff climb. The rest of the trail is relatively flat except for one section with some fast hairpin turns.
Facilities: None at the trail head. Primitive toilets in the Lake Katherine picnic area.
Grey Owl's Cabin, Cowan Lake, Kinasao Lake
Location: The trail head is on Highway 19 just east of Highway 10.
Description: The Grey Owl's Cabin trail is a 17.8k out and back trail which leads to the cabin once occupied by the naturalist and author Grey Owl. The trail passes through mixed woods and some small lakes and ponds. The trail connects with the Cowan Lake trail about 3.4k from the trail head. This trail is a 7.8k trail to Whirlpool lake. You could take the 6.7k Whirlpool lake trail to Highway 19 but you would then either have to return the way you came or arrange for a car shuttle to get back to the trailhead. The 3.9k Kinasao Lake trail provides a more challenging alternate return route. It connects with the Grey Owl trail just before the junction with the Cowan Lake trail.
Difficulty: Most of the Grey Owl's Cabin trail and Cowan Lake trail are gently rolling with beginner hills. There are two intermediate hills (tight turns on a narrow trail) near the end of the Grey Owl's Cabin trail. The Kinasao Lake trail has a number of intermediate hills.
Facilities: Warming shelter and primitive toilet at the junction wth the Cowan Lake trail about 3.4 k from the trailhead. There is also a primitive toilet at the end of the trail. The cabin itself is a national historic site and may not be used as a shelter.
Ochre River Trail
Location: The trail head is about 30k north of Wasagaming on Highway 10.
Description: A 29k out and back trail (14.5k each way)descends from Highway 10 into a river valley. The trail is a wilderness trail which is only skier tracked.
Difficulty: The trail has difficult hills. You descend on the way out and climb on the way back.
Facilities: The Cairns cabin at the end of the trail is a wood heated cabin that sleeps up to 12. It can be booked for overnight stays through the park office. There are primitive toilets at a number of wildnerness campsites on the trail.