‘It will probably be in the best shape that it’s ever been in’: Mantario Trail set to reopen in June

The Mantario Trail is anticipated to reopen at the end of June, owing to volunteers’ “remarkable progress” on restoring the popular route that had been devastated by wildfires.

Outdoor enthusiasts are celebrating the province’s latest update on the roughly 62-kilometre trail in eastern Manitoba that’s been closed for more than a year.

“It will probably be in the best shape that it’s ever been in because of the new stuff that’s going to be put up — the signage and everything,” said Gilles Boulley, president of the South Whiteshell Trail Association.

Boulley called the multipurpose trail that straddles the Manitoba and Ontario border, “one of the gems of the (local) trail system.”

The well-used route has become even more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, noting it’s unique both in how long and isolated it is.

Whether or not the trail would open at all this year was uncertain at the start of spring.

Manitoba Parks said in an April 17 notice that there was “significant work and cleanup” required to address safety risks.

The update outlined concerns about debris in wildfire-affected areas and overgrowth in other sections.

Roughly 45 per cent of the trail was burned during Manitoba’s historic wildfire season in 2025. Five of the 11 backcountry campsites along the trail were damaged as a result.

On Friday, the province announced that crews have made “remarkable progress in clearing and restoring the Mantario Trail” over the last two weeks.

More than 500 volunteer hours have already been put into a three-phase plan to restore and revitalize the route, Manitoba Parks said.

The bulletin indicated nearly 60 kilometres of trail has been cleared and pruned, along with 100 metres of new “connector trail.”

Eight helipads have been established, six portages have been cleared, and hazardous trees have been removed from three campsites, it said.

Boulley said his team is excited about the significant progress that has been made possible thanks to volunteers, cooperative weather and low fire risk.

He credited Aaron Webb, a trail runner, surveyor and new board member of the South Whiteshell Trail Association, for his leadership in the time-intensive restoration project.

The next phase involves installing new boardwalk and directional signage and replacing the bridge at Olive Lake.

Manitoba Parks said the trail is on track to reopen in late June “if weather conditions remain favourable.”

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca