Developing a Manitoba hiking habit

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2020 (1887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

These have been strange times, to say the least. Amid stretches of self-induced self-isolation, sticking mostly close to familiar spaces, and avoiding other people as much as humanly possible, one revitalizing pastime has been trekking. Getting outdoors and onto new pathways has not only been good for the body, mind and spirit, but has also made the world seem a little bit ‘normal’ again, one trail at a time.

Hiking is especially satisfying at this time of year, when the landscape is blanketed in autumn tones. A current goal is to hit new locations during this most colourful time and to get a few additional hikes under my belt before the snow flies. Then next summer I’ll consider venturing out into tougher places, possibly over longer distances. Maybe I’ll even attempt my first overnight trip.

Who knows? With so much more yet to explore, and many uncertainties ahead, I’m taking it one day at a time.

The hiking habit can easily begin right here in Winnipeg. Bois-des-Esprit is an absolute gem of an outdoorsy locale, smack dab in the middle of urban living. It’s a vital stretch of the Seine River Greenway, and the largest remaining riverbank forest in the entire city. It consists of 117 wooded acres that remain largely undisturbed, and five different ecosystems that support rich varieties of vegetation and wildlife.

The main path is a short jaunt at only two kilometres long, offering plenty of offshoots for those who want to cover more ground, and lots of space to roam for the 20 to 30 whitetail deer who make Bois-des-Esprit home. Keep an eye out along the way for the subtle yet striking carvings known as the wood spirits (aptly named after the park), the great grey owl atop its wooded perch, and the guardian of the forest, Woody, carved from what was once a mighty elm.

McGillivray Falls in Whiteshell Provincial Park is a lovely loop of varied terrain, culminating with an inviting lake that’s the perfect stop for a snack and a swim. The 4.3 kilometre route is pretty well-marked, but there are a few places where it gets narrow and it’s easy to wander off course if you’re not mindful of where you are headed. I speak from experience, of course.

McGillivray Falls trail features nice outlooks and scenery, with short rocky stretches allowing for scattered moments of rugged back-woodsy-ness. Proper hiking footwear is a must here or, at the very least, good walking shoes. I’ve never understood why some folks attempt to trek Canadian Shield country in flip flops, but to each their own I suppose. I never hit any trail without the support of my trusty Keens.

Just outside Winnipeg is Beaudry Park, and I can’t believe I had never been there until this year. Especially since it’s the closest Provincial Park to Marquette, the tiny town where I grew up. Beaudry is a remote-feeling river bottom forest lushly carpeted with ferns, dotted with wild grapevines rising up to meet the treetops, and adorned with the area’s largest maples, basswoods and cottonwoods.

The two main hiking tracks are called Elm and Wild Grape. If you do both combined you’ll cover 5.3 kilometres, all the while being entertained by songbirds, a steady chorus of frogs, and the soothing sounds of prairie breezes rustling through the leaves — at least until the leaves are gone again.  

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca and follow her on Twitter @rasinspired