Manitoba is one of Canada’s most underrated outdoor destinations. From ancient Canadian Shield rock formations to towering waterfalls, dense boreal forests, and even sand dunes, the province offers incredibly diverse hiking experiences for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next weekend adventure, these 10 best hiking trails in Manitoba deliver stunning scenery without requiring expert skills. We’ve included distance, difficulty, and everything you need to know before you go.
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1. Gorge Creek Trail — Whiteshell Provincial Park
One of Manitoba’s most scenic easy trails. The path winds through boreal forest with beautiful views of the Canadian Shield throughout. A perfect introduction to hiking in Manitoba for first-timers and families.
Distance: 4 km | Difficulty: Easy
2. Tulabi Falls Trail — Nopiming Provincial Park
A rewarding short hike leading to a gorgeous waterfall. The trail is straightforward and well-maintained, making it perfect for families and first-time hikers who want a memorable destination without a brutal climb.
Distance: 3 km | Difficulty: Easy
3. Bald Hill Trail — Riding Mountain National Park
Gentle elevation gain leads to panoramic prairie views at the summit. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way — elk and black bears are commonly spotted inside Riding Mountain National Park. One of the most rewarding moderate hikes in Manitoba.
Distance: 6 km | Difficulty: Moderate
4. Kings Trail — Birds Hill Provincial Park
Just 30 minutes from Winnipeg, this is the most accessible trail on this list. Perfect for a quick weekend escape from the city without a long drive. Well-marked, family-friendly, and enjoyable any time of the season.
Distance: 5 km | Difficulty: Easy
5. Pine Point Rapids Trail — Whiteshell Provincial Park
One of the most beloved trails in all of Manitoba. Pine Point Rapids is the star attraction, but don’t stop there — continue past the rapids onto the loop trail where you’ll discover two hidden waterfalls: Acorn Falls and Viburnum Falls. Stunning Canadian Shield scenery throughout with rock walls, forest paths, and river views around every corner.
Distance: 7 km | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
6. Spirit Sands Trail — Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Believe it or not, Manitoba has sand dunes — and this trail takes you right through them. Formed thousands of years ago when glacial meltwater carved through ancient Lake Agassiz, the dunes create a landscape that feels almost like a desert dropped into the middle of the prairies. The trail ends at the Devil’s Punchbowl, a stunning bowl-shaped depression filled with striking blue-green water. Unique and unlike anything else in the province.
Distance: 6.5 km | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
7. Hunt Lake Trail — Whiteshell Provincial Park
A moderate loop through some of Whiteshell’s most beautiful Canadian Shield landscape. Rated nearly perfect by hikers who’ve completed it, Hunt Lake Trail rewards you with granite outcrops, boreal forest, and peaceful lakeside views. Good fitness is recommended but the trail is accessible to most skill levels. Budget around 3 to 4 hours for the full loop.
Distance: 12.8 km | Difficulty: Moderate
8. Pisew Falls to Kwasitchewan Falls — Pisew Falls Provincial Park
If waterfalls are your thing, this trail belongs at the top of your Manitoba bucket list. Starting at Pisew Falls — a powerful 13-metre drop along the Grass River — you cross a suspension bridge and continue along the Upper Track Trail, a historic route once used during the fur trade. The trail eventually leads to Kwasitchewan Falls, the highest waterfall in Manitoba. Breathtaking from start to finish.
Distance: 22 km return | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
9. Whiteshell River Self-Guiding Trail — Whiteshell Provincial Park
A peaceful, educational trail that follows the Whiteshell River through gorgeous Shield landscape. Interpretive signs along the route explain the local geology, wildlife, and history — making it a fantastic option for families with curious kids. Easy enough for beginners but scenic enough to impress experienced hikers.
Distance: 5 km | Difficulty: Easy
10. Crow Wing Trail — Whiteshell Provincial Park
For those ready for a multi-day adventure, the Crow Wing Trail is Manitoba’s ultimate hiking experience. At over 180 km end to end it’s the longest trail in the province, but beginners can tackle shorter sections for a taste of true Manitoba backcountry wilderness. Plan carefully, bring plenty of supplies, and enjoy some of the most remote and beautiful landscape in all of Manitoba.
Distance: 180 km total (do sections) | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Tips for Hiking in Manitoba
• Book your campsite early if you plan to stay overnight — Manitoba provincial park sites fill up fast in summer
• Bring bug spray — mosquitoes near lakes and wetlands can be intense from late May through July
• Check trail conditions at manitobaparks.com before heading out
• Tell someone your plan — always let a friend or family member know where you’re hiking and when you expect to return
• Bring more water than you think you need — many backcountry trails have no water sources
Ready to Hit the Trails?
Before you head out, make sure you have the right gear. Check out our complete Beginner Camping Gear Guide for Manitoba to make sure you’re fully prepared for your first adventure in the great Manitoba outdoors.
Have a favourite Manitoba trail we missed? Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear about it!
Gear We Recommend for Beginner Hikers:
Before hitting the trail, make sure you have the right gear. A good pair of hiking boots, a quality backpack, and a reliable water bottle make all the difference.
Also we recommend to check the Transcanada Trails.
Transcanada Trails
The Trans Canada Trail, established in 1992, is a sprawling system of greenways, waterways, and roadways that cross the country and stretches from coast-to-coast-coast. The trail’s whopping 24,134 km length makes it the longest recreational, multi-use trail network in the world! Whether you’re interested in hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or bike riding, you can find a section of the trail that suits your needs. And while you’re hiking, why not venture a little off the beaten path and explore some of Canada’s historic sites with these Passport Places, conveniently located off the Trans Canada Trail.
Related articles:
– Hiking the Trans-Canada Trail
– Best Beginner Camping Gear for Manitoba (2026 Guide)
– Best Campgrounds in Manitoba for Beginners
– What to Wear Camping in Manitoba
Happy trails, Manitoba! 