After closing in May of 2025, the Mantario Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park has officially reopened following significant restoration work after last year’s wildfires.

“This 64-kilometre (km) trail offers a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience across the rugged granite ridges, lakes and forests of the Precambrian Shield,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “I am incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and organizations who helped restore Manitoba’s signature backcountry trail after the devastating wildfires of last year.”

The trail was closed in May 2025 after a wildfire that began in Ingolf, Ont., spread into the Mantario Wilderness Zone. A fall 2025 assessment informed the development of a comprehensive restoration plan.

“The Mantario Trail has been a special place to me for a long time,” said Aaron Webb, board member, South Whiteshell Trail Association. “While I was aware of a larger number of people and organizations who felt the same way, the silver lining to last year’s devastating wildfire was to unite these partners in a shared goal to rehabilitate and reopen the trail. It has been truly inspiring to see these partnerships grow quickly and bring together dedicated volunteers who have a seemingly endless amount of energy to pursue this goal in a surprisingly short timeframe. We look forward to continuing to grow these relationships in the future to maintain stewardship of the trail and help it realize its full potential as a world-class backcountry hiking experience.”

Manitoba Parks partnered with the South Whiteshell Trail Association to begin recovery work, with the goal of reopening the trail for summer. A team of 23 volunteers travelled 1,885 km by foot and paddle to complete critical restoration work, including:

  • clearing and brushing the entire 64-km trail;
  • establishing a new 100-metre connector to the West Caribou Lake campsite;
  • clearing 10 campsites of hazardous trees and establishing 11 new helipads for emergency access;
  • clearing 10 portages totalling 8.85 km;
  • installing approximately 700 new trail markers and repurposing an additional 500 from fallen trees;
  • constructing 12 new log bridges across wet areas and creek crossings; and
  • installing a new climbing rope at the Rae Creek climb.

This spring’s work focused on safety and navigation to allow the trail to reopen as quickly as possible. Manitoba Parks is now planning future improvements, including enhanced campsite amenities, upgraded wayfinding signage and updated mapping, the minister noted.

Hikers are also encouraged to register their trip using Manitoba Parks’ new online backcountry registration form, noted Moyes. Registration is free and will assist in locating trail users in the event of closures or emergencies. This registration does not replace the need to leave a trip plan with a trusted contact.

Trip planning information including maps and the backcountry registration form is available at: www.manitobaparks.com. Trail users who are looking to support ongoing maintenance and enhancements of the Mantario Trail are encouraged to support the South Whiteshell Trail Association.