Manitoba Parks has announced its intention to reopen the Mantario Trail for a portion of the 2026 summer season after a wildfire damaged nearly 28 kilometers of the route in May 2025.
The province is currently collaborating with community groups near Whiteshell Provincial Park to clear brush and ensure the entire 63-kilometer point-to-point trail is safe and passable.
According to an article by CBC, this update revises an earlier statement from April 13, which expressed uncertainty about whether the trail would be accessible this year.
The restoration will occur in three phases, beginning this summer with the release of updated maps and potential detours to navigate the damaged sections.
A more comprehensive cleanup is scheduled for the fall, when contractors will be brought in to remove hazardous trees using specialized equipment, a process that will require temporary trail closures.
The final phase, slated for 2027, will focus on infrastructure upgrades, including new navigational signage, distance markers, and updated campsite amenities such as picnic tables, firepits, and toilets.
The wildfire damaged five of the trail’s 11 backcountry campsites, specifically those located at Alice, Marion, Peggy, Olive, and Mantario lakes.
Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes stated that the long-term goal is to enhance the trail beyond its original state.
Despite the high demand for distance hiking, Moyes confirmed there are currently no plans to introduce user fees or safety registration, a departure from the management styles of similar Canadian routes like the West Coast Trail.
Instead of implementing fees, the province aims to alleviate pressure on the Mantario Trail by developing new wilderness distance-hiking routes elsewhere in Manitoba.
Moyes noted that several provincial departments will meet with the Manitoba Trails Association to discuss prospective new trails to meet a demand that has remained high since the pandemic.
The trail remains closed to the public for the time being as initial clearing work begins.
This development highlights the increasing strain on existing wilderness infrastructure and the necessity for phased disaster recovery plans.
For outdoor gear retailers and tourism operators, the commitment to reopening and expanding distance-hiking routes in Manitoba underscores a growing market for backpacking and trail-running, presenting opportunities to support a new generation of enthusiasts seeking long-form wilderness experiences.