Top Things to do in Whiteshell Provincial Park
10 Things to do in Whiteshell Provincial Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba including Pine Point Trail, Bannock Point Petroforms, Rainbow Falls, Hunt Lake Hiking Trail, Falcon Lake, Falcon Lake Main Beach, Falcon Creek Self-Guiding Trail, Whiteshell Provincial Park, McGillivray Falls Self-guiding Trail, Whiteshell Fish Hatchery Interpretive Centre.
1. Pine Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
I completed this hike on the morning of June 20 2020. I arrived at 7:30 AM and was the first one there and enjoyed having the entire trail to myself for most of the hike (just passed a few groups on the way back). When I returned to the parking lot at 10:30, it was starting to fill up but the trail didn't feel busy at all on my way back. The hike begins on a wide path through the forest and arrives at a junction. I always take the trail to the right (the self-guiding 2.7 km one), as it's more scenic and interesting in the terrain. The other path is a wide, straight trail through the forest that also arrives to the first rapids and there is no elevation on that one. The scenic trail travels through a mix of forest and climbs over the rocky face of the Shield. There is a short, offshoot trail leading to a lookout point along the way, where there were beautiful views of the forest! There were quite a few muddy sections of the trail as you get closer to the first rapids... Make sure to bring extra socks and wear waterproof footwear! At the first rapids, there is a small warming hut with a wood stove. It's a nice place to enjoy a snack! There's also picnic tables on the rocks. The rapids were beautiful! The second loop is 2.8 km and is lesser traveled than the first section of trail and it's my favourite portion of the hike as it is very scenic! This section is slightly more challenging with more ups and downs over the rocks. It leads to Acorn Falls first and then Viburnum Falls. Both are gorgeous and offer pretty views! There were some fallen trees across the trail at various points, but they were easy to navigate. The mosquitoes were absolutely HORRENDOUS when I hiked here. I had to wear my bug head net to escape their attacks. Would highly recommend lots of bug spray and a bug net if you have. It was definitely helpful. There is an outhouse at the beginning of the trail and at the first rapids. I hiked the full 9 km loop and it took me roughly 3 hours to complete with some photo/snack stops along the way. Pine Point is one of my favourite hikes in the Whiteshell and I love the variety of terrain and landscapes and pretty views along the way. The natural beauty is amazing.
2. Bannock Point Petroforms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
I visited the Bannock Point Petroforms for my first time this weekend. This is a historical site that is a sacred area for Indigenous peoples. From the parking area, it was a short walk through the forest to arrive at a wide open area on the rocky landscape surrounded by forest. There were various collections of the formations made with large rocks that were scattered around the area. There wasn't really a designated trail once you get to the open area, but there were pieces of cloth tied to the trees to guide you through. The formations resembled turtles, humans and snakes and are believed to be prehistoric and left behind by Indigenous peoples long ago. People had left various offerings of cloth, wood carvings, tobacco, plants and coins on a large rock near the trailhead and around the various formations. It was really interesting to wander around this area and appreciate the formations and the people who created them. It was very peaceful and serene here. Please be respectful of the area, as it is a sacred site. It is encouraged to bring an offering. There was some background information on the trailhead sign, but I am interested to do my own research and learn more about the history and stories of this place. Would recommend visiting!
3. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Gass1 - Winnipeg, Canada
We took a camping lot on white lake. The lake itself is nothing special, has a small sandy beach and basic services. About a ten minute walk from the camping ground you will get to the rainbow falls. A nice small water fall, around 5.5 feet in hight and 8 feet wide. No sandy beaches all stone and rock structure. The water is shallow, and the water bed is rocky as well. But it’s nice to get your back massaged while standing under the splashes of the fall. A quick jump from the top of the fall must not be missed. Despite the area can be reached walking, it has a parking area. Its good to combine it with a trip to the area wouldn’t be worth to drive that far only for the falls
4. Hunt Lake Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By TnJAdvents
Absolute amazing hike. Very challenging hike with lots of elevation changes, rock climbing, mud jumping, etc. Very scenic views along some parts of the trail. Took us 5 hours to complete with frequent photo taking and beverage stops. Highly recommend.
5. Falcon Lake
6. Falcon Lake Main Beach
7. Falcon Creek Self-Guiding Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
The Falcon Creek Self-Guiding Trail is a short 2.2 km loop trail, just a short drive from Falcon Lake townsite off the Trans Canada Highway, next to the Falcon Beach Ranch. The trail follows over the rocky landscape and through forested areas. There was one very large rock positioned along the trail that was deposited there by glaciers back in the day, from the receding ice, which was interesting to see. You can also spot lots of quartz veins in the rocks along the trail. The trail had some ups and downs along the rocks, but overall, was an easy hike. The trail was well-marked. This trail was scenic and had great views and beautiful nature along the way. Would recommend!
8. Whiteshell Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
I hiked a portion of the Mantario Trail from the south trailhead to Caribou Lake West as an introduction to this trail. This was my first backcountry hike/camping experience with a few friends who had a lot of combined experience on this trail. We hiked approximately 20 km round trip (10 km to Caribou Lake and back) and camped in the west campground at Caribou Lake. The hike was challenging (especially while carrying the weight of extra gear for camping), but very rewarding. There were lots of ups and downs over the granite rock face, including some steep climbs and descents. The trail led through forest (including burned sections from past fires), along the granite rock face in the Canadian Shield, across a river and a couple of creeks, and over two sets of train tracks. There were some very muddy sections in the lower forest areas, more so in the first section near the beginning of the trailhead, which were sometimes tricky to maneuver and required hopping across logs. Lots of roots and rocks, so definitely watch your footing to avoid tripping. Hiking poles helped tremendously! There were beautiful views along the hike while on top of the granite rock of the surrounding forest, Caddy Lake and Whiteshell River. The trail was pretty well marked and easy to follow with arrows posted on trees and bright flagging tape. I was expecting the bugs to be much worse than they actually were. There were definitely some mosquitoes, flies and ticks but they were not horrendous. I ended up having a total of six ticks by the end of the weekend (regular ticks, no deer ticks). At the Caribou junction, the sign was down but still visible laying in front of an old airfield tower foundation in the burned section of forest. The trail to the right (marked with flagging tape), leads 5 km to the Caribou Lake east campground and the trail to the left leads 2.5 km to the west campground. If you are hiking the entire trail, then you would camp in the east campground, as this is where the trail continues from. The west campground is suited for those doing an overnight on the trail. We headed to the west campground and the trail continued along a wider grassy path through forest and over rocks. This section of the hike to Caribou Lake was less intense and it was fairly flat, with not too many ups and downs. Closer to the campground, there was a fork in the trail with an arrow pointing right and left. The right trail look lesser traveled so we took the left trail to arrive at the campground (still not sure where the other trail leads). Before arriving at the campground, we passed three bear boxes and the outdoor privy (toilet) was on the left side of the trail just before arriving to camp. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer for the toilet. Caribou Lake was absolutely gorgeous! The campground was situated on a small peninsula jutting out into the lake, among tall pine trees to provide shade. There were lots of flat spaces to pitch a tent. This was a very peaceful area, deep in the wilderness, with amazing views of the lake and so much natural, rugged beauty! There was a picnic table and fire pit at the campground as well. On the first day, it took us approximately 5.5 hours to hike the 10 km from the south trailhead to Caribou Lake, with some breaks along the way and moving at a leisurely pace. On the hike back to the trailhead, we completed the same distance in about 4.5 hours and were moving at a steadier pace with less breaks. Come prepared if you plan to hike this trail. Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots/shoes, bring lots of water and a water filter and extra food. There is limited cell service along most of the hike. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this hike to experienced hikers with a good fitness level looking for a challenging and rewarding experience! I definitely felt pretty strong and empowered after completing a portion of this trail. Can’t wait to eventually hike the entire 63 km.
9. McGillivray Falls Self-guiding Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By TnJAdvents
One of many nice hiking trails in the Whiteshell. Some elevation changes and a variety of changes from climbing rock to bush to lakefront trails. Perfect trail for its moderate difficulty and distance. Later in the season so the ‘falls’ were a little underwhelming but still a great time. We did the hike backwards so to get a lead-up to the falls. Recommend you do it that way. Take the trail to the left of the sign board to do in reverse.
10. Whiteshell Fish Hatchery Interpretive Centre
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