Manitoba Government Improves 19 Recreational Trails and Opens New Backcountry Sites

Press Release

Manitobans Encouraged to Celebrate Manitoba Trails Day on June 6: Moyes

To celebrate Manitoba Trails Day, the Manitoba government and Trails Manitoba are improving recreational trails across the province with more than $200,000 in funding, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today.

“Trails are spaces where families can enjoy and experience the incredible landscapes and wildlife that make Manitoba so unique,” said Moyes. “Our government understands that trails are an affordable way for families to connect with nature and are essential for the health and well-being of Manitobans. We are proud to partner with Trails Manitoba to invest in the maintenance and enhancement of trails across the province.”

In all, 19 projects will receive funding through the 2026 Trails Manitoba Grant Program, including:

• Winnipeg Trails Association – winter trail making and maintenance capacity boost;
• Beausejour Active Transportation Committee – Rail Trail West enhancement;
• Crow Wing Trail Association – stewardship and maintenance;
• Boyne Valley Trail Committee – Trailhead enhancement project;
• Steep Rock Cottage Owners Association – Steep Rock Trails enhancement project; and
• Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association – general trail maintenance.

“Trails are critical infrastructure, providing all Manitobans with pathways to health and well-being, reconciliation, economic development, tourism and environmental stewardship,” said Jeana Manning, board president, Trails Manitoba. “We are honoured to partner with the Manitoba government, municipal and Indigenous governments, and trail organizations in delivering trail projects across our gorgeous province.”

The Winnipeg Trails Association will be among the beneficiaries of the funding, the minister noted, adding the organization has worked with numerous municipalities, community-based partners and school divisions to help develop, connect and promote active transportation across the city.

“Trails make it possible for hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and abilities to experience something magical,” said Anders Swanson, executive director, Winnipeg Trails Association. “Trails help connect us all to nature in this place we call home. We are pleased to see this support to help grow our capacity to try to do more.”

For the complete listing of 2026 Trails Manitoba Grant recipients, visit www.trailsmanitoba.ca/grants.

Manitobans are invited to celebrate Manitoba Trails Day, which takes place annually on the first Saturday in June, this year on June 6. Manitobans are encouraged to visit one of the province’s trails or join park interpreters for a guided program in provincial parks. For more information, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

To mark 2026 Manitoba Trails Day, the Manitoba government is announcing the opening of two new backcountry campsites on the Black Wolf Trail in Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.

“We know Manitobans love the challenge of multi-day hikes and to support the demand for more of these opportunities, we are excited to announce the development of new backcountry campsites on the Black Wolf Trail,” said Moyes. “This will allow people to experience this beautiful trail in a new way and try backcountry camping in central Manitoba.”

The new backcountry campsites are first-come, first-served, the minister noted. Visitors are reminded to practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and make sure they share their trip plan with an emergency contact. For more information on how to camp in the backcountry and about other multi-day hikes in Manitoba, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

The Manitoba government recognizes the value of high-quality trails and supports the inaugural Canadian Trail Summit, which is being organized and hosted in Winnipeg by the Trans Canada Trail. The conference takes place from June 16 to 19 and presents an opportunity for the Canadian trail sector to come together, the minister noted.

To learn more about the Canadian Trail Summit, visit www.canadiantrailsummit.ca.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT5