A hiking path in Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba that was closed due to last year’s wildfires is set to reopen in June after undergoing repairs. Manitoba Parks announced on social media that significant progress has been made in clearing and restoring the Mantario Trail over the past two weeks.
Last year, a wildfire that began in Ontario in May 2025 scorched nearly half of the 63-kilometer trail and damaged five out of 11 backcountry campsites, as per a bulletin from Manitoba Parks. Initially, concerns were raised about safety due to the fire damage, including burned trees, casting doubt on whether the popular hiking trail would reopen this year.
However, the government later confirmed plans to reopen the trail at least for a portion of the summer. With favorable weather conditions, the reopening is now expected by late June, according to Manitoba Parks. Crews have already cleared approximately 60 km of the trail, removing deadfall and overgrowth, as well as addressing hazardous trees at campsites and clearing portages.
In preparation for the reopening, eight helipads have been established near campsites, as recommended in a post-fire trail assessment report, to facilitate access in case of emergencies. Additionally, around 100 meters of a new connector trail to a campsite near Caribou Lake have been constructed, aligning with suggestions from the report.
Over 500 volunteer hours have been dedicated by crews to assist in the restoration of the Mantario Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park following the wildfires last year.