The Mantario Trail is a popular 63 km point-to-point backcountry hiking trail in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park, known for its rugged wilderness, lakes, portages, and multi-day challenges.
In May 2025, a wildfire (known as EA063) that started near Ingolf, Ontario, crossed into Manitoba and burned roughly 45-50% (about 27.6 km) of the trail. It damaged five of the 11 backcountry campsites (at lakes including Marion, Peggy, Alice, Olive, and Mantario), along with signage, bridges, garden thrones (toilet structures), and other infrastructure. Burned trees created safety hazards from deadfall and potential falling limbs, while unburned sections saw heavy overgrowth due to the trail’s closure.
The trail was closed indefinitely for the rest of 2025 (and into 2026) for safety reasons. Some areas had burned previously (e.g., in 2016), but this fire had a bigger impact.
Restoration Efforts in 2026 Manitoba Parks developed a phased restoration plan informed by a fall 2025 technical assessment. The goal was to reopen the trail safely for the 2026 summer season, with enhancements making it potentially “in the best shape it’s ever been in.”
Key progress (as of mid-to-late May 2026):
Over 500 volunteer hours contributed (plus support from the South Whiteshell Trail Association).
Nearly 60 km of trail cleared of deadfall, brush, and overgrowth.
Hazardous trees removed from three campsites.
Six portages cleared (totaling ~5.25 km).
~100 m of new connector trail built to the west side of Caribou Lake campsite.
Eight helipads established near campsites for emergency access (e.g., for injured hikers or disasters).
Work underway on new directional signage for the full trail, a replacement wooden bridge at Olive Lake, and a new boardwalk at a beaver dam/creek crossing south of the tower junction.
Volunteers and crews (including trail association members) handled much of the hands-on clearing, brushing, and initial repairs, often working in challenging conditions. One leader highlighted was Aaron Webb, a trail runner and surveyor.
Upcoming/completed elements include finishing clearing, the final helipad, signage, bridge, and boardwalk. A new metal bridge over the Whiteshell River (built in response to prior flooding) also improves access.
Phased approach:Phase 1 (initial reopening): Clearing for safe summer use (target: late June 2026, weather permitting).
Phase 2 (fall 2026 onward): More extensive hazardous tree removal via contracted crews.
Phase 3 (future enhancements): Additional signage, distance markers, campsite furniture (picnic tables, fire pits, throne toilets), etc.
As of late May 2026, the trail remained closed to the public, with officials urging people to stay off it until officially reopened. If conditions hold, it was expected to open by the end of June 2026.
This community-driven effort, blending provincial crews, dedicated volunteers, and local groups, has turned a major setback into an opportunity to upgrade one of Manitoba’s signature wilderness trails. For the latest status, check Manitoba Parks’ website or social media.