Wildfire to Mantario Trail Rehab
After a year of closure following the devastating wildfires of 2025, the Province of Manitoba announced it is working on a plan to reopen the Mantario Trail in the summer of 2026 alongside local trail organizations.
The Manitoba Association of Trail Runners and the South Whiteshell Trail Association are among the groups stepping up to participate in the massive cleanup. The plan, released on the Government of Manitoba website on April 22, provided hope for user groups keen to see the trail re-open for recreational use this summer.
“There’s a mix of massive relief and pent-up energy,'“ said Moore to news of the announcement. “The Mantario Trail passes through some really special places int he Manitoba Wilderness.”
“We’ve seen a shift recently. People aren’t just asking ‘when will it be open’. They’re asking "‘how can we help’.”
Speaking to host Marjorie Dowhos on CBC’s Up To Speed, Moore, who serves as ourTrail Work Coordinator shared more details about what the trail work looks like in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
The trail remains closed.
Although work is underway, the trail remains closed to all traffic. If you’d like to volunteer for trail work, please email our trailwork coordinator.
May 22 Update:
Manitoba Parks released an update on Friday, May 22 about rehabilitation efforts.
“Over the past two weeks, crews have made remarkable progress in clearing and restoring the Mantario Trail. Manitoba Parks extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the dedicated volunteers…. Their commitment, long hours, and hands-on effort are helping bring Manitoba’s signature backcountry long-distance trail back to life….
Although significant progress is being made, the Mantario Trail remains closed at this time. If weather conditions remain favourable, reopening is anticipated in late June. The public is asked to respect the current closure and stay off the trail until it is officially reopened.”
For the latest updates on trail conditions and reopening dates, runners and hikers are encouraged to monitor the Manitoba Parks website.