Mantario Trail: Caddy Lake to Big Whiteshell Lake (4 days / 63 km)

The Mantario Trail is located in Whiteshell Provincial Park in the eastern portion of the province. The trail extends 63 km south to north over granite ridges, grassy trails, wet bogs, and pristine lakes. The south trailhead is located at PR 312 just east of Caddy Lake and the north trailhead is located on the north shore of Big Whiteshell Lake. The best time of year to hike the trails is in the spring or fall. The exposed rock and rugged terrain can be extremely challenging in the Manitoba heat. After a few consistently dry years, our spring hike in May 2020 was surprisingly dry and the temperatures were perfect. This made our 

Trip Summary

Starting Point: South trailhead is located at PR 312 just east of Caddy Lake

Ending Point: North shore of Big Whiteshell Lake (near Big Whiteshell Lake Lodge)

Total Distance: 63 km

Elevation Gain: 711.4 metres (2,334 feet)

Duration: 4 days

Difficulty: Intermediate

Location

The Mantario Trail is located in Whiteshell Provincial Park in the eastern portion of the province. The trail traverses along the Manitoba/Ontario border, predominantly located in Manitoba there is one short section that dips into Ontario. The nearest town to the south trailhead is West Hawk Lake, Manitoba (the Night Hawk is a must for burgers post-hike). There are a number of small towns/amenities along PR 309 near the north trailhead. 

The south trailhead is located approximately 2 hours from Winnipeg. Travel on PTH 1 towards West Hawk Lake, turning on PTH 44 once you’re in town, and then turn east onto PR 312 towards Caddy Lake. Watch for a wooden sign marking the south trailhead parking lot.  

The north trailhead is located approximately 2.5 hours from Winnipeg. Travel on PTH 59 and then turn east on PTH 44 towards Beausejour. Turn north on PTH 11 and drive for 5km, then turn east onto PR 307 and then turning on PR 309 towards Big Whiteshell Lake.  Keep left at the fork a...