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  • FREN

    • Breathe in the Whiteshell this winter

    Whiteshell Provincial Park is a playground in all seasons. It is a popular escape because of its proximity to the Winnipeg metro area and for its undeniable rugged Canadian Shield beauty. Breathe in the pine-scented air of the boreal forest; take in views of a sunset across a lake; and hike, snowshoe and explore over ancient granite rock.

    A getaway during fall or winter in Whiteshell Provincial Park offers many choices for adventurers, no matter your skill level or interest. In fall, popular hikes like Top of the World and Hunt Lake attract those wanting to photograph the changing of the leaves. A trail ride at Falcon Beach Ranch or golf game at Falcon Lake Golf Course also allows visitors to slow down and breathe in the outdoors.

    In winter, adrenaline seekers explore the forests and lakes via well-groomed snowmobile trails, or race downhill at Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes. For those seeking solitude, the Whiteshell offers many unique, lakefront cabin rentals for guests whose idea of adventure is staying cozy indoors next to a fire with a tea and book in hand.

    The Whiteshell is located on Treaty 2 territory.

    Fall-Winter Trip

    Top Stops

    • Falcon Ridge Ski Slope: retro ski resort with downhill and cross-country options
    • Pine Point Rapids: easy 8 km trail for hiking and cross-country skiing to scenic rapids
    • Whiteshell River Suspension Bridge: photogenic bridge part of Canada’s The Great Trail

    Where To Stay

    • Resorts and Lodges: Pinewood Lodge, Falcon Lake Resort, Whiteshell Lake Resort
    • Unique Stays: Barrier Bay Resort, Falcon Beach Ranch, Tallpines Lodges
    • Campgrounds: Nutimik Lake, Otter Falls, Caddy Lake, Opapiskaw

    If There’s Time

    • Hunt Lake Trail: difficult 13 km hike along granite outcrops along West Hawk Lake
    • Falcon Lake Golf Course: premier 18-hole golf course with forest-lined fairways

    PART 1 - Escape to a cabin in the woods

    The Whiteshell is a must if your vision of a getaway involves a private cabin surrounded by nature. Many family-owned resorts and lodges are located throughout the park, each offering unique styles of accommodations, but all dedicated to having guests unwind, connect with nature and stay cozy. Tallpines Lodges and Inverness Falls Resort cater to romantic couples getaways. Otter Falls Resort and Barrier Bay Resort in north Whiteshell offer cabins perched on rock cliffs, near many hiking and snowmobile trails. For families, the handcrafted log cabin style at Falcon Trails Resort and Pinewood Lodge provides a storybook setting for making memories.

    Pinewood Lodge
    Cabins & Cottages

    Pinewood Lodge

    Lakefront chalets, spacious guest suites featuring whirlpool tub, microwave, mini-fridge, continental breakfast. Indoor pool, steam room, hot tub, exercise room. Guest laundry facilities. Smoke-free. Conference/banquet facilities.

    South Whiteshell Trail Association
    Hiking & Biking Trails

    South Whiteshell Trail Association

    Explore the beautiful trails in one of Manitoba's beautiful Province Parks. Hike, bike and walk, you will find all of natures wonders here. Pick up a hard copy of our trail map at the Falcon and West Hawk Park offices and campgrounds, trail kiosks, and...

    PART 2 - Winter play time

    Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes is a top spot for a variety of outdoor winter recreation. This family-run, retro ski resort tucked in the forest along Falcon Lake offers 12 downhill ski and snowboard runs and 19 kms of cross-country ski trails. For visitors who don’t own their own gear, equipment rentals are available. The property also has a snow tubing run, as well as snowshoe rentals to venture off the beaten path. Ice skating on the lake and fat bike trails (rentals not available) round out the list of fun. On weekends and holidays through winter, the vintage chalet serves from-scratch meals, and hosts local live music.

    A green sleigh with people pulled by two Belgian horses across a snowy field.
    Fall trails rides and winter sleigh rides at Falcon Beach Ranch

    The lake life vibe of the Whitehsell may seem like an unlikely place to also discover a ranch. Falcon Beach Ranch, located along the Trans-Canada Highway at Falcon Lake, offers interactive trail and sleigh rides for all ages during fall and winter. For a more immersive getaway, stay in one of three rustic log cabins onsite and enjoy the horses, campfire, sauna and hot tubbing all night long.

    PART 3 - Follow the trail

    The Whiteshell boasts the province’s most impressive network of trails, ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging rocky inclines. Visitors can enjoy more solitude on the popular trails in the off season by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking, provided you bring your own equipment. Foresters Footsteps (4 km) and Pine Point (8 km) near Betula Lake in north Whiteshell offer views of the forest and fast moving rapids. The wide open and flat shore trails around Falcon and West Hawk Lake in the south are ideal for fat biking and cross-country skiing. Be sure to consult regularly with Manitoba Parks' winter trail grooming report before you venture out.

    Avid snowmobilers gather in the Whiteshell to ride some of the most scenic routes in the province, all well maintained and equipped with warm-up shelters by the local snowmobile club.

    Three people cross country ski across an open expanse of snow on a clear winter day.

    OTHER ACTIVITIES

    With over 200 lakes in the Whiteshell, it’s no wonder that angling is a favourite pastime here. Ice fishing is an iconic Manitoba winter experience, and visitors to the Whiteshell can get out on the frozen lake with the help of Shield Outfitters. These local guides arrange fully equipped half and full day ice fishing excursions, as well as other winter family adventures such as igloo building.