Group Hike at Pine Point Trail

Under two hours east of Winnipeg located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Pine Point Trail offers an incredible scenic escape that winds along the Whiteshell River toward Pine Point Rapids.

It’s a great trail for winter hiking and suitable for all skill levels (snowfall permitting). The trail passes between two sharply different landscapes: on the left a mixed-wood forest, on the right a rock outcrop.

Along the trail, you’ll find a mature black spruce community, towering jack pines, and colourful, delicate lichens in black, grey, green, yellow, orange, and red. In summer, sumac and blueberries grow on rock ridges. Snapping and western painted turtles can be seen basking on logs or rocks. Wild rice grows along the shores where the river is wide and is an important food for southbound waterfowl during their migration.

At nearly 5 km, the self-guiding trail loop to the rapids and back will take us nearly two hours to complete. There are picnic tables, washrooms, and a warming hut at the rapids, so bring a snack and enjoy a well-deserved rest with a view!

Our 11:00 AM bilingual event is being offered in partnership with Sports en français, an organization that contributes to the development of Manitoba’s Francophone community through sport and physical activity in French.

While French language skills are not required to participate, we welcome Francophones and Francophiles to join! For English speakers, it’s a great opportunity for you and your family to practice your French language skills.

You’re welcome to continue on your own to complete the second loop (2.8 km), which will bring you past Acorn Falls and Viburnum Falls. This portion of the trail is incredibly scenic but slightly more challenging than the first. The trail leads over a rocky landscape and through the forest with some ups and downs to maneuver.

Register for the event here! 

How to Get There

Type ‘Pine Point Rapids’ into a smartphone map or GPS.

Or follow these directions:

• Take Provincial Trunk Hwy 59 N/Rte 20 N
• Merge onto Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 E/MB-44 E via the ramp to Beausejour
• Turn left onto Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 E (signs for Vivian)
• Turn left onto MB-11 N (signs for Lac Du Bonnet)
• Turn right onto MB-307 E
• Look for the signs for Pine Point Trail. The parking lot will be on your left just off of the highway.

Amenities

There are washrooms at the trailhead as well as the rest stop near the rapids (halfway point).

The town of Seven Sisters Falls is nearby, and you’ll find many restaurants, gas, and groceries stores in Beausejour on the way.

What to Bring on Your Winter Hike/Activity

A park pass is required for all vehicles entering provincial parks. An annual pass (which can be used in two vehicles) is $44.50. Daily permits are $9.50.

• Bring at least two bottles of water: you can leave one in your vehicle on a short hike; you’ll want both on a long hike.
• Snacks are a great way to keep your energy up along the trail. Many trails don’t have restaurants or stores nearby so you may also want to pack a picnic lunch.
• Hand sanitizer (Most trails have outhouses, not modern toilets.)
• Any medication you may need (like antihistamines, your asthma inhaler, or an EpiPen)
• A safety whistle, pocket flashlight, and a basic first-aid kit (not required, but a good idea any time you’re in the wilderness)

Outdoor Fun: What to Expect on Your Group Hike/Activity

Sometimes we just want to have some fun and enjoy a friendly chat with a stranger.

Our group hikes and activities are an easy way to get outside and explore Manitoba’s beautiful parks with other people.

CPAWS staff will share their love of nature on a relaxing hike along our favourite trails.

There won’t be any lectures along the way: when we stop for water and snack breaks we’ll keep the conversation casual and light.

If you’ve got questions we’ll do our best to answer them. However, we are not formally trained park interpreters. We encourage people seeking learning opportunities to check out our outdoor learning programming or try an interpretive event offered by Manitoba Parks.

Most hikes will take around two hours to complete and will be moderately challenging. Most will also be close enough to Winnipeg to make a pleasant day trip. Check out the event descriptions for more details.

How to Dress for Winter Hiking/Activities

The key to enjoying winter activities is to stay warm and dry.

Layers are your best friend. Hiking is good exercise. You don’t want to get sweaty while you’re moving and then catch a chill when you stop. So be aware of your body temperature and take layers off — or pile them on — as needed.

Start with a lighter puffer jacket or windbreaker supplemented by a sweater or fleece and a long sleeve shirt (a moisture-wicking fabric baselayer if you have one, cotton if you don’t.) You may overheat in a heavy parka unless it’s very, very cold out.

Snow pants or windbreaker/shell pants are well worth the investment. They don’t have to be expensive. They just need to keep your bottom half warm and dry, especially when you sit down for a snack break.

Don’t forget a warm hat, mitts, and either a scarf or neckwarmer. You can layer thin gloves under heavy mitts for added warmth and flexibility.

Warm, comfortable, and sturdy boots are a must. You don’t need expensive hiking boots. But you will not enjoy walking through the woods in sopping wet sneakers or leather boots with a high heel.

We recommend getting spikes or a traction device for your shoes for icy conditions. You can find them at Wilderness Supply, MEC, or even Costco!

How can we help?

If you have any questions or require any additional accommodations to participate, please email us at [email protected].

About the CPAWS Manitoba Nature Club

CPAWS Manitoba’s Nature Club is designed to help Manitobans get outside, make new friends and learn about the wonders of nature.

We’ve developed a wide range of programming and activities to help Manitobans of all ages and abilities enjoy the health and wellness benefits of nature.

Safety Protocols

CPAWS Manitoba takes the safety of all program participants seriously.

All CPAWS Manitoba staff members have cleared a criminal record and vulnerable sector background check with the Winnipeg Police Department.

All CPAWS Manitoba staff members voluntarily disclose that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We adhere to all public health recommendations and guidelines.

CPAWS policy requires that at least one person leading programming that may involve children must be certified in first aid. This applies to staff or to volunteers.

This program is possible thanks to the generous support of The Winnipeg Foundation and the Conservation Trust, a Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Initiative delivered by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.