Explore in the Interlake

Stony Mountain Quarry Trail


Explore the Interlake Quarry

Explore nature and the remnants of Manitoba's mining history in the Stony Mountain Quarry.

The Stony Mountain Quarry Trail takes visitors on a leisurely hike through a mix of natural and urban environments just minutes north of Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway.

The 2.1 km trail passes through a small forest to find the quarry on the other side where it continues along the edge. You can spot remnants of the mining history including jutting limestone ledges, abandoned excavations and a quarry pond at the base. The hike will continue on to the nearby .7 km Assiniwa Trail and .7 km Prairie Trail, 3.5 kms in all. 

Trail Highlights:
  • Length: 3.5 km
  • Average Time: 1 hour-1 hour 30 mins
  • Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: 2/5
  • Picnic Area: Benches throughout the trail
Accessibility:
  • Not wheelchair and stroller accessible-steep paths and bumpy gravel
  • Bathrooms: Yes, however not on the trail
  • Parking: Yes, along Dufferin Road.
  • Dogs: Must be leashed.
  • Park Pass: Not required


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Trail Testimonials

"Lovely vistas and lovely wildflowers - interesting chats with other hikers."

Nature Club Participant

"Lovely prairie vegetation and flowers in the wild life area off from the Stony Mountain trail. We enjoyed the flower identification with phone apps."

Nature Club Participant

"The trail is beginner-friendly with changing landscape that entertains adults and children alike! I like that was a no-pressure hike."

Nature Club Participant

Stony Mountain History

 
During the Late Ordovician Period, a shallow sea covered nearly two-thirds of North America. The rocks at Stony Mountain, composed of limestone and dolostone, were formed from sediment that settled on the seafloor of this ancient sea. These rocks, part of the Stony Mountain Formation, date back approximately 440 million years. When the last ice age ended, it left behind prairie landscapes and escarpments like Stony Mountain.

Stone mining in the area began as early as 1893. Quarrying at the Stony Mountain Penitentiary provided materials used to build the prison walls.

Learn more about the history here.


Resources

Prairie Preserve

Learn about the Protected Prairie