The Manitoba landscape has all the makings of a sledding paradise, with vast, well-marked terrain vigilantly maintained by the Whiteshell Snowmobile Club. While the entire area has an abundance of trails, there are certain favourites among them.
“(Top trails include) the Zubek Lake Trail, which is our newest and perhaps most scenic (decommissioned logging road),” said Kevin Boughton, president of the club, “(and) One Stone, Beauchemin, Brereton Lake Loop and the Mud/High Lake Trail. All of these loops can be accessed from the main snowmobile trail that runs between Falcon Lake and Seven Sisters.
“In partnership with Manitoba Conservation, we are able to offer 450 kilometres of groomed trails.”
Whiteshell Provincial Park is divided into north and south sections. Both have several staging areas, all of which are well marked—just as one might expect in this snowmobile-friendly region.
“We have eight log shelters along our trail system that are fully stocked with seasoned firewood, ready to cook a hot meal at,” said Boughton. “Local restaurants and gas stations are open year round should anyone choose not to bring food along. Our website (offers) trail maps, lodging information, gas station hours and other pertinent information about the park.”
Making memories
The club’s dedication to maintaining the trail networks is one of the reasons that Whiteshell attracts so many avid sledders every year.
“Our trails are well signed and maintained. You can cover several hundred miles in a day without retracing your tracks,” said Boughton. “When optimal conditions exist, you will be guaranteed . . . some of your most memorable riding.”
Whiteshell’s trail network runs through the heart of the Canadian Shield, giving it the distinction of showing off Manitoba’s finest scenery.
Add to that a community that avidly supports both local and visiting snowmobilers with a warm welcome. People new to the area will quickly find themselves falling in love with Whiteshell’s trails—even after only one experience.
“The trails . . . make navigation easy for any first-time visitors or riders,” said Boughton. “We have six rescue sleighs strategically located throughout our trail system should anyone require assistance. If you run into any mechanical difficulties on the trail, there are always plenty of friendly Manitobans to lend a hand. Cellular service in the Whiteshell is sporadic.”
We asked Boughton where he would take a first-time snowmobiler on his or her premier Whiteshell expedition. He replied with the excitement and enthusiasm that Manitoba snowmobilers are known for.
“We would start at Falcon Lake (south) or Rennie (north),” he said, “(and) head down the main trail, which would lead us into some of the trail loops that I had previously mentioned. Along the way there are several areas where we can highmark and view the Shield from above. In a year with moderate to high snow levels, there is plenty of powder to be found on the lakes.”
