With its rustic charm, pristine waters, and seemingly endless wildlife, the Canadian Shield presents many opportunities for a wide range of immersive activities. And whether you’re an avid angler or simply love spending time with nature, Bakers Narrows Lodge in Flin Flon, Manitoba, is arguably one of the top vacation spots in the province, making it a prime choice for discerning outdoor enthusiasts. As such, it’s no surprise that those looking for their next great adventure choose the northern reaches of civilization to create countless memories and an unforgettable experience. Hiking in Manitoba is undoubtedly an excellent place to start your journey and is a meaningful complement to the ultimate remote fishing trip north of the 53rd Parallel.
Lake Athapapuskow: A Quintessential Manitoba Hiking Experience
As highly observant explorers, the indigenous Cree tribes chose Athapapuskow—meaning rock all around—to describe the lake on which Bakers Narrows resides. Considering how many massive rock formations surround Bakers Narrows, it’s safe to say that the Cree people made an apt decision. You may not know that many of these formations consist of unique limestone structures that have withstood centuries of storms, fires, and other natural catastrophes. Unlike granite, limestone erodes relatively quickly, creating natural wonders while telling a readable geological story.
What to Expect While Hiking at Bakers Narrows
Before you head out, you’ll want to bring a camera, journal, or sketchbook. The otherworldly limestone cliffs you’ll see are thousands of years old and are well worth documenting. As you set out across Lake Athapapuskow, you’ll remember the things that make life worth living and why you came to Northern Manitoba in the first place. Mist rolling across the lake or the song of a solitary bird along the shoreline are just a couple of surreal moments you may experience before arriving at Camp Whitney.
Manitoba Hiking Trails | Camp Whitney and Beyond
After taking in the sights and sounds at Camp Whitney, you’ll start the hiking portion of your adventure on the Brian King Nature Trail that meanders to Limestone Narrows through various biomes, terrain, and micro-ecosystems. From Precambrian Shield granite and schist to a set of distinct limestone crevices, this awe-inspiring forest was once a massive sea. From the dense boreal forest consisting of the perfect combination of white spruce and poplar, you’ll eventually reach an old field that is slowly transforming into a prairie rife with wild roses, willows, sarsaparilla, and honeysuckles. As you follow the delineation between black spruce and lush poplar, balsams, and white spruce left behind by a wildfire, you’ll reach a mature trembling aspen stand that offers a stark contrast to the previous setting. If your stomach starts rumbling, keep your eyes peeled for an assortment of delectable offers like dewberries, blueberries, and morels in the spring.
Complete Your Quest to Find the Best Manitoba Hiking Trails
If you’re looking to find the best Manitoba hiking trails or add one to your list, then you need to check out Bakers Narrows Lodge. And although we may not have the most treacherous routes or towering mountains, we’re proud to say that our slice of paradise is a gorgeous place to explore amid fresh air and abundant serenity. Unique experiences can be hard to come by these days, and not many people can say they’ve travelled north of the 53rd, so if you’re up for an adventure, we’d love to have you.