Hiking the Limestones

Lake Athapapuskow in the Cree language means “rock all around” which includes the magnificent Limestone cliffs with sheer drops that are said to be thousands of years old. Grab your camera and head out across the waters of Lake Athapapuskow by boat to the South end of Little Athapap where you will arrive at Camp Whitney. From here you will begin your hike on the Brian King Nature Trail which is a self-guided trail that winds its way from Camp Whitney to Limestone Narrows, passing through a variety of forest types and terrain. Starting on solid Precambrian Shield granite and schist and ending at a set of limestone crevices, which are part of what was once the bed of an ancient sea. There are a number of interpretive plaques along the way to give you a feel for the ecosystem you are in.

You pass from typical Boreal Forest of mixed white spruce and poplar through an area where old field succession is evident with the profuse growth of wild roses and invading willows, sarsaparilla, honeysuckle, and poplar trees. See clearly the markings black bears have left on some of the trees. Follow an old firebreak and witness an amazing transition point with a black spruce forest on one side of the trail and lush mixed poplar, balsam fir and white spruce on the other. Continue along into black spruce and break through into a pure mature trembling aspen forest. Keep your eyes open for delicious dewberries, blueberries and in the spring, morel mushrooms. If you’re quiet you may sneak up on a family of ruffed grouse hunting for berries. This hiking tour is suitable for beginners of all ages and has no time limit, you go at your own pace which can take up to a half day or more.

(boat rental and tour guide optional – can be booked separately or added to any package)

Read more here: Hiking Manitoba