Manitobans are encouraged to take part in the first-ever Manitoba Winter Trails Day on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. The announcement was made by Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes.

“We know Manitobans love spending time outdoors all throughout the year,” said Moyes. “Manitoba Winter Trails Day helps showcase our province’s amazing winter trails and activities, celebrate the dedicated partners who create and maintain trails, and inspire everyone to embrace the season by enjoying outdoor adventures with family and friends.”

Manitoba Winter Trails Day will occur annually on the second Saturday in February, the minister noted.

Free entry to Manitoba’s provincial parks for the month of February helps provide Manitobans with affordable access to winter trails, noted Moyes. Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using designated trails and entrance fees still apply in national parks.

Manitobans can join park interpreters on Feb. 8, for guided trail adventures in Birds Hill and Spruce Woods provincial parks:

  • Birds Hill – embark on a snowshoe trek along the Nimowin Trail, where participants will search for animal tracks, uncover signs of wildlife and explore the fascinating adaptations that help creatures thrive during winter.
  • Spruce Woods – take a guided hike on the Epinette Trail to discover the park’s unique landscape and its intriguing connection to the spruce forest.

Details and registration information for interpretive programs can be found along with more information on winter activities in provincial parks at manitobaparks.com. Manitobans are also encouraged to check this website for trail conditions before visiting parks.

Additionally, communities and organizations across Manitoba are invited to apply for funding through the Off-Road Vehicle Land and Trail Rehabilitation program.

“This grant program supports projects to improve and repair a wide variety of trails such as walking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails,” said Moyes. “We encourage Manitoba organizations to consider applying for project funding and help play an important role in environmental stewardship and nature conservation across our province.”

This funding is supported through an annual fee for registered off-road vehicles, collected by Manitoba Public Insurance at the same time as annual registration. The application deadline is March 31.

For more information on eligibility and to access the grant application form and guide, visit gov.mb.ca.