Bear Lake Hiking Trail: Scenic 6 km in Whiteshell, Manitoba

 

Last weekend, we set out to explore Whiteshell Provincial Park in search of a short but immersive hike that could be completed in a couple of hours while still showcasing the park’s diverse landscape. After some research, we chose the Bear Lake Hiking Trail, a scenic 6 km route that offers a perfect snapshot of Whiteshell’s natural beauty.

Why Bear Lake Trail?

We chose Whiteshell Provincial Park because it’s close to Winnipeg, making for a quick and easy drive. Although we usually go for longer trails, we decided to try the Bear Lake hiking trail this time. At 6 km, it’s shorter than our usual hikes, but we were excited to explore its mix of lakes, marshes, and rocky terrain all the key features that make Whiteshell so special.

The Hike Begins

We left Winnipeg around 1 pm and arrived at the trailhead by 3 pm, ready to start hiking right away. The trailhead greeted us with a well-maintained parking area and picnic spot, setting a great tone for the day. Shortly after starting, we crossed some train tracks a reminder that Whiteshell connects Ontario and Manitoba. Right after, we encountered a marshy area with a wooden walkway, which made it easy to navigate. Without it, the crossing would have been tricky, as the mud runs deep in spots.

A Trail for Everyone

We came across several other hikers with families and dogs, it was great to see people enjoying the outdoors together. The Bear Lake Trail is ideal for beginners and families with children, providing an opportunity to fully immerse in the landscape of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Even though it’s a shorter hike, it packs in all the highlights: lakes, marshes, rocky terrain, muddy trails, and stunning fall colors. The trail is well-marked, so there’s no risk of getting lost, even if you’re new to hiking.

Reaching Bear Lake

Once you reach Bear Lake, the view is mesmerizing. You can walk across the steep rocks and overlook the lake from above, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a rope anchored to help you descend to the shore. Touching the pristine water is a real highlight. After soaking in the beauty up close, you can climb to another rock next to the lake, with another rope to assist on the short but steep climb. Even beginners can handle it if you’re up for the challenge. At the top, there’s a beautiful picnic area with tables honestly, I could stay there forever. The view is just breathtaking!

Wrapping Up the Hike

After soaking in the scenery for a while, we climbed back down and continued along the regular hiking trail, which is moderate and offers a pleasant walk back. Unfortunately, despite the beautiful surroundings, we didn’t spot any wildlife during our hike likely because the trail was quite busy, and animals tend to keep their distance from humans.

Final Thoughts

Location: Bear Lake Hiking Trail, Whiteshell Provincial Park

Distance: 6 km (round trip) 

Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re looking for a short drive and a hike under 6 km that showcases a slice of Whiteshell Provincial Park while providing a tranquil lake experience, the Bear Lake Hiking Trail is a fantastic option. It’s a moderate hike that offers a variety of landscapes, and you can decide whether to tackle the adventurous rock climbs or simply enjoy the views without them. Either way, this trail is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Manitoba’s wilderness.

References

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/bear-lake-trail-91319/