5 things to do along the TransCanada Highway
Sometimes, you get that craving for a road trip.
Read time: 50 min
Sometimes, you get that craving for a road trip. Don’t ignore it, go with it! Travel along the Trans-Canada Highway to get your fill of adventure you have been dying for.
There are many things you can do along the Highway, and places to visit, but these 5 Things to do along the Trans-Canada Highway, are must-see adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or just along for the ride, you will have a great time on this trip.
*Disclaimer*
- Stay home if you have been travelling or do not feel well. Here is an excellent resource if you are quarantined. This will help you find people in Manitoba who are willing and able to help you while quarantined. Help Next Door Manitoba
- Go out with people within your household, but practice social distancing (2 metres away) with other groups.
- Please practice Leave No Trace. Clean up after yourself and leave nothing behind such as trash and waste.
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Centre of Canada (Tache)
If you are planning a road trip along the Trans-Canada Highway, your adventure won’t be complete without a visit to the Centre of Canada located in Eastern Manitoba’s very own Tache. Tache marks where East and West meet, creating the center of Canada – longitudinal 96° 48’ 35.
This 20-acre park is the perfect place to celebrate Canada! Trek along the landscaped paths and examine the interpretive plaques, enjoy a picnic by the “Little Canada” natural playground, and simply immerse yourself in the feeling of being in the center of our beautiful country.
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Dawson Trail (Various Locations)
The Historical Dawson Trail has everything! From exploring nature, diving into Canadian history, to incredible sights, you won’t be bored along this trail.
The Dawson Trail is often referred to as the ‘Forgotten Trail,’ but this trail played a vital role in Canada’s history. The trail is named after Simon J. Dawson, a surveyor on the expedition that led to the construction of a road that would eventually link the East to the West and unite the country from coast to coast. In 1868, the decision to proceed with the construction of a corduroy road was made and took three years to build.
The Dawson Trail runs along the north side of the Seine from Winnipeg, went through the towns of Prairie Grove and Lorette to Ste. Anne, east through Richer, whose main street is on the route and across the Brokenhead River near its source, to the Whitemouth River. The bridge across the Whitemouth no longer exists, but the trail ran eastward to cross the Birch River north of Birch Lake. Then it turned southeast to Harrison Creek, whose north bank it followed to the North West Angle Inlet on Lake of the Woods. The clearing made for the trail in the woods is still visible, and it intersects the present provincial highway 308 about 5 miles or so south of East Braintree. At Northwest Angle, an old immigrant house still stands in silent tribute to the more than 3,000 pioneers who followed the old voyageur route.
Many can appreciate The Dawson Trail, no matter what your interests are. From wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or an avid hiker, biker, or runner, you will fall in love with the Dawson Trail.
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Falcon Lake
Falcon Lake is like stepping into another world! Full of fantastic nature opportunities, your trip along the Trans-Canada Highway should include a stop in Falcon Lake.
You can find an abundance of trails in Falcon Lake. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil stroll or a more advanced hike, you can find a trail that suits you.
Falcon Creek Self-Guiding Trail
This 2.2 km trail is perfect for novice hikers. Showing clues that glaciers were once present on this land, you spot various breathtaking rocks and mighty boulders scattered throughout the trail.
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Top of the World Trail
This 4 km trail is for intermediate hikers. If you are looking for an ‘out of this world’ sight or photo opportunity, look no further. This trail leads to the highest elevation in the area. The view is awestriking and provides a lookout above Falcon Lake.
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Sunshine
This 2 km trail is perfect for novice hikers. Travel along the Sunshine Trail, and you will find yourself on the top of the south-facing ski slopes with a spectacular view of Falcon Lake from a rock outcropping.
Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes
While it is too early to go skiing, you can still visit the beautiful land of Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes. Whether you want to hike or bike, you can trek through their fantastic trails that offer various trail difficulties. From easy/ beginner to extreme/ expert.
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There are many exciting adventures to be had in Falcon Lake. From horseback riding at Falcon Beach Ranch, renting a boat from Falcon Lake Marina and exploring the waterways, going on a guided fishing tour with Shield Outfitters, to spending the weekend at Falcon Trails Resort.
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Sandilands Provincial Forest
If you are looking for a stunning environment, then look no further! Sandilands Provincial Forest does not disappoint.
Take in the almost magical beauty of this forest full of wildlife, deciduous-coniferous forest land, sandhills, and wetlands. Spanning nearly 3,000 square kilometres, you can experience the forest in many ways whether you want to sightsee and stretch your legs by hiking and biking, or looking for a more adventurous way like ATVing or horseback riding.
Large sand eskers and hills remain as reminders of glaciers from the last ice age. As the glaciers retreated, large rocks, boulders, and sand were deposited, and they in the Sandilands Provincial Forest, providing a magnificent sight to be seen.
Bedford Hills and Cypress Mountains, high sand ridges in the area, are a must-see when you visit. They are the second-highest point of elevation in Manitoba, right behind Baldy Mountain in Duck Mountain Provincial Park.
With a diverse landscape, the forest is full of trembling aspen, jack pine, and white birch, and in wetter lowlands, you can spot black spruce, tamarack, white cedar, and black ash. You can find various species of wildlife mingling between the trees. White-tailed deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, and many other birds and critters can be found, providing the perfect location for wildlife viewing and birding.
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Whiteshell Provincial Park
No matter what adventure you’re in the mood for, you can find it in the Whiteshell Provincial Park! With over 2,729 km worth of fun, you can visit this nature lover’s paradise anytime.
One of the best things to do while visiting is to cast your line in one of their 200 lakes. Relax bankside or launch the boat into the water have your chance of catching walleye, northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, or lake trout.
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The Bannock Point Petroforms is another fan favourite. The site has many “boulder mosaics,” including turtle and snake figures. The site is truly remarkable and, to this day, is sacred land for some Aboriginal people. The Bannock Point Petroforms is a place where the spirits can communicate with them. If you find an offering, such as tobacco or cloth, at a site, please do not disturb it or the petroform rocks themselves.
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If you are in the mood to see some waterfalls, look no further! Right in the Whiteshell Provincial Park is Rainbow Falls, the perfect spot to snap a few photos, cast your line in the water, or simply take in the view.
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Whiteshell Provincial Park also offers 325 km of canoe route. One of the most popular routes is Caddy Lake, where you can pass through runnels created by walls of rock. You can enjoy tranquil water while taking in the sights. You can even spot beavers, minks, otters, weasels, deer, moose, and foxes.
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Bonus: Beauty of the Highway
We have talked a lot about places to visit, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride too! All along the Trans-Canada Highway, you can spot breathtaking views in the comfort of your vehicle – especially with those Fall colours.
Sit back, relax, drive, and indulge in the sights on the way to your Trans-Canada Highway adventure!
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