Top places to go ATVing in Manitoba

Test your riding skills on Manitoba’s awesome terrain

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person on an ATV in Manitoba

The Manitoba trails give riders cause for celebration. — Photo courtesy Con Huberdeau

Manitoba attracts its share of ATVers, due to its vast, expansive wilderness areas, hospitable communities and enthusiastic outdoor recreation clubs. Be sure to visit these locations if you want to get the most out of your Manitoba quadding experience.

Swan River

Swan River is located near Duck Mountain Provincial Park, one of the most beloved quadding spots in the province. Outside of park boundaries in Duck Mountain Forest, there are no ATV use restrictions (unless there is a ban due to wildfire conditions—contact Swan River Conservation at 204-734-3429 to check before heading out). The upper dam route is particularly well-liked.

Within the park you can try the designated ATV trail, Mossberry, which will take you more than 25 kilometres deep into the bush. The terrain is rocky in places, and has muddy areas to play in.
The Mossberry Trail, and the side routes branching off it, are a lot of fun—but they are not for beginners. Even experienced riders need to familiarize themselves with the area, as it is easy to get lost (especially near the Child’s Lake turn-off). 

Park rules allow riding in provincial road ditches; however taking your quad on roads and shoulders, along the Hickey and McKelvey trails, or down any cottage subdivision roads or ditches, is prohibited. Visit the Parkland’s Paradise website for more information.

Woodridge

Near Woodridge, Manitoba, there are hundreds of kilometres to explore on your ATV. The Little Big Foot Trail is a 75-kilometre loop that runs through Woodridge Provincial Park, and has a staging area located on Main Market Road. It has a moderate difficulty level and is kept in tip-top shape by the Woodridge ATV Sandhogs.

There are five neighbouring communities in the vicinity—quadders have lots of places to stop and get supplies, rest for the night or have a delicious meal.

Sandilands Provincial Forest

Sandilands Provincial Forest is an increasingly well-liked quadding area. The Eastman ATV Association maintain the riding zones here, with sandy, variable terrain making it an exciting place to go. The trails are tightly packed and will take you on twists and turns; some areas have a bit of water or other natural features to make things interesting.

The staging area can be found on Dawson Road. This one is a 56-kilometre loop, so it’s a more moderate option than the Little Big Foot Trail in Woodridge, which is not far from here.

Porcupine Provincial Forest

Porcupine Provincial Forest has boreal forest and wide gravel trails that will please any quadder. Head out on the trails, then stop and rest for the night—there are 40 unserviced campsites that allow you to lose yourself in the remote, peaceful outdoors. There are look-outs where you can have a picnic with the family and snap a few photos.

In addition to being a great quadding zone, Porcupine Provincial Forest is also known for its fishing opportunities. Reel in northern pike, perch and walleye.

Belair

Belair also has its share of diverse, sandy forest trails, taking you to former rail line corridors, and providing access to the East Beaches area. There are some exceptional beaches nearby, including Lester Beach, Grand Beach and Victoria Beach.

The terrain is perfect for ATVing, with sand-based trails that tend to dry out after a rain (and thus don’t get muddy). There are, however, a few lowland areas that have a softer base—use caution so as not to damage the terrain during rainy weather.

Most trails in this forest can be easily accessed from all the major subdivisions in the area. The Belair ATV Manitoba club asks riders to please respect the community residents and avoid making excessive noise or driving too fast when getting your quad onto the trail.

 


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