Trans Canada Trail Welcomes the Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin Trail to its National Network
June 20 celebration at Falcon Trails Resort will mark the grand opening of a meaningful new connection in Manitoba’s Whiteshell region
A new chapter for trails in Manitoba’s Whiteshell region will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20, as Trans Canada Trail and the South Whiteshell Trail Association mark the grand opening of the Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin Trail.
The community celebration, taking place at the Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin Trailhead at Falcon Trails Resort, will bring together representatives from Trans Canada Trail, the South Whiteshell Trail Association, the Asper Family Foundation, and Trails Manitoba, as well as local partners, donors and community members.
Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin — pronounced onish-ka-toon gway-kot-see-win — carries a meaning that speaks to both the land and the people who move through it. The name has been shared as an invitation to “wake to ourselves and to the land,” and to live honestly and “in a good way.”
The Trail winds through the east end of Falcon Lake, offering a backcountry experience through the granite ridges, wetlands, forests and diverse ecosystems of the Canadian Shield. Built as an advanced, non-motorized trail for hiking and mountain biking, it connects from the Falcon Ridge area toward the Trans Canada Trail near Toniata and helps complete a broader loop around Falcon Lake.
This new trail section is the result of years of careful planning, consultation and collaboration. In developing the trail, SWTA considered old-growth trees, the natural flow of water and the history held in the rocks, with a focus on sustainable design and minimal environmental impact.
“We are delighted to welcome the Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin Trail to the Trans Canada Trail network,” said Stacey Dakin, Chief Program Officer at Trans Canada Trail. “This trail helps people forge deep connections with nature, one another and the stories and significance of the land. Thank you to the South Whiteshell Trail Association for their vision, leadership and dedication in bringing this trail to life, and to the Asper family for their ongoing support of trail development and stewardship.”
The celebration will also recognize the Asper family’s deep connection to the Trail and the generous support from the Asper Family Foundation. Their contribution has helped advance local trail development and stewardship in the South Whiteshell, supporting a shared vision for a connected, accessible and meaningful trail experience for residents and visitors alike.
“The South Whiteshell Trail Association is very proud to officially open this marvelous trail after many years of planning and hard work by our contractor and volunteers,” said Gilles Boulley, President, South Whiteshell Trail Association. “We are excited to see all trail users enjoying the challenging terrain and beautiful scenery along the trail.”
The South Whiteshell Trail Association, a volunteer-led organization, has been building and maintaining trails in South Whiteshell Provincial Park for decades. Its work in the Falcon, West Hawk and Caddy Lake areas has helped create more than 100 kilometres of trails, supported through volunteer effort, donations, grants and fundraising.
As part of the Trans Canada Trail, Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin adds a powerful new connection to the world’s longest multi-use trail system. It offers people a chance to experience the Whiteshell’s natural beauty, reflect on the relationships and histories connected to the land, and celebrate the local partnerships that make trails possible.
Following the formal celebration, guests will be invited to enjoy the Trail through a group hike/walk. The event will start at 10 a.m., with the group hike running from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
