The Mantario Trail is a multipurpose trail in southeastern Manitoba. It is 63 kilometres long and meanders through rugged Canadian Shield. The trail is predominantly located within Whiteshell Provincial Park, although a very small portion of it enters Crown Land in Ontario. It is named after Mantario Lake, where one of several campsites that are along the trail sits. A large portion of the Mantario Trail is in a Wilderness Zone which is an area protected from motorized access and hunting. Hiking the Trail This is a trail designed for experienced and well-prepared backpackers. An average hiker can usually complete the trail in 3 or 4 days. Water, particularly spring thaw and recent rainfall, can significantly affect many areas of the trail. Wind damage, wildfire, and flood have led to sections of the trail being closed in 2013 and 2016. Cellular phone service is unreliable and is usually limited to open rock faces at higher altitudes when available. Middle sections of the trail can be accessed by canoe (and portages), but there are no roads that access the trail other than at the trailheads. The south trailhead is north of Westhawk Lake and just to the east of Caddy Lake. The north trailhead is on the north side of Big Whiteshell Lake. There is parking available at both trailheads, although the lot at the south trailhead is considerably larger. As of yet there are no businesses that offer shuttle service between trailheads. Waterproof and tearproof maps are available from several sources, including Manitoba Conservation. There are organizations that offer guided hiking trips on the Mantario Trail, if needed. Trail Maintenance The Manitoba Naturalists Society (MNS) is a volunteer non-profit organization that has stewarded Mantario trail development and maintenance over the years. The MNS Outdoor Committee has leaders who offer minimal-cost trips on the trail. Mantario Cabin Associated with the Mantario Trail is the Mantario Wilderness Cabin a facility located on an island on Mantario Lake and which is stewarded by the MNS Mantario Committee. The Mantario Wilderness Education program is intended to offer remote wilderness education opportunities in numerous disciplines with reasonably priced 5-day programs through July and August. The cabin is accessed by non-motorized means such as canoeing and portaging, hiking, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing. Various trips to the Mantario Cabin are organized by MNS Trip Leaders throughout the year. Events Since 1980, a group of local runners have