The Birtle Cross Country Ski Trail is perfect for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing alike. It meanders through the Birdtail Valley, hemmed by mature stands of aspen, oak, maple, and birch trees. There's a warm up cabin, outhouse and fire pit with a seating area located on the trail at the end of the Katimavik Loop. In the summer months, a portion of the trail is available for hiking to the cabin and it serves as a popular rest stop.
The trail starts in the Birtle Park and has different loops, ranging in length between 500 metres and 12 kilometres.
Wildlife sightings include deer, elk, moose, bald eagles, great white owls, rabbits, ruffled grouse and squirrels. Please be on the lookout for the occasional brown and black bear and take necessary precautions:
- Make noise (don't surprise them). Bears usually don't want anything to do with you - but surprising one can lead to an unwelcome encounter. Talk, clap, or call out occasionally, especially in dense brush or where there's running water.
- Learn how to use bear spray, and take it with you. It's one of the most effective bear deterrents - only if it's accessible and not buried in your backpack. Quick access is important!
- Watch for the signs and stay alert. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, diggings, or overturned logs. If you notice fresh signs, it's a good cue to slow down, make extra noise, or even turn back if things feel too active.
The trail is not patrolled, so always follow normal winter safety rules, and please use extra caution on slopes and hills:
- Watch your footing (traction is crucial). Packed snow and ice on hills can turn dangerous quickly; wear boots with good grip, and consider traction aids like microspikes. Take shorter steps and angle your feet slightly when going across slopes for better stability.
- Control your pace on descents. Going downhill is where most falls happen. Don't rush - keep you weight back, knees bent, and take slow, deliberate steps. If it's very icy, make a zig-zag instead of going straight down.
- Use poles for balance and support. Trekking poles can be a game changer! They give you extra points of contact and can help test your footing ahead of you - they also reduce the strain on your legs.
For directions, the Birtle Cross Country Ski Trail has been mapped on AllTrails - or you can check out these downloadable maps:
For more information call:
- Jeff Howard (204) 842-5172
- Garth Butcher (204) 842-3713
- Valley Recreation (204) 842-3460
Snowshoe Trail
This trails starts just west of Birtle, along the golf course road. This trail is tracked by volunteers and on private land; we ask that you respect the property and have fun!
Please click here for directions. The west loop of the trail is available on AllTrails.
