Winnipeg 
Riding Mountain National Park
Do you choose to wander the historic Assiniboine river banks or paddle the river? Explore the rolling hills at Brandon Hills, or enjoy time at the aspen forests in Turtle Mountain? These nature attractions near Brandon offers you lots of opportunities to connect with nature. Check out these nature places located around an hour from Brandon for an outdoor adventure.
Top Hiking Trails near Brandon
1. Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area
An outdoor enthusiast’s haven, Brandon Hills also provides habitat to many plant and animal species. This 722 hectare natural area is filled with aspen and bur oak forests interspersed with mixed-grass prairie and marshes. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and bird watching are the main activities of visitors to this area. Brandon Hills is also a breeding area for neo-tropical migrant birds (like willow flycatchers). Details
Where: 10km south of Brandon on HWY #10, 3km east of Beresford Road and 1km south.
Information on the area can be obtained from Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship at 1-800-214-6497, while trail maps are available at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.
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2. Assiniboine Riverbank
Riverbank is a green space that is being developed as a gathering place to connect people with nature. This is also a wonderful place to spend time with family. Here, one can enjoy a relaxing time or go along the 17 km of trails along the Assiniboine River corridor. This trail consist of forested paths as well as paved walkways and will take you to downtown shopping and dining venues. The trail together with the Riverbank Discovery Centre has been conferred with Manitoba Star Attraction status.Details
Where: Riverbank Discovery Centre, 545 Conservation Drive; 204-729-2141 or 1-888-799-1111
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3. Grand Valley Park
Grand Valley Park is a small campground located just off the Trans-Canada Highway in the Assiniboine River valley. Located here is the Stott National Historic Site. This is a former bison impoundment area and Indigenous village over 700-1900 years ago. Climb to the top of the viewing tower to get a view of the scenic valley. Hike the interpretive 1.5 km Buffalo Chase trail to understand the First Nations history of the land. Details
Credit: Grand Valley Park
Where: Highway 1 and 459 Forrest; (204) 573-3798
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4. William Lake Provincial Park
Well-known for rainbow trouts, William Lake Provincial Park also has a swimming beach area, canoe/kayak launch as well as a boat launch. Enjoy incredible views of southwestern Manitoba( including the International Peace Garden) on your way to Turtle’s Back summit. There are many campgrounds at the park to enjoy a night or two of camping. Details
Where: Ninga, MB
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5. Treesblood Farm & Assiniboine Food Forest
Experience the natural wonders of Brandon’s east end. Assiniboine Food Forest is a 40 acre land of which is 10 acres of ancient conserved oak forest and the remaining 30 acres is a cleared field dominated by spurge and thistle. Established with an aim to establish a natural landscape, many workshops, tours, and programs are conducted here to promote natural habitat and wildlife. Details
Where: 1735 Rosser Avenue East; 204-728-6278
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6. Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park is a much sought-out destination for all who appreciate nature. Visitors to the park enjoy everything from playing at the beach to canoeing in the waters, hiking to mountain biking, fishing to wildlife viewing in addition to the various winter activities you can enjoy. Whenever you visit, this park will take your breath away. Details
Where: Located 95 km north of Brandon
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7. Souris River Bend Wildlife Management Area
Grassy buffs that offers scenic views, self-guided trails, excellent bird watching opportunities, paddling, wildlife viewingm horseback riding trails, all beckons visitors to this area. This landscape features tracts of riparian woodlands and mixed-grass prairie. There are around 40 km of trails in this region waiting to be discovered by you. However, if you are planning to hike this region, please do keep in mind that only few of the trails are marked and many are not marked consistently.
A dominant feature of the area is The Elbow. Lake Souris once flower southeast into the Pembina River Valley. In the post-glacial period, it changed course and took a sharp turn to the northeast to join the Assiniboine River. This ~90-degree bend is referred to as ‘Souris Elbow of Capture’ – of the former Souris captured by a tributary of the Assiniboine. Details
Virtual Manitoba
Where: Southwest of Wawanesa near Margaret
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8. Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
The many lakes, marshland, undulating hills, hardwood forests, and an abundance of wildlife calls visitors to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. Located at an elevation of 804 feet above the prairie, the rolling terrains at the park challenges mountain bikers. Both backcountry camping as well as regular campsites are available here. Details
Where: Leaving Brandon, follow PTH 10 south, 100 km/62.1 mi
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9. Criddle Provincial Park
Criddle Provincial Park is the site of the former homestead of the Criddle/Vane family. This 130 hectare area has features of the Assiniboine Delta Natural Region including mixed-grass prairie. The quiet park has many nature-oriented recreational and educational opportunities to enjoy. Come here to see this pioneer homestead and to enjoy relaxing forest walks. Details
Where: From Brandon, follow PR 457 east to PR 340. Continue along PR 340 south. There is an access road approximately 10 kilometres south of Shilo that provides access to Criddle/Vane Provincial Park. Around 40 kilometres southeast of Brandon
10. Rivers Provincial Park
This small 38-hectare park is located on lake Wahtopanah, a reservoir created by damming the Little Saskatchewan River. Fishing, boating, playground, camping, picnicking are some of the activities you can enjoy here. Details
Where: 14 km north of Brandon on Highway 10, 22 km west on Highway 25 to park entrance
11. Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Where else can you find sand dunes, spruce wood forests, grass prairies, cactus, and wildlife, but at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Be it summer and winter, you can enjoy many activities at this popular park. Details
Photo Credit: Friends of Spruce Woods
Where: MB-5, Glenboro
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