About the trail

The Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail is a 1.5 km trail and boardwalk located 60 km from the north perimeter of Winnipeg on the west side of PTH 59. Open from the middle of May to the end of October, 8 am - dusk, the trail meanders through a balsam fir forest into a cedar bog and finally out into the wetland. The diversity of the area is highlighted by many orchid and carnivorous species, and other rare plants.

As you go along the trail, listen to the birds and smell the cedar. Watch for rare plants such as wild orchids, insect-eating plants and mushrooms. This wetland is a sacred area that has been used by the local Ojibway for over 300 years to sustain them and for sacred ceremonies. Therefore, the theme of the trail was designed to highlight the significance of the historic cultural connection between the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) and the Brokenhead Wetland.

The trail is located approximately 80 km (50 mi.) north of Winnipeg along Highway 59. The trail is 1.83 km (3.66 km return) and takes approximately two hours round trip to walk. The trail is fully wheelchair accessible and there is ample parking, toilets, garbage and recycling bins, and picnic tables at the trailhead.

We still have some hopes and dreams for the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail. One of them is a viewing tower that overlooks the fen, for which the late Lawrence Smith, an elder from BON and Debwendon member, had expressed a desire. As this wetland offers many possibilities for teaching, an interpretive centre might enhance other opportunities some time in the future. We welcome donations towards this.

We would appreciate knowing your thoughts about the trail – please leave any comments at info@debwendon.org