We are Keepers of The Trail
MATR is excited to announce that we are the keepers of a stretch of 19km of the Centennial Trail, between the Rock Ridge access point and the Bear Lake junction. The local Scouts group approached MATR for help maintaining the trail, and we were pleased to say yes. As keepers of the trail we commit to maintaining a safe trail that appears as natural as possible in partnership with Scout Canada.
About the Trail
The Centennial Trail is a 45km trail on the traditional territory of the Michif Piyii (Métis), Anishinabewaki, ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, on Treaty 3 land. The trail begins on the south west side of Hwy 44 shortly before the junction of Hwy 312. The full trail winds its way west past Caddy Lake Resort, McGillivray Falls, Hanson’s Creek, Ross Lake, Jean Lake, and exits at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary.
The Centennial Trail began in 1970 and was Scouts Canada’s gift to the celebration of Manitoba’s 100th centenary and is now part of The Great Trail. The Centennial Trail's rugged wilderness with granite crops, downed trees, and beaver activity continually change the conditions, make it a true wilderness experience as there is no defined trail bed. The trail is marked by cairns as well as directional arrows in addition to cobranded Great Trail/Centennial Trail signage. Occasionally, you will see an original Scout sign (these are orange with a black fleur de lis) marking the way through the forest.
Can you join us October 23/24 for a trail work day?
We'll be removing old signage and installing new signs along a portion of the trail along about 10 km of trail.
MATR's section
We will be looking after a central portion of the trail (highlighted in pink on the map below), accessible at a number of points, including at Rock Ridge, Powerline, Telford Tower, Telford Pond and a short run in from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
MATR’s Centennial Trail Section
Nature's playground
The trail follows granite ridges, rocky outcrops, and low-lying boggy areas in the Boreal Forest making it the perfect playground for trail runners looking for adventure.
With the Centennial Trail being added to the Fastest Known Time database in 2021 and few impressive runs already logged, we're sure it'll attract trail runners from around the area who are keen to test their legs on the trail.
Some sections are suitable for family hikes while others more remote sections are intended for fully equipped experienced hikers or runners. Access points with parking are located at Caddy Lake Resort, McGillivray Falls Trailhead, Bear Lake Hiking Trail, Telford Pond, and at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary.
Steeped in history
The rock ridges were created over 2.5 billion years ago making them older than the Rocky Mountains and among the top 3 areas of the oldest rocks in the world. The tiny patches of bright green lichen found dotting the ridges could easily be over 1,000 years old even though they are only 10 cm in diameter.
The bogs contain sphagnum moss which was used by the Indigenous people as diapers and wound dressings due to their incredible water holding capabilities and antiseptic properties.
Taking care of the trail
We'll be hosting a signage day the weekend of October 23-24 to replace old signage. Let us know if you can make it! We're asking that you only sign up for this if you are fully vaccinated according to Manitoba Public Health Guidelines.
Can't make it? Don't worry, we are also looking forward to hosting a Get to Know Our Trail event in 2022 as well as organizing (more) trail maintenance days!