Exploring Cross-Country Skiing in the Beaches of 59 Area: Your Guide to Local Trails
Embrace winter and grab your skis! For outdoor enthusiasts, the Beaches of 59 is the perfect spot to experience all the winter activities, including cross-country skiing. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, the region provides a variety of trails that highlight its stunning landscapes. From well-maintained, volunteer-run paths to scenic routes through snow-covered forests, the Beaches of 59 offers something for everyone. Here’s a look at four fantastic options for cross-country skiing in the area: Victoria Beach Ski Trails, Grand Beach Ski Trails, the Beaconia to Birch Grove Community Trail and Duck Lake Ski Trail in Pine Falls. All are within 1.5 hours of Winnipeg and make for a perfect day trip adventure. If you are looking for a full weekend outdoors, you can check out the different accommodations available in the area here.
1. Victoria Beach Ski Trails – A Volunteer-Run Gem
As you approach the Beaches Community Club just off the 59 you will see an outdoor skating rink, a hill for sledding and the entrance to a variety of local ski trails. These trails are maintained and operated by a dedicated group of volunteers from the community. The Victoria Beach Ski Trails are known for their pristine grooming and scenic routes, which wind through forests and the Victoria Beach Golf Course.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-going ski or a longer distance, the Victoria Beach trails offer a variety of difficulty levels. The volunteers take great pride in keeping the trails in excellent condition, ensuring smooth, enjoyable skiing experiences throughout the winter. The stunning winter scenery, combined with the sense of community involvement, makes skiing at Victoria Beach an experience like no other.
For updates on trail conditions and more information, please visit the Beaches Community Centre.
Victoria Beach, MB
Trail Highlights:
Well-maintained, volunteer-run trails
At the trail head there is an outdoor rink, sledding hill and a warming hut
Very scenic, especially after a snowfall
2. Grand Beach Ski Trails – An Iconic Winter Destination
Grand Beach is known for its beautiful landscapes and natural beauty, and its ski trails are no exception. Located within Grand Beach Provincial Park, these 18km of trails offer a true wilderness experience just an hour drive from Winnipeg. The trails at Grand Beach offer a wide variety of terrain including hills which may have you questioning whether or not you are in Manitoba. The trails in Grand Beach can be a bit more challenging. So, for those new to skiing we recommend you look closely at the distance of the trail before heading out.
One of the lovely features at Grand Beach is the warming huts that are available at the trailhead. The huts have an indoor wood-stove that is available to use and makes the perfect spot to gather with friends and warm up. There are also outdoor washrooms available all winter. Additionally, there are 6km of fat bike trails throughout the area so if some folks want to bring their bikes while others go for a ski, this is the perfect spot.
For trail information, please check out this brochure here. The Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba also provides trail condition updates here.
Grand Beach Provincial Park, MB
Trail Highlights:
Fat bike and walking trails also available
Hills and a variety of landscapes
Warming hut and washrooms
*Please note this photo was taken prior to the trails being groomed
3. Beaconia to Birch Grove Community Trail – A Scenic, Community-Focused Route
For those looking for a quieter more lowkey skiing experience, the Beaconia to Birch Grove Community Trail is approximately 6km of beautiful trail along an old railway bed. This trail connects the communities of Beaconia, Island Beach, Boulder Bay, Balsam Harbour, Halcyon Cove, St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Thomas Cove and Lakeshore Heights. The trail is maintained by local volunteers, and it highlights the close-knit community spirit of the area.
The route itself is known for being somewhat quieter compared to the more heavily trafficked ski areas, offering a peaceful, serene experience as you glide through snow-covered terrain. The Beaconia to Birch Grove trail is perfect for skiers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle while enjoying the beauty of winter’s quiet landscapes.
For trail updates, we recommend visiting their Facebook page here.
Beaconia to Birch Grove
Trail Highlights:
Connects many local communities
Quiet, scenic route through the forest
Trail is located on an old railway bed
4. Duck Lake Ski Trail – Serene, and Spacious
For a more extensive ski adventure, the Duck Lake Ski Trail is an excellent choice. Spanning nearly 10 kilometers, this trail takes you through the boreal forest and provides a wide variety of habitats and wildlife located in the forest. Trail signage is provided at all major trail junctions and there are also interpretive stops along the way.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the Duck Lake Ski Trail is known for its well-equipped chalet, making it a great place to warm up, take a break, or enjoy a snack during your outing. The combination of stunning landscapes, excellent trail conditions, and convenient amenities make Duck Lake a top choice for cross-country skiers in the Beaches of 59.
For trail updates and more information, we recommend checking out the Duck Lake Ski Club Facebook page here.
Duck Lake, Pine Falls
Trail Highlights:
Nearly 10 kilometers of scenic trails
Beautiful forest and open-space terrain
Cozy chalet to relax and warm up
A longer route perfect for a more immersive experience
Winters can be long in Manitoba and cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the colder days and look forward to the snow. Whether you are going out with a friend or heading out solo, we are so fortunate to have so much access to these incredible trails in our backyard. These local gems, often maintained by passionate volunteers, highlight the region's commitment to providing top-notch outdoor recreation for locals and visitors alike. So, grab your skis, bundle up, and explore the winter wonderland that is the Beaches of 59!