Winter Trail Network
**If you are looking for winter trail maps and conditions, that page can be found here:
Winter Trail Maps & Conditions | Riverbank Discovery Centre
Winter Trail Network
Brandon Riverbank Inc. is pleased to be the outdoor space where people can gather for the enjoyment of exciting new winter recreation opportunities!
With generous funding from Travel Manitoba and the Brandon Area Community Foundation, Riverbank has secured snow grooming equipment that will allow for the creation of an exceptional quality, multi-purpose winter trail network.
“Winter experiences are one of the greatest growth opportunities for Manitoba’s tourism industry”, said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We’re excited to see Brandon Riverbank and Brandon Tourism make the most of the Assiniboine River corridor by enhancing the winter activities available for residents and visitors alike.”
“Winter time at the Brandon Riverbank is a beautiful venue where everyone can enjoy winter outdoor activities, said Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF). BACF is very pleased that we are able to be part of the collaboration and the development of Riverbank’s winter trail network. Having this trail system within the city and so accessible, there is going to be a lot of fun this winter.”
The winter trail network will be 20-plus km in length and will utilize the Riverbank grounds as well as neighbouring properties both east and west. In partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the City of Brandon and other land owners, the winter trail network will provide a seamless connected link that encompasses the natural beauty of the Assiniboine River corridor. Trails will be mostly multi-purpose and will allow for enjoyment by walkers, fat bikers, snowshoers and classic cross-country skiers.
“It gives me great pleasure that Riverbank will be able to offer urban winter trails as yet another recreational opportunity for both residents of and visitors to our city,” said Dean Hammond, Executive Director of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Winter has traditionally been a slower time at Riverbank and we’re very happy to be able to fill a niche that will allow our guests to be able to enjoy Riverbank in a whole new
way.”
“A winter trail network will open many recreation, tourism and economic development opportunities, both for Riverbank and our city,” said Terry Jaenen, President of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Our hope is that these trails are used and enjoyed by everyone, whether they be one or 100, from Brandon, or from far away.”
As the snow comes Riverbank will begin transitioning its existing pathways into groomed winter trails. During this transition, Riverbank will ensure that at a minimum, trails remain walkable at all times. As more snow comes and when it’s safe to cross the Assiniboine River, Riverbank will begin expanding the trail network to full build-out. Online maps and wayfaring signage will be forthcoming to help users navigate the trails.
For more information, please contact:
Dean Hammond
Executive Director
Brandon Riverbank Inc. / Brandon Tourism
#1 – 545 Conservation Drive
Brandon, MB R7A 7L8
Office: 204-717-8801
Email: dean@riverbank.mb.ca
Q: Why has Riverbank decided to make winter trails?
A: Riverbank is a very busy place in the summer but the slower winter season presents a perfect
opportunity for us to offer more recreational activities. While not intended as competition with the
Wheat City Golf Course trails, nor the Brandon Hills trails, the addition of an urban winter trail network
will provide more city-accessible recreational opportunities for the benefit of our citizens.
Additionally, a winter trail network also creates a huge tourism opportunity that will attract visitors from
afar. Surrounding communities have been capitalizing on trails as a tourism and economic development
driver for many years now. Travel Manitoba has been a huge supporter of this project as they recognize
that, “Riverbank could be a year-round visitor attraction unique in Western Manitoba that aligns with a
province-wide focus on trail development.”
Q: Where will the winter trails be located?
A: Riverbank will be using the existing pathways on Riverbank grounds. Riverbank will also take over the
grooming of the trails north of Co-op feeds and will ensure connectivity of such to Riverbank grounds.
Once it is safe to cross the Assiniboine River, we will also make a trail on the Agriculture and Agri-Food
lands west of 18th Street and North of the Assiniboine River. We will also be making a connector trail to
the City of Brandon Skating Oval. Future expansion opportunities include areas east of 1st Street.
Q: I walk the Riverbank pathways in winter, will I still be able to do so?
A: Absolutely. Instead of plowing the pathways, Riverbank will use specialized equipment to pack and
groom pathways as multi-purpose winter trails. All groomed trails will have a section for walking. Note
that groomed trails are less prone to freeze-thaw cycles and thus there will be less chance that trails will
become icy.
Q: I use a motorized mobility scooter, will I still be able to access the Riverbank Discovery Centre?
A: Yes, the perimeter of the Riverbank Grounds will continue to be plowed by the City of Brandon. The
sidewalk along Conservation Drive from Kirkcaldy Drive to the Riverbank Discovery Centre will also remain
plowed for access by motorized mobility scooters.
Q: What kind of winter trails will Riverbank be making?
A: All trails with the exception of one will be multi-purpose. Some trails will be groomed 2.4 meters wide
for walking and fat biking. Others trails will be groomed 3.6 – 4.2 meters wide for walking, fat biking and
classic cross-country skiing. One trail will be specifically for classic cross-country skiing, it will be 2.4
meters wide and double tracked.
Q: How often will the trails be groomed?
A: Volunteer operators will groom the trails at least twice a week, more so if snowfalls warrant it. It is our
intent to create a trail network that provides for a premium user experience. Riverbank’s groomer has the
ability to recondition the snow surface even if there is no new snow.
Q: Are these trails free to use?
A: Absolutely, the trails will be open to everyone and free to use.
Q: When will the trails be open?
A: That is of course dependent on Mother Nature. As snowfalls accumulate, we will transition existing
paths to a groomed network. Riverbank will ensure that existing pathways remain at the very least
“walkable” at all times during the transition. Access to some trails will require crossing the Assiniboine
River and that will not happen until the ice is sufficiently safe to hold people and equipment (typically
around the beginning of January.)
Q: Will the network include dedicated fat bike trails?
A: Riverbank does not have the necessary equipment to groom fat bike trails. However, we are partnering
with a local group of enthusiasts who have an interest in the creation of fat bike trails. While trail locations
remain to-be-determined, the trail network will ultimately include dedicated fat bike trails.
Q: I would love to help, what can I do?
A: Riverbank would love to have your expertise and/or time. If you are interested in volunteering for the
placement of signage, trail clean ups, trail advocacy and/or for trail-related events, then please use this
LINK to sign up for updates and volunteer call outs.
If you are interested in contributing financially or in-kind then there are many options to do so. We have
not yet covered all the capital costs for this project and if you wish to be a sponsor then please contact
Executive Director, Dean Hammond at 204-717-8801. Specifically, we are looking for financial or in-kind
help for temporary and permanent signage, trail maintenance equipment, outdoor fire pits and seating
and for the creation of a winter trails grand opening event (to be held in February.)
While the trails are free to use, the ongoing costs of trail grooming and maintenance will also be
substantial. If you wish to support Riverbank in that regard then please enquire inside the Riverbank
Discovery Centre. Note that tax receipts are available for donations of $10 or more.