TRAVEL ITINERARIES
Our interpretive trail extends over 150 kms from the southeastern most tip of the province to St-Boniface, the early Western terminus of the historic Trail. It would be ambitious, although now impossible, to see the entire trail in one day so we offer the following day-trip itineraries.
Depart from the Centre of Canada!
The longitudinal Centre of Canada is a must-stop for anyone traveling to the heart of our Nation and serves as a great promotional hub to introduce travelers to the Dawson Trail Commemorative Project. Make this your starting point for any of the following proposed day trips to take advantage of the large picnic table top maps offering an overview all 15 trail marker locations and a lay of the land to help you plan your next stops.
1) URBAN EXPLORER – CARTWHEEL BRIGADE
This itinerary is short and sweet, and keeps you within easy proximity to the city of Winnipeg. It encompasses all trail markers from the “Cartwheel Brigade” grouping. A perfect way to get your feet wet at the west end of the Trail. Approximately 60 kms roundtrip from Winnipeg.
Travel Directions: Follow the TransCanada Hwy 1 Eastbound to Deacon’s Corner at the Hwy 207 Junction (only 9.8Kms of 7 mins from Lagimodière Highway 59 at TransCanada 1 East)
Deacon’s Corner at Hwy 210 (Dawson Trail) and Hwy 1 TransCanada East
Gas / Washroom / Food Stop
Travel Directions: From Deacon's Corner (TransCanada Highway #1 and Highway #207 corner) travel south on Dawson Road (#207) approximately 2.5 kilometres. At Prairie Grove Road, turn right (west).
In just over 1 kilometre you will see the small village of Prairie Grove. At Dawson Road - turn left (south).
Marker 13 at Prairie Grove Parc
Rest stop / picnic area and cemetery if that interests you
Marker 14 at Lagimodière and TransCanada Hwy 1 East intersection
- Park at Sage Creek and walk or bike northbound along the paved trail to this marker
Or Park at the Royal Canadian Mint to catch a family-friendly tour of Canada’s Mint,
- Cross the street from the Mint on foot, and follow the walking trail/bike path North to view our interpretive marker #14 at this intersection.
Marker 15 at Provencher Boulevard, on the north banks of the Seine River Parkway in St-Boniface, Winnipeg
- Public parking available at the commercial lot on the North side of the Seine River
- Visit the Dairy Queen at 396 Provencher, located next door to the marker, for a bite to eat, ice cream or sweet treat!
2) LORETTE AND DUFRESNE LOOP - BISON OF THE PRAIRIES
This proposed itinerary takes you through the towns of Lorette and Dufresne along Highway 207 (Dawson Road) from Deacon’s Corner and loops back to the TransCanada Highway 1 North of Dufresne. Approximately 80 kms from Winnipeg, round trip. An easy drive over a mostly paved road.
Marker 13 at Prairie Grove Park
The Ox Exhibit at Red River Coop Lorette is a unique tribute to the Métis Nation of the Red River, its kinscape and the ingenuity of the Red River Cart.
- Park at the public parking lot just West of the Exhibit
- Take advantage of the Red River Coop Gas Bar to fill up on fuel, java and/or snacks
Marker 12
Marker 11
Marker 10 at Marc Hutlet Seeds in Dufresne is your easternmost destination today. This is the only part of the trip over gravel road but it’s worth the ride. You’ll pass traditional grain elevators in the small town of Dufresne and take in the views of endless skies and open fields afforded by the prairie landscape at this location.
3) TOWN OF SAINTE-ANNE AND LA COULEE – GREAT BEAVER WAY
This itinerary will have you starting your day trip at the heart of the historic Dawson Trail. You will depart from the Town of Sainte-Anne’s pocket park at the West end of the town on Centrale Avenue and end your day at the beautiful wheel exhibit located just east of the Oakwood Golf Course. This route is only 25 kms round trip from the Town of Sainte-Anne but there is plenty to see. Pack a lunch, grab a java or stop in at one of the local restaurants in town and make a day of it!
Pioneer Site Exhibit and Pocket Park, Town of Sainte-Anne
Marker 9
Marker 8
Marker 7 is located in what appears to be an empty field but it’s a residential park development in progress so the access road from Dawson Road is still unorganized. Expect the road leading to this marker to be under construction in the early spring. It may be best to park just off the Dawson Road and walk in on foot to the marker.
Marker 6
Exhibits at Thurston Drive Park – headquarters of the Dawson Trail construction
Exhibit at Millar Drive - the big metal wheel
4) RICHER TO EAST BRAINTREE - HORSE PACK
Depart from the town of Richer, at the Richer Young At Hearts Club and move eastward from this location to the more rural and remote markers on the Trail. Approximately 130 kms roundtrip from Richer, MB. Restaurants, gas bars and/or food options are available in Richer, Geppetto’s along Hwy 1 Eastbound or Hadashville.
Marker 5 at the Richer Young At Hearts Club in Richer, MB
Dawson Trail Museum, 67 Dawson Road, Richer, MB
Dawson Trail Park Exhibit Murals: The Journey/Lost Gold/Local Lumber Industry
Marker 4 at Geppetto’s Mini Putt/Bakery/Chip Shack, TransCanada Highway 1 East
Marker 3 is at the end of the Dawson Road, east of Richer. The historic Trail is only navigable with an ATV from here so you’ll have to drive North to connect with the TransCanada Highway 1 East towards Hadashville.
Marker 2 at the intersection of East Braintree Road and Highway 503
TRAVEL AND SAFETY TIPS
Not all parts of the original Dawson Trail are accessible by automobile or navigable. In Manitoba, the abandoned road between Northwest Angle and Richer has fallen into disrepair, but can still be accessed via the Trans-Canada Highway from the north and Provincial Road 308 from the east.
Between the communities of Richer and Lorette, Dawson Road has been incorporated into Provincial Road 207. Sections of Dawson Road in and near Winnipeg remain active and bear the original name, but have been disconnected since the construction of the Red River Floodway and Lagimodiere Boulevard.
The easternmost point of the trail, traditionally called Harrison Creek at the North-West Angle of Lake of the Wood and home of Marker #1 of our Dawson Trail Heritage Tour, is only accessible by snowmobile in the winter. For this reason, our driving tours and proposed itineraries will only take you as far as Marker 2 on East Braintree Road at the Highway 503 intersection. Travelers pursuing their travels any further East or South from this point are strongly advised to have a full tank of gas, water, snacks and a safety kit with them in case of emergency. Cell phone reception can be sporadic and/or not available in certain areas of this remote and rural country. Its always recommended that you let a friend of family member know what your travel plans.
TRAVEL TIPS:
As a general rule, we suggest you follow these essential travel tips
- Do your research. Know your destination before you arrive…
- Keep your friends and family updated on travel plans
- Leave no trace. Please, no littering.
- Bring water
- Travel with a near to full tank of gasoline in your vehicle. Pack a jerry can of gasoline as back up if travelling anywhere East or South of East Braintree.
- Bring snacks. Nuts and dried fruit are light weight and travel well.
- Pack a spare tire, a flashlight, a fully charged cell phone and a blanket in case of car troubles.
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Beware of wildlife and don’t feed the animals.
- If foraging, please do not uproot plants
- Keep your dogs or pets on a leash and pick up their feces.
- Please use your hazard lights or signals when stopping alongside the road
- Be respectful of our communities and share the road
- Have fun!
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