Brandon Hills

I’m so stoked to feature my hometown on the blog. I never thought this day would come, but life is full of surprises. Riding Mountain National Park gets a lot of the glory, and Spruce Woods Provincial Park turns heads. But if you want to go for a hike in the woods in western Manitoba, you need look no farther than the Brandon Hills.

A selfie featuring the author, her husband and her dad. Carrie is in the middle in a black shirt and matching headband. Kent stands to the left in lime sunglasses and an olive t-shirt. Dad stands to the right wearing a community college t-shirt and dark green button down.

Of course, this hike holds a special place in my heart because it was an outing with my two main men! You’d be forgiven for thinking that I got my start on outdoor adventures here – but this 2015 jaunt with Kent and my dad was actually my first time in the Brandon Hills!

A photograph of a clearing in the forest, Here we can see a sign in the distance, standing over the lush greenery. It is advertising the hiking options in the Brandon Hills!
Forest x fun options!

It was a hot and muggy late summer’s day when we struck out – but promises had been made and excitement was high. At least, mine was! But I confess that it was probably easier for me, walking as I was with two mosquito magnets.

We enjoyed a companionable wander of approximately 5 kilometers on trail ‘B’ – which was only fitting for a stroll with Audio Bob!

A portrait of the author's father, standing in front of the letter B on a tall orange signpost. This marks loop B in the Brandon Hills - and is the first letter of the author's father's name!
Favorite B!

The trail was winding. The company was excellent. And this new-to-me forest was both pretty and fun!

Another peek into a clearing from a trail in the Brandon Hills.

However, the weather had brought out the best in the bugs, and it was sticky hot – so it was intense at times. We also got somewhat lost – both literally and in conversation!

In this oddly-angled and eye-catching photo, the author's husband and father stop to pore over a printout of the Brandon Hills trail map. You would think that on a looped trail, it would be impossible to get lost, but the trio seems to have managed just that!
Map men!

Overall the three of us had a grand time in the forest, followed up swiftly with an much-needed slurpee run! Ahh, summertime in Manitoba – it’s great!

A photograph of some extremely tall, bright yellow flowers growing in a clearing in the forest in the Brandon Hills.
Summer, in full bloom.

Need a breath of fresh air? Head to the hills – the Brandon Hills! Great for hiking, running, biking, snowshoing and skiing, link up the various loops to create a custom-length adventure year-round. Dogs are allowed, so bring your canine companions so everyone can have fun in the forest.

A map of the Brandon Hills, featuring the trail network shown in various colors, as well as the boundaries of the wildlife management area.
Look at all these loops!

Learn about trails on offer in the Brandon Hills here – or, better yet join this upcoming Brandon Hills race!

I must confess limited expertise in my hometown green space. But I hope to change that this summer – let’s cross our fingers!


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