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Spruce Woods Provincial Park, in southwestern Manitoba, protects an unexpected landscape for the prairies: a region of sand dunes, spruce woods, and mixed-grass prairie along the Assiniboine River. The sand was left behind by a vast delta that formed in glacial Lake Agassiz at the end of the last ice age. Most of it is now stabilized by vegetation, but one area remains open and shifting.
That area, known as the Spirit Sands, is the park's highlight, a stretch of open dunes reached by a trail that also leads to the Devil's Punch Bowl, a deep, spring-fed depression. Horse-drawn wagon rides have traditionally carried visitors into the dunes in summer. The Newfoundland Trail and the Epinette Creek Trail System wind through forest and prairie for hiking, skiing, and backcountry camping, and a section of the Trans Canada Trail crosses the park. Jackfish Lake is a quiet spot for a picnic. Historical plaques note the site of Pine Fort, an early fur trade post, and clear skies make for good stargazing.
The park suits hikers, campers, and families looking for an unusual landscape. Summer afternoons on the open sand can be very hot, so early starts are wise. The Carberry Plains Museum and the First World War training site of Camp Hughes are nearby.
WiserMap travel guideSpruce Woods Provincial Park Manitoba Spirit Sands DunesPlan a trip to Spruce Woods Provincial Park Manitoba: Spirit Sands dunes, Newfoundland Trail, Pine Fort history, dark skies, and nearby Carberry and Glenboro.Read the guide
Open sand dunes rising up to about 30 meters above the prairie, often called Manitoba's desert, crossed by self-guided trails with boardwalks and stairs. Hognose snakes and the northern prairie skink live here. Bring water, sun protection and good shoes, and avoid the midday heat in summer.
Deep, blue-green spring-fed pond in a steep-sided bowl among the sandhills, reached by the Spirit Sands trail or by horse-drawn wagon rides in season. It is the most striking sight of the trail system. Combine it with the dunes on a longer loop and carry plenty of water.
Network of hiking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails through spruce forest, mixed grass prairie and sand hills, with backcountry campsites along the way. Wildlife such as elk and deer are often seen. Pick up a trail map and bring enough water for longer loops.
Small lake at the park's main campground with a sandy beach, swimming area, canoe rentals and short walking trails. It is the base for most visitors. Reserve campsites early for summer weekends, and enjoy a quiet evening paddle when the wind drops.
The slow, winding Assiniboine River flows through the park between forested banks and sandbars, making it a classic day or overnight paddle. Put-ins and take-outs are available near the park. Check water levels and arrange a shuttle, and camp only at permitted sites.
Site of an 18th-century fur trade post on the Assiniboine River near the park, one of several posts where traders and Indigenous peoples exchanged furs and goods. A marker tells its story. It is a short stop for history fans exploring the area by car.
National historic site north of the park preserving the remains of a First World War training camp, with an extensive system of practice trenches still visible in the prairie. Interpretive signs explain the camp's role. Walk the site respectfully and stay on paths.
Local museum in the town of Carberry showcasing pioneer life, local history and the works of naturalist and author Ernest Thompson Seton, who wrote about the nearby sandhills. Check opening hours in summer. Combine it with a walk along Carberry's historic main street.
Small town south of the park famous for Sara the Camel, a large statue honoring the area's sandhills nicknamed Manitoba's desert. It is a fun photo stop on the way to Spirit Sands. Glenboro also has a few cafés and services for travelers.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Murray Foubister, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Classenc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: JPark99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: JPark99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: JPark99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: JPark99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
