Wekusko FallsProvincial ParkA true wilderness adventure

In the north, where the Manitoba Lowlands and Precambrian Shield meet, there is a river that runs wild. The Grass River plunges almost 12 metres through a series of falls and rapids known as Wekusko Falls. An area full of natural wonder and cultural heritage, the Wekusko Falls campground flanks the river. In the 1700s, this area was part of the Upper Track fur trade route, while the lure of gold brought people back to the area in the 1900s. Its presence is marked on the maps of great explorers like Samuel Hearne, its role critical to the history of the fur trade. Today, the park is visited by those seeking a true wilderness adventure or looking to get away from it all.

The name Weskusko (English translation = sweet grass or herb) was given to the lake by the native people. In their wake, along the Grass River, explorer, trader, voyager, trapper and prospector followed. An early visitor was the eminent explorer, Samuel Hearne who crossed the old portage on July 20, 1774. Returning from Cumberland House to Hudson Bay the following year, Hearne and his men arrived at “We-Kus-qua” Lake on June 7th. The wind was blowing too hard to cross and they put up for the night. Gold was discovered on the east side of the lake in 1914, and in 1917 high-grade ore was shipped to British Columbia. Mining camps sprung up and the settlement of Herb Lake came into being.

While following the walking trails closer to the falls, listen to its impending roar and gaze at the breath-taking scenery. Two suspension bridges take people over the falls and rapids, allowing them to feel the cool mist of the water’s fury.

The Grass River, which runs through the park, offers several canoe routes based on your time and ambition. For intermediate canoeists, the Grass River is a 724 km/450 mi. route which gives people the opportunity to cross a spectacular series of northern lakes and rivers. One option to try is Cranberry Portage to Wekusko Lake, a 190 km/118.1 mi. run, involving several portages and lakes. One of the rewards of this route is the chance to see the Tramping Lake rock-painting site, one of the most significant in the province.

Just 27 km/16.8 mi. from Wekusko Falls is Grass River Provincial Park. Discover Karst Spring, the stream of water that surges from solid rock, or watch for signs of wildlife. Your travels on the trails will give you a sensory experience that will be remembered for years to come. After the hike, visit the Snow Lake Mining Museum.

More information on Wekusko Falls Camp-

ground and Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is

available on request from the park office.

Campground Tips• Prevent the spread of aquatic

invasive species. Always “Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose and Decontaminate IF”. Visit Manitoba.ca/StopAIS .

• Only build fires in a designated firepit or use a camp stove. Before leaving make sure your fire is completely out.

• Please! Do not litter.

• Be sensitive to wildlife. Bears can be dangerous and should not be fed. Food must be stored away from your campsite, preferably in a locked vehicle, to avoid attracting hungry animals. Do not store food in your tent.

• The use of insect repellent will add to your comfort.

• Learn to recognize and avoid poisonous plants such as poison ivy.

• In case of injury or illness contact a Campground Attendant or Park Patrol Officer. They can assist you to reach medical help.

• Canoeists and hikers travelling in backcountry areas should advise a friend of their intended destination and anticipated length of trip.

• Backcountry camping is only allowed at designated campsites.

• It is illegal to use or transport elm firewood.

• Moving firewood can spread harmful invasive species and destroy our forests. Protect Manitoba’s trees. Don’t move firewood.

Wekusko Falls Campground Wekusko FallsProvincial Park

392

Herb LakeWekusko Lake

392

SN

OW

LA

KE

15

Km

43

45

47

4950

51

5253

54

55

5756

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

48

46

44

88

86

84

87

85

8382

81

80

7978

7776

75

74

73

7271

70

69 68

6766

65

19

17

16

13

11

10

8

7

53

1

2

4

6

9

12

1415

18

20

42

39

38

36

34

32

3130

2928

27

26

25

24

2322

21

4140

37

35

33

E EE

E

EE

E

EE

E

EE

E E

E E

EE

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

EE

E

E

E

E

E

E

EE

E

E

E

E

E

EE

WEKUSKO FALLSLODGE 358-2341

BAY 4

BAY 1

BAY 3

BAY 2

UNSUPERVISED

Footbridge

Dog B

each

SuspensionFootbridge

WALK - INTENTING

Wekusko LakeTaylor Bay

GRASS

RIVER

WALK - INTENTING

TO P.T.H. 39

E E

E

E

DAYUSE

AREA

DA

Y

US

E

AR

EA

TOTRAMPING

LAKE

DAY USE AREA0 5

0100

200

METRES

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

392LEGEND

WASHROOMS (MODERN)

BEACH / SWIMMINGUNSUPERVISED

BOAT DOCK

BOAT LAUNCH

CAMPGROUNDOFFICE

FISH CLEANINGAREA

FIREWOOD

E

PARKING

PUBLIC TELEPHONE

PICNIC AREA

PICNIC SHELTER

PLAYGROUND

SHOWERS

TRAILER SANITARYSTATION

WASHROOMS (NON-MODERN)

WATERSUPPLY

FOOTPATH

FALLS

RAPIDS

Grass

Riv

er

TrampingLake

GR

AS

SR

IVE

R

10

9

8

4

1

2

3

7

5

6

E

E

395

392

39

Herb LakeLanding

Snow Lake

WeskuskoFalls

393

(COIN OPERATED)

SEASONAL SITES:Bay 2: Sites #21-37, 40, 41Bay 3: Sites #45-48, 53, 55, 57, 62-64Bay 4: Sites #65, 66

NOTE:• For reservations: www.manitobaparks.com or 1-888-4U2-Camp (1-888-482-2267). In Winnipeg call 204-948-3333.•Remember, a Park Vehicle Permit is required and must be displayed year round.• For more information call 1-800-214-6497. In Winnipeg call 204-945-6784 or visit us at: www.manitobaparks.com• IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911

Campground Office: 204-358-2919

DISABILITYACCESSIBLE

November 2019