About the trail

Debwendon Inc. welcomes you to the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail. As you go along the trail, listen to the birds and smell the cedar. Watch for rare plants such as wild orchids, insect-eating plants and mushrooms. This wetland is a sacred area that has been used by the local Ojibway for over 300 years to sustain them and for sacred ceremonies. Therefore, the theme of the trail was designed to highlight the significance of the historic cultural connection between the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) and the Brokenhead Wetland.

The trail is located approximately 80 km (50 mi.) north of Winnipeg along Highway 59. The trail is 1.83 km (3.66 km return) and takes approximately two hours round trip to walk. The trail is fully wheelchair accessible and there is ample parking, toilets, garbage and recycling bins, and picnic tables at the trailhead.

We still have some hopes and dreams for the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail. One of them is a viewing tower that overlooks the fen, for which the late Lawrence Smith, an elder from BON and Debwendon member, had expressed a desire. As this wetland offers many possibilities for teaching, an interpretive centre might enhance other opportunities some time in the future. We welcome donations towards this.

We would appreciate knowing your thoughts about the trail – please leave any comments at info@debwendon.org.

A few reminders for everyone’s safety and the protection of the trail:

  • The trail is fully wheelchair accessible.
  • Toilets are located at the trailhead only.
  • No dogs allowed on the trail.
  • No bicycles or ATVs allowed on the trail.
  • Insect repellent is highly recommended in the warm seasons.
  • Please stay on the trail.
  • Caution – water may be deeper than it appears.
  • Do not pick, dig, or remove plants.
  • Leave no trace.
  • Be bear smart.

Interpretive signs were written and designed by HTFC Planning and Design in consultation with Debwendon Inc. The theme and node teachings were developed by Sherry Dangerfield. Ojibway text was translated by Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba.