Flying Eagle Link Trail – Connecting to the national park
Please note: Officially closed until further notice!!! The bad spring/ summer weather has taken its toll – it is just too wet. Parts of the trail were flooded and are still inaccessible. We will update once conditions improve.
Enjoy our new connector trail!
The Paba Mashiwat Kinew / Flying Eagle Link Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized connector trail between the Rossburn Subdivision Trail and Riding Mountain National Park. Starting in Rossburn, a total of 36 kms leads to Tilson Lake Entrance, closely following the path of the Birdtail Creek. The trail is planned to be accessible during three seasons. In the future, a portion could also be open for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
Adding to the Riding Mountain Trans Canada Trail Network, the new trail connects the Trans Canada Trail, Waywayseecappo First Nation, the RM of Rossburn, and the national park’s trail network. The trail is showcasing the incredible scenery of the area, ranging from rolling hills and pastures to forested patches, meadows, and lakes.
Located within both Treaty 2 and Treaty 4 territory, the RM of Rossburn and Waywayseecappo First Nation are uniquely situated to the south of Riding Mountain National Park. This entire area has engaging terrain and topography that provides a rich experience for bike packers, day-trippers, gravel grinders, horseback riders, and hikers alike.
Download the new Riding Mountain National Park’s Trails Map West – including Flying Eagle Link Trail!
Flying Eagle Link Trail – Historical Value
There is a rich historical presence in the area, starting with Waywayseecappo First Nation who have lived with this land since time immemorial. For generations the people of Waywayseecappo First Nation have had a strong connection to the area within and around Riding Mountain National Park. The Birdtail Creek was serving as a pathway linking the two. Later, many European settlers came to the area. Beginning their livelihoods with agriculture, through the generations, they have come to know this area as home. The histories of these groups are essential to the area. The creation of a trail that wends its way across the land is an incredible opportunity to ensure these stories are shared with residents and visitors alike.
Learn about the land, its people and communities!
Along the trail, you find a series of fifteen interpretive signs sharing stories from people and communities who call this area home. The signs highlight stories of life in Waywayseecappo First Nation, the early settlers in this area, and agricultural practices. The trail map shows where you can find interpretive signs and rest stops along the trail.
The content of these signs was created through interviews with Waywayseecappo First Nations Elders, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, the Waywayseecappo Outdoor Education Program, conversations with local farmers and residents of Rossburn, and the following print resources:
On the Sunny Slopes of Riding Mountain – Rossburn History Book, Vol I and II
“See What the Land Gave Us” Waywayseecappo First Nation Traditional Knowledge Study
About the Trail
Distances
- Rossburn to Flying Eagle Link Trailhead: 13 km
- Flying Eagle Link Trail to Riding Mountain National Park: 23 km
Discover the map
- Most of the trail consists of either gravel or grass surface. These stretches are ideal for gravel grinder races, bikepacking, hiking, and horseback riding.
- Where the trail crosses creeks, streams, or wetlands, a boardwalk (sometimes floating boardwalk) has been constructed to ensure a smooth ride or walk and offer picturesque rest stops along the way.
- Despite its location in a Prairie province, the area offers many spots of elevation change that are ideal for riders seeking to challenge themselves or to train for races outside of the province. These elevation changes range from 30-50m over 1km and make this area excellent for gravel grinder races.
- The new trail runs through a variation of landscapes, including pastures, agricultural fields, meadow, numerous lakes, and treed areas that enclose the roadway. Along these routes there are also many opportunities to glimpse wildlife from the roadway. Wildlife in the area includes, elk, moose, deer, bears, and over 200 species of birds.
Trail Highlight: The Boardwalk
One of the highlights of the Flying Eagle Link is “The Boardwalk” – partly built as floating boardwalk. It is a great little walk through beautiful landscape. Possible with stroller and for sure interesting for kids.
- Exit Rossburn to the North and follow Hwy 264N (same direction as towards Deep Lake)
- After ~16 km, turn right onto Road 123N
- Follow for ~3.5 km before you reach “The Boardwalk” to your right side (there is a sign)
Where? ~ 50.81564, -100.76142
Big thanks to our supporters
We were able to add this new connector trail to our network due to the generous support by the Province of Manitoba, Trans Canada Trail, Trails Manitoba, Fusion Credit Union, Twin Valley Coop, Rossburn municipality and Waywayseecappo First Nation.
Land acknowledgment
The Paba Mashikat Kinew / Flying Eagle Link Trail is located in Treaty 2 territory, the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Furthermore, the trail wends through Treaty 4 territory, the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif Nation.
The Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association respects the Treaties made on these territories. Further, we acknowledge the harms of the past. We dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
We hope this trail and its interpretive signage will encourage trail users to learn more about the land they are travelling on.
