Summer Activities

Experience the magic and wonder of manning park

Long days, starry nights, and adventure around every corner—Summer in Manning Park is nothing short of magical.

From paddling across the sparkling waters of Lightning Lake to hiking and biking scenic mountain trails bursting with wildflowers, every moment offers a chance to reconnect with nature.

Summer Activities

Hiking

The trails are calling

Step into the wild wonder of Manning Park Resort, where lush forests, sparkling lakes, and alpine peaks set the stage for unforgettable hiking adventures.

Whether you’re wandering along a tranquil riverside path or conquering the heights of Mt. Frosty, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views, magical landscapes, and the sights and sounds of wildlife, wildflowers, and natures abundance.

From peaceful strolls to adrenaline-fueled treks, there’s a trail here for every kind of explorer. Adventure awaits—just follow the trail.

Hiking trails

Easy

Lightning Lake Loop

9km return / 2.5 hours. Begins at Lightning Lake Day Use Area or at the Spruce Bay parking lot.

Rhododendron Flats

0.5km / 15 minutes. Begins on Hwy 3, approximately 9 km east of the west portal.

Canyon Nature Trail

1.6km / 45 minutes. Begins on Gibson Pass Road 1km from Manning Park Resort or from Coldspring Campground.

Moderate

Lightning Lake Chain

12 km one way / 3.5-4.5 hours. Begins at Day Use Area; or 10 km one way / 3-3.5 hours. Begins at Spruce Bay.

Castle Creek / Monument 78

12km one way / 3.5hours / elevation change: 200m. Begins at Monument 78/83 parking lot.

Dewdney trail

36km one way / 14-16 hours / elevation change: 1131m. Begins at the Cascade Recreation Area parking lot and ends at Dick’s Cabin in the Cascade Recreation Area.

Heather Trail

21km one way to Nicomen Ridge / 8-10 hours / elevation change: 292m. Begins at Blackwall parking lot.

Hope Pass Trail

Easy-moderate 23.5km one way / 10 hours / elevation change: 1000m. Begins at Cayuse Flats.

Difficult

Bonnevier

25km one way / 8-10 hours / elevation change: 950m. Begins at Blackwall Peak parking lot.

Frosty Mountain Trail

29.3km or 27.7km depending on route / 9-11 hours / elevation change: 1150m. Begins just past dam on the eastern end of Lightning Lake.

Grainger Trail

17.5km one way (includes 6km along Hope Pass Trail) / 5-7 hours / elevation change: 952m. Begins 25km west of the Visitor Centre at Cayuse Flats.

Monument 83

16km one way / 5 hours / elevation change: 850m. Begins at Monument 78/83 parking lot.

Pacific Crest Trail

13km one way / 4 hours / elevation change: 450m. Begins at Windy Joe/Pacific Crest parking lot on the Gibson Pass Road.

Poland Lake Trail

8km one way / 2.5-3 hours / elevation change: 435m. Begins at Strawberry Flats parking lot.

Skyline 1

20.4km loop / 7-9 hours / elevation change: 775m. Begins at Spruce Bay parking lot or Strawberry Flats.

Skyline 2

12.5km to Mowich Camp / 5 hours / elevation change: 469m. Begins at Strawberry Flats.

Windy Joe Mountain

16km return / 4.5-5.5 hours / elevation change: 525m. Begins at Windy Joe / Pacific Crest parking lot on the Gibson Pass Road.

Biking

Get off the beaten path

Explore Manning Park’s extensive network of mountain biking trails, from gentle front-country routes to challenging backcountry adventures. With options for all skill levels, you’ll find both fun and reward on the trails.

Experience stunning alpine views, exhilarating climbs, and fast-flowing descents that showcase the natural beauty of the park. Many trails intersect with wide fire roads, offering a mix of terrain to suit your ride.

Please note: Mountain bikers are asked to yield to hikers and horses on shared trails.

biking trails

All biking trail details are provided by Manning Park Resort and are intended for general guidance. Riders use the trails at their own risk.

Trail measurements are approximate
Difficulty ratings reflect general physical effort required
Full topographical maps are available for purchase at the Country Store and the Manning Park Visitor Centre

Need help planning your ride?
Contact the Manning Park Visitor Centre at 604-668-5953

Easy

little muddy

DISTANCE	2.5km
ELEVATION GAIN	125m
START/END POINT	West side of Corral/ Lightning Lake Campground
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	The trail parallels Gibson Pass Road on the south side of the road, starting from behind the Lodge, near the Corral. Head west to Lightning Lake campground, some elevation gain, with one steep uphill named “Graduation Hill”.

similkameen river trail

DISTANCE	7km
ELEVATION GAIN	75m
START/END POINT	Similkameen Bridge
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	From the Similkameen bridge, follow the trail on the south side of the river and follow the trail east for 2 km until you reach the Windy Joe Trail Junction. (West Similkameen trail). Past Windy Joe’s junction, follow East Similkameen trail until you meet up with the Monument 83 trail. Trail conditions are variable at this point, so you will have to turn around at that point. *Similkameen trail conditions are variable.

Moderate

Lone duck

DISTANCE	1km
ELEVATION GAIN	20m
START/END POINT	Twenty Minute Lake Parking Lot/ Lightning Lake Campground
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	A portion of Little Muddy trail going around Lone Duck bay, with great lake views and views of Mt. Frosty. Dismount bike by Lone Duck group facilities.

south gibson

DISTANCE	3.2km
ELEVATION GAIN	400m
START/END POINT	Lightning Lake Campground/ Strawberry Flats Parking Lot
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	The trail goes from Lightning Lake campground about 100m before Spruce Bay parking lot to Strawberry Flats. Gradual ascent to Strawberry Flats with some flat areas. No biking permitted into Strawberry Flats area and beyond.

Difficult

north gibson

DISTANCE	3.1km
ELEVATION GAIN	400m
START/END POINT	North side of Gibson Pass Road 100m past Lighting Lake Campground/ Strawberry Flats
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	The trail is on the North side of Gibson Pass road between Strawberry Flats and the Lightning Lake campground. If heading uphill, the first ½ is a reasonably steep push to the shale slide. From there it is mostly downhill, and it levels out. Going down, North Gibson is quicker than South. At the top of North Gibson trail, you can keep going straight to meet up with the Poland Lake Trail.

windy joe

DISTANCE	8km one-way
ELEVATION GAIN	525m
START/END POINT	Similkameen Bridge/Top of Windy Joe Mountain
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	The trail commences at the Similkameen Bridge, following the Lower Similkameen Trail southeast for just over 2 km before intersecting the Windy Joe trail. Trail is a fire access road to fire lookout shelter at the top of mountain with a great view. The descent from the top is a fast ride! Be aware of upcoming traffic, including hikers and horses.

monument 83

DISTANCE	16km one-way
ELEVATION GAIN	850m
START/END POINT	Monument 78/83 Parking Lot / Monument 83
TRAIL DESCRIPTION	After leaving the parking lot, the fire access road remains level for the first 3 km. After 3rd bridge crossing, keep to the left at the trail sign. From here, it’s a gradual ascent to Monument 83. The last km is the most strenuous. Look for the carved headstone of Pasayten Pete. A monument marks the Canada/US border. Follow the same trail back.

biking courtesy & Safety

All biking trail details are provided by Manning Park Resort and are intended for general guidance. Riders use the trails at their own risk.

All designated bike trails in Manning Park are two-way, multi-use trails. You may encounter hikers or horses at any time. Always be aware of other users and allow the right of way.

Biking on these trails is at your own risk. These trails are in their natural state and may have natural obstacles and hazardous terrain.

Please stay on the trail and do not ride through the forest or clearings beside the trail.

Please stay off all trails not designated for bikes.

Always ride in control and within your ability level.

Please note there is no cell service in the park.

Pack out what you pack in! You are riding in a provincial park so please, respect the area by not littering.

Avoid wildlife conflicts. Know which animals are in the area and how to react if you cross their path. Help us keep our wildlife wild and safe by NOT offering them food. If you encounter a wild animal, for your safety, do not attempt to feed or approach any wildlife. Stay calm, and please keep a respectful distance.

Boathouse, Lightning Lake

Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals

Hours of Operation

Daily:

9am - 6pm (weather dependent)

STATUS

open

Looking for a fun-filled way to spend the day? Head to Lightning Lake, where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Once open for the summer season, the Boathouse offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals seven days a week—perfect for exploring the calm, scenic waters.

A credit card imprint or driver’s license is required for rental.

No refunds are given for early returns. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and cash (ATM located at Manning Park Lodge). Minimum rental time is one hour, and fees apply for late returns. A credit card imprint or driver’s license is required for rental. PFDs and paddles are provided for passengers, with additional equipment available for rent.

Multi-Day Boat Rentals

DURATION	1ST DAY	2ND DAY	3RD DAY	ADDITIONAL DAY
REGULAR BOAT	$100	$80	$60	$40

Boat rental rates

DURATION	1H	2H	4H	1DAY	24H
REGULAR BOAT	$26	$39	$49	$85	$110
5 PERSON MACKENZIE CANOE (20’) OR TANDEM KAYAK	$36	$49	$59	$115	$140

Boat launch

A boat launch for non-motorized crafts is available at Lightning Lake day use area, located beside the boathouse.

Motorized crafts of any kind are not permitted on Lightning Lake or on any body of water in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.

Horseback riding

Horse camps and trails

Explore the untamed beauty of the backcountry the way it’s meant to be seen—on horseback. With designated equestrian trails and campsites, Manning Park offers a unique way to connect with nature at a slower pace. Ride through alpine meadows, forested paths, and along peaceful ridgelines, then settle in for the night at one of our horse-friendly campsites. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or trying it for the first time, horseback riding and camping in Manning Park delivers a truly immersive mountain experience.

Horse Friendly trails

Dewdney
Windy Joe
Poland Lake
Similkameen East and West
North Gibson
Little Muddy
Hope Pass
Monument 78

Camping with horses

Camping with horses is available both at Manning Park Resort at the Headwaters Corral, and also on the Dewdney and Hope Pass trails.

For more information about bringing your horses to Manning Provincial Park please visit the Back Country Horsemen of British Columbia website.

naturalist programs

Learn more about Manning Provincial Park — its history, its inhabitants, and its unique features. Offered from June to September.

Manning Parks Interpretive Programs are supported by Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning, Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission, BC Parks, and Manning Park Resort.

AMPHITHEATER

Join Manning Park Naturalists and guest speakers for entertaining and educational evenings at the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre throughout the summer. The area is wheelchair accessible, located in Lightning Lake Campground and accessed from Spruce Bay Beach parking lot.

These events are for the whole family to enjoy, and last approximately one hour. Amphitheater programs will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Join our Naturalists as they guide you on an interpretive walk of one of Manning Park’s many trails. These events are appropriate for all ages, and everyone is welcome. Themes and locations will vary. Please wear good footwear and dress appropriately. Rain or shine! Most interpretive walks last approximately one hour.

LEARN TO FISH

Learn to Fish programs are offered by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC typically every Tuesday throughout the summer. Kids aged 5-15 and their adults can learn all about fishing – and give it a try! Programs start at the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre, and no registration or equipment is necessary. Parent supervision is required.

FISHING INFORMATION

For the hardy hiker, Poland Lake and Nicomen Lake offer good fishing for rainbow trout. Lightning Lakes chain also offers fishing opportunities for small rainbow trout. No motorized boats (including electric motors) are allowed on the lakes in Manning Park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Fishing is a major activity in several rivers and lakes within the park. The Similkameen, Skagit, and Sumallo rivers are popular with anglers, especially those areas that are easily accessed from the highway. Lightning and Strike lakes are also productive for rainbow trout.

The Tulameen River and a number of lakes including Nicomen, Poland, Burr, and Bodie provide backcountry-fishing opportunities. Many of the lakes have been stocked over the years.

Please ensure you have read and familiarized yourself with the rules and regulations for fishing the waters in our park. You can view the regulations for the Lower Mainland Region which encompasses most areas within Manning Park. If you plan to go to other areas nearby, you may need to view the Okanagan Region regulations.