The Harte Trail is well known to Charleswood residents and outdoor enthusiasts. This 6.5km section of the Trans-Canada Trail runs along the northern edge of RidgeWood West and is easily accessible to residents. Starting at the Perimeter, it reaches Shaftesbury Road where you can connect to several other trails that will lead you to destinations such as Assiniboine Park and FortWhyte Alive.
In the winter, the trail is a popular place for cross country skiing or to spot wildlife on a walk. The Friends of the Harte Trail have been stewards of the trail since its conversion from a rail line in 1999. In 2012, they hung 50 birdhouses along the path which you may spot as you make your way down the trail.
Compared to the summer when the trees along the trail are lush and green, the winter months showcase a quiet, breathtaking beauty of nature with bare trees and blankets of snow.
Points of Interest along the Harte Trail
1. Thundering Bison Trail – Asphalt trail connecting Fort Whyte Alive, Preston Trail, Assiniboine Forest and the Harte Trail.
2. Preston Trail – Limestone trail weaves through Assiniboine Forest. Named in honor of Charleswood pioneer family.
3. Assiniboine Forest Trails – A variety of wood chip, asphalt and crushed limestone trails wind through forest, prairie and marsh in Canada’s largest (280 hectare) urban nature park.
4. Van Roon Prairie Garden – Native species garden and tree area. Named in honor of long-time Charleswood residents.
5. The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail – This relatively new trail, also built on an old rail bed, leads from the Perimeter Highway out to Beaudry Park
Sources: Winnipeg Trails Association and Trails Manitoba