Trails and Accessibility

A dirt trail through a forest with autumn foliage. A sign attached to a tree reads 'Nature Path.' A black dog with brown markings is sitting next to a parked bicycle on the trail.

Community Trails (Adopted Trails)

In 2023 – 2024, HBCA initiated and completed an “Adopt a Trail” project with trail signage. The Sunset trail signs can be found throughout the community with volunteers maintaining the trails. There are a few trails left to be cleared or marked. We now have two volunteer leaders (Marie and Jim) to manage the existing community trail network.

HBCA will continue to work with RM Alexander Public Works to evaluate and plan possible extensions to the community trail network.

Current PDF Map of these trails.

A rural road with a slight incline, surrounded by trees and clear skies, with small orange flags on both sides and utility poles on the right.

Store to Park Trail

In late 2024 the RM of Alexander started a trail along Hillside Beach Rd from the Hillside Store and Eatery to Charlie Wall Park. This trail is a welcome addition to our community as it enhances pedestrian and cyclist safety when traversing over the hill.

Unfortunately, this trail has fallen into disrepair to the point that no pedestrian or cyclist can travel on it. It has been torn up by ATV’s and dirt bikes and the up and down path over culverts make it difficult for even avid hikers. This has been brought to the recent attention of RM Alexander. Alternatives were discussed, such as creating a user-friendly trail that could possibly move from North to South side with a cross walk or wind through forested areas along the road to become more enjoyable. It was also discussed, to extend the trail through the Hillside Gardens Development by connecting the trail to their trail. HBCA will continue to work with the RM, and property owners along the trail, and Hillside Gardens Developers to make this a reality.

We have recommended the RM of Alexander install signage stating the existing trail is for bike/foot traffic only and directing motorized vehicles (dirt bikes, ATVs, golf carts) stay to the road.

Accessible Community for All!

A young boy wearing a Hawaii-themed shirt, shorts, and a hockey cap with glasses, walking on a blue ramp at the beach with a walker, with people and the ocean in the background.

A gravel pathway leading to a red and white small building with two doors, surrounded by bare trees and a grassy area, on a cloudy day.

HBCA has partnered with Trails Manitoba to create an accessible hard packed trail from the accessible parking area, past the washroom, to the playground, and to the picnic shelter. Next Spring we will add an accessible landing under the shade sail.

In addition HBCA purchased and installed a mobility mat at the main beach path on Hillside Beach. Next Spring it will be installed at the beginning of the season and volunteers will help keep it sand free for the entire Summer!
The RM Alexander has installed a new year-round accessible washroom at Charlie Wall Park. Touch up painting will be done in the Spring. This initiative, by the RM Alexander, is part of the vision to bring permanent infrastructure to the communities. In addition to this one, and the Traverse Bay Boat Launch washroom, they will be adding another one at Yellow Brick Road Boat Launch, and Auglen Park in Bird River this Fall. Next year, they will add one at St-Georges Boat Launch.

Enhance trail network for hiking, biking, and even possibly winter activites such as skating or cross-country skiing.

NEW Nature Trail

Person dressed in purple skiing through snow-covered forest, surrounded by snow-laden trees.

Hiking and biking trails are highly ranked by the Hillside community residents in our survey results in both years we have undertaken the survey. We would like to establish non-motorized, multi-use, trails in the forest around Charlie Wall Park and extending into forested space in the Hillside Gardens Development to the west of the park.

HBCA has approached Hillside Gardens Developers which owns the parcel of land adjacent to Charlie Wall Park, and they are open to working with us to develop a trail network for the community. Our hope is to build trails to create an extended forest / nature trail network and eventually adding a groomed cross country ski trail and even an ice skating trail for winter recreational opportunities.

HBCA will continue planning this trail network in 2026 and requesting quotes to achieve this in future years. We will be reaching out to Trails Manitoba and like organizations for their expertise in planning such an undertaking and for possible future grant opportunities.

2026 will be a year of partnership building with stakeholders (RM Alexander, Hillside Garden Developers, and discussions with other local communities), along with user engagement through consultation, and preliminary feasibility assessment.