Hecla Island North Road — Grassy Narrows Marsh to Black Island Ferry Crossing
Icelandic ruins, pelicans, and no other rigs.
Most visitors to Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park stop at the resort or the boardwalk trail and call it done. The north road past Grassy Narrows Marsh is a different proposition — a narrowing gravel track that hugs the lake side of the island, passing the remnants of the original Icelandic fishing settlement at Hecla Village before pushing toward the island’s remote northern tip. The road degrades noticeably past the last maintained campground, with soft shoulders, overhanging brush, and seasonal wash-outs from Lake Winnipeg storm surge making the final kilometres genuinely interesting. Watch for the causeway sections — they flood in high-water years.
This is an accessible overland route for a stock high-clearance 4WD in dry summer conditions, but spring and fall demand more capable rigs due to soft ground and flooding risk. The reward is significant: world-class white pelican and great blue heron habitat at Grassy Narrows, unobstructed Lake Winnipeg sunsets, and almost no other vehicles past the provincial park day-use area. Fill fuel in Riverton before the causeway crossing — there’s nothing on island. The park requires a Manitoba Parks vehicle permit.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 755 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD or 4WD |
| Nearest town | Riverton, Manitoba |
| Land manager | Manitoba Parks — Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | gov.mb.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or SUV handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A high-clearance 2WD is the minimum — think stock F-150 or 4Runner territory. The surface is dirt and gravel with no serious rock, but soft shoulders and occasional muddy sections after rain make low-clearance cars a bad idea. 4WD helps if you hit wet conditions but isn't mandatory in dry summer months.
When does the north road open and close for the season?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring melt turns the dirt sections soft and impassable well into May, and the road is not maintained for winter travel. Don't push it in October — Lake Winnipeg weather turns fast and the area empties out.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on Hecla Island?
Yes — Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park requires a Manitoba Parks vehicle permit for entry. Day use and camping fees apply; pick up your permit at the park entrance or through Manitoba Parks online before you head north. Don't skip it — this park is staffed and enforced.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The difficulty is moderate and the elevation gain is barely 95 feet total, so there's nothing technically gnarly. The challenge is soft, narrow dirt road through marsh edges where passing another vehicle is tight and pulling off can mean sinking. Go slow, watch your line near the shoulders, and don't be in a hurry.
Is there any gas or water available on the north end of the island, or do I need to come fully loaded?
There is no gas on the north end of Hecla Island — fuel up in Riverton before you make the drive out. Potable water is limited to established campgrounds; carry your own for the route. Cell service is spotty at best, so download offline maps and don't count on a signal when you need it.
Trail track
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