The Altona-Gretna-Rhineland measures 76 km / 46 miles, from the Village of Rosengart through RMs of Rhineland & Montcalm, via Altona and Gretna, to Emerson Junction. Beginning close to Rosengart, this part of the trail follows portions of the historic Boundary Commission Trail, created while establishing the Canada - United States boundary along the 49th parallel in 1872. It still features trail markers that date back to the 1800s when the Boundary Commission was establishing the border.
This part of the Trans Canada Trail offers great paths for walking, jogging, biking, snowmobiling or horseback riding.
Begin your trek close to Rosengart, where the trail runs near the Canada – United States border. At Buffalo Creek, the trail leaves the dike and heads north and then east along rural roads paralleling Buffalo Creek as it meanders its way to the Town of Altona. There it connects with the Buffalo Creek Nature Park in the northwest corner of town. From Altona to the Village of Gretna the trail follows an abandoned rail line for about 12 kms east of Gretna it returns to the Boundary Commission Trail along the border until it jogs a mile north to link up with next municipality.
Approximately half of the trail in this section runs right along the Canada/U.S. border, separated by two-lane dirt tracks between farmer’s fields and a ditch. In wet seasons travel along dirt roads can be a little mucky.
Within the Town of Altona, the trail joins up with the community trail system, which has asphalt trails and benches for rest stops; excellent for biking, walking, rollerblading, and jogging. A small detour into town will take you past the worlds largest Van Gogh painting.
The stretch of abandoned rail line between Altona and Gretna sees the most extensive use by walkers, and cyclists. Several local school groups have also been making good use of it for various school events. The entire former rail line is passable in dry and wet weather as it is well gravelled. It passes through some of the province's richest farmland and offers a glimpse of the history of Manitoba's Mennonites.
The Altona-Gretna-Rhineland trail offers unlimited opportunities for nature lovers, artists, historians, photographers, cyclists and explorers. Our trails are as varied as the multicultural makeup of our region.
Whether you choose to spend an afternoon exploring nature and getting some exercise, or a cycling trip following the Trans Canada Trail, this site will serve to assist you in organizing your outing.
All of these Trail Adventures are guaranteed to give you a new appreciation of magnificent trails network of trails and pathways in our region.
Click here for Accommodations and Amenities
Adventures / Events
Experience a new adventure on the Altona-Gretna-Rhineland trail!
Altona-Gretna-Rhineland Maps
Location of Altona/Gretna Manitoba
Overview of the Altona/Gretna trail
Download a map of the Altona/Gretna trail
*Click here for more MRTA maps
Links  
Town of Altona
Town of Gretna
Accommodation / Amenities
Altona offers camping next to the Buffalo Creek Nature Park and the trail head sign. Washrooms and drinking water are accessible at this location.
Accommodations and equestrian facilities are available within town. Gretna has drinking water and washrooms as well as a restaurant and has several historic monuments. As most of the trail is in open prairie there is little shelter and appropriate precautions should be taken.
Accommodations:
• Altona Motor Hotel
• Four Winds Motel & Restaurant
Camping
• Altona Centennial Park
Trail Stewards
Organizations and partners are promoting the use and development of recreational trails for the benefit and enjoyment of all Manitobans and visitors to our province.
Local community groups become ‘stewards’ or ‘caretakers’ of sections of trail and parks in their neighbourhoods. These stewardship groups are the lifeblood of the Trans Canada Trail System. They work in partnership with the municipalities to oversee trail and habitat development, maintenance and educational opportunities.
Contact Us
Lin Fehr - 204-324-9005
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