As the winter semester comes to an end and summer approaches, U of M students looking to get outside may want to take a closer look at one of U of M’s adventurous clubs, the U of M Parks Club (UMPC).
UMPC is an outdoor activity club focused on hiking, camping and exploring. Co-leader Amira Alyfe described it as more than just a hiking group. “We also explore the different parks, the provincial parks that Manitoba has to offer,” she said, adding that the hikes are educational and informative.
Co-leader Vihan Fernando added that the main goal is simple — “For people to relax and get to know [and meet] new people […] along with developing outdoor skills, such as building a fire.”
Alyfe said that the membership is free and open to everyone, including the general public, though the students are given priority for overnight cabin and camping trips. Signing up is as easy as following a link on the club’s Instagram page, filling out a form and joining the mailing list and Telegram group.
For day hikes, there is no cost beyond contributing to gas if carpooling is needed. Fernando also highlighted that overnight cabin trips, typically held during reading week, run between $90 and $110 per person for a two-night, three-day stay, with food included. Fernando noted that carpooling is a big part of what the club offers. “A lot of students don’t have access to vehicles so they can’t leave the city,” he said, “so we provide carpooling as much as seats are available, so that people who never get to go out get the chance to go and enjoy the trails.”
No special gear or experience is required to join. Fernando also mentioned that for cabin trips, the cabin provides most of what is needed, and executives make a point of bringing extra gloves, heat packs and jackets on winter hikes for anyone who comes unprepared. Alyfe said trails are chosen with all experience levels in mind, from beginner friendly routes to more challenging ones and members are always informed of a trail’s difficulty before signing up.
When it comes to safety on the trail, executives carry personal first aid kits, walkie talkies to communicate across the group and extra water and gear. Both Fernando and Alyfe say they hold first aid training and certificates.
An executive always leads from the front, another brings up the rear and no one is ever left behind. “When we meet an obstacle on the trail, we make sure everyone gets across before continuing,” Fernando said. If someone needs to stop early, an executive accompanies them back and stays with them. In a serious situation, Fernando said they would call emergency services if necessary.
For the summer, from May onward there will be at least two hikes (one in the day) every month, claimed Alyfe, and on the weekends, added Fernando. For the bigger trips Alyfe made it clear, “It is still in the planning progress […] We’re just waiting on the location to open up first before we do any bookings.” She added, “Around late July and August is when we plan those cabin camping trips.”
Alyfe mentioned “The furthest we’ve been, is Kenora, Ontario, which is also a really good experience for students that have never ventured out of Winnipeg.”
For students curious about getting outside this summer, UMPC is a chance to meet people from across faculties, learn about outdoor conservation and see parts of Manitoba most people never get to explore.
