WESTERN HIKE-BIKE-RIDE-PADDLE - 2026 - Manitoba

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Western Hike-Bike-Ride-Paddle 22-26 June 2026 is now open. The application deadline is 15 May 2026 at 2345 hrs.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On will host the “Western Hike-Bike-Ride Paddle” event from 22-26 Jun 2026 in partnership with Trails Manitoba, Sunset Diving, and Falcon Beach Ranch. Up to twelve (12) participants will spend four days being introduced to trail biking, canoeing, horsemanship, and hiking in the beautiful Whiteshell Provincial Park. The aim and scope of this event will be to introduce basic techniques, skills and safety related to each sport and most of all, to have fun!

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 12.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the BC, AB, and Prairie Region who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

All selected participants will be required to provide Soldier On with a medical authorization in order to participate in this event. We highly recommend that applicants make an appointment as soon as possible with the primary physician in order to receive the required medical authorization prior to the start of the event. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Monday, 22 Jun 26:
1) All out-of-town participants arrive in Winnipeg NLT 1300 hrs;
2) 1345 hrs: All participants and staff to arrive at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Building 90, South parking lot & report to the event OPI;
3) 1400 hrs: Depart Winnipeg for Falcon Lake;
4) 1630 hrs: All participants & staff arrive at Falcon Lake;
5) 1800 hrs: Dinner at The Hotel at Falcon Lake restaurant;
6) 1930 hrs: Mountain Bike fitting and maintenance; &
7) 2100 hrs: Personal time.

Tuesday, 23 Jun 26:
1) 0730-0830 hrs: Breakfast;
2) 0900-1200 hrs: Conduct hike/bike activity;
3) 1200-1300 hrs: Lunch;
4) 1300-1630 hrs: Conduct canoeing activity; &
5) 1800 hrs: Dinner.

Wednesday, 24 June 26:
1) 0730-0830 hrs: Breakfast;
2) 0900-1530 hrs: Horsemanship Clinic; &
3) 1800 hrs: Dinner.

Thursday, 25 June 26:
1) 0730-0830 hrs: Breakfast;
2) 0900-0830 hrs: Conduct hike/bike activity;
3) 1200-1300 hrs: Lunch;
4) 1300-1630 hrs: Conduct canoeing activity;
5) 1800 hrs: Dinner; &6) 1930 hrs: Load bikes & canoes into truck.

Friday, 26 June 26:
1) 0730-0830 hrs: Breakfast;
2) 0900- 1000 hrs: Final hike;
3) 1030-1130 hrs: Pack up and clean cabins;
4) 1130-1230 hrs: Lunch; 
5) 1300 hrs: Departure; &
6) 1530 hrs: Arrive at 17 Wing Winnipeg.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:

TRANSPORTATION:

Travel assistance will be provided as follows:

B.C., Alberta, & Saskatchewan Participants: 
All participants from B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan, will travel to and from Winnipeg by air. Upon arrival, they will be picked up at the Winnipeg airport by the event OPI and transported via DND vehicle to and from the event locations.

Manitoba Participants:

1) Brandon / Shilo Area Participants: 
Participants from the Brandon/ Shilo area (surrounding 100 km) will travel via POMV and must arrive at the rendezvous point at 17 Wing Winnipeg, no later than 1330 hrs. They will then travel by DND vehicle to and from the event locations.

2) Winnipeg Area Participants: 
Travel assistance is not provided for participants residing within the Winnipeg local area (surrounding 100 km). Reporting times and locations will be communicated closer to the event.

Northwestern Ontario Participants:

1) Kenora Area Participants: 
Participants from the Kenora area (surrounding 100 km) will travel via POMV and must arrive at the rendezvous point at 17 Wing Winnipeg, no later than 1330 hrs. They will then travel by DND vehicle to and from the event locations.

2) Thunder Bay Area Participants: 
Participants from the Thunder Bay Area (surrounding 100 km) will travel to and from Winnipeg by air. Upon arrival, they will be picked up at the Winnipeg airport by the event OPI and transported via DND vehicle to and from the event locations.

MEALS:
The following meals will be provided during the event: 

Monday, 22 June 2026:
-Dinner.

Tuesday, 23 June - Thursday 25 June 2026:
-Breakfast;
-Lunch; &
-Dinner.

Friday, 26 June 2026:
-Breakfast; &
-Lunch.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 8 hours of moderate-high paced activities for 4 days in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. Participants must be able to do the following without issue or being against their MELs:

1) Hike: Be able to walk on trails and uneven terrain;

2) Bike: Be able to ride a mountain bike on roads, trails, and uneven terrain;

3) Horseback Riding: Participants Must weigh under 250lbs (as per regulations from the Sport Provider for the horse's safety), be able to conduct manual labour requiring upper & lower body strength, lift and swing a 30-50 lbs saddle shoulder high, be able to walk and maneuver in and around horses to include mounting and dismounting a horse, and be outdoors for extended periods of time during all conditions; &

4) Canoe: be able to lift, 2-person carry, and paddle a canoe. Personal Floatation Devices must be used while on or near the water.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that the activity and meals for this event is/may be located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment. Applicants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations, and will be required to share accommodations.