Herb Lake Landing is a very small community in Northern Manitoba along the shores of Wekusko Lake. As of the 2021 census, the town’s population is 16. The town was established after gold was discovered here in 1914. The mine closed in 1948 and not long after the population of the town began to shrink.
North of the town, but before Tawow Lodge, are magnificent cliffs. There is a short path called “Ted Taylor and Snowball’s Trail” that goes from the gravel road up to the top of the cliffs. Parking is available right across from the trail at a community site called “The Gathering Place”, which has a screened-in gazebo and fire pit.
From the top of the cliffs, you can see across Lake Wekuso. There are also anchors that have been embedded into the cliffs for rock climbing.
Due to the height of the cliffs, it is believed that they would have formed part of the northern shoreline of prehistoric Lake Agassiz, 13,000 years ago. The distinct orange colour on the cliffs is due to firedot lichen which grows on the rocks.
When hiking at the top of the cliffs, you need to make sure to watch out for all the cracks and crevices. The distance down from the top is quite far. Climbing down from here is possible, but risky, and should not be attempted without proper training and equipment.
