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Hike the Ministik!

Francis Edward Williams Trailhead

Francis Edward Williams Trailhead
Francis Edward Williams Trailhead

Trailhead Details

🧭 GPS Location
N53 22.011 W113 00.100 (Opens in Google Maps)

53.366850,-113.001667 (Opens in your default map app)

///smartphone.eloquently.warrant (Opens in what3words - mobile only)

🅿️ Parking:

This trailhead offers somewhat meager parking: one good-sized car can safely pull off the road and park in front of the gate here. If two people are driving Mini Coopers, then maybe two cars. 😃 When parking, beware of the steep ditches here. Especially in winter it's all too easy to slide into the ditch where you'll probably need AMA assistance to get you back out.

The "Francis Edward Williams" Trailhead is named after the third "Game Guardian" on the Ministik Lake Game Sanctuary from 1936 to 1954. Just past the trailhead to the right you'll see a cement foundation of the house in which Mr Williams lived with this family. (source)

There are 3 suggested hikes starting at the "Francis Edward Williams" Trailhead.

Francis Edward Williams to Five Meadows Loop
Starting from the Francis Edward Williams trailhead, this hike traverses sections of the established Waskahegan Trail as well as a series of five “off-trail” hay meadows on a wide loop that takes you into the inner depths of the Ministik, eventually passing the Ministik Firetower.
Francis Edward Williams Trailhead to the Ministik Fire Tower
This route offers an “alternative” starting point for one of the “must-do” Ministik hikes: a trek to the Ministik Firetower. The route is more “direct,” but it is decidedly “rustic,” taking you through long stretches of hay fields until you reach the Waskahegan Trail leading to the tower.
Francis Edward Williams Trailhead to the UofA Access Road Gate
This “2-Car” hike is a perfect “mid-level” option for those who have some Ministik experience under their belt. It takes you through a long string of connected hay meadows until you reach a section of the Waskahegan Trail and eventually the U of A Access Road.