Despite being at the virtual centre of North America, referring to the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg as the “heart” of the continent would actually be bio-metaphorically incorrect. That’s because, as the Earth’s largest roadless and industry-free tract of wild boreal forest, this area is more accurately “the lungs of North America.” An effective scrubber of carbon, and therefore a key player in climate change, the forest is also home to the numerous species including the threatened woodland caribou, as well as ancient aboriginal culture.

Time Left

The Manitoba government has its sights set on juicing the economy through development of the boreal forest for mining, forestry and industry. Through the Broad Area Plan, a New Brunswick-sized, 82,000-square kilometre swath of lush forest and Canadian Shield could be opened for business.

See It

Just because the place lacks roads doesn’t mean that it’s inaccessible. You can travel one of the many rivers that run through the forest with an outfitter like Wilderness Spirit Adventures, or launch a boat, canoe or kayak to see the bounty from Lake Winnipeg yourself.

Save It

The Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is campaigning hard to raise awareness and bring stakeholders to the table.

This story was originally published in the June 2007 issue of up! magazine as part of the See It Before It’s Gone feature, profiling 11 of Canada’s must-see natural and man-made tourist attractions on the brink of extinction. Take a look at more of Canada's Endangered Destinations.