Souris Swinging Bridge

A 177 M Footbridge For Walkers Over The Souris River, Billed As The Longest Swinging Footbridge In Canada, First Built In 1904 And Rebuilt After Floods, Next To A Rock Museum And Campground. A Pleasant Short Stop On The Way Across The Prairies, With The Swing And Sway Of The Planks Part Of The Fun · Souris, Manitoba

The Souris Swinging Bridge is a footbridge about 177 m long that crosses the Souris River in the town of Souris, in south-west Manitoba roughly 30 km south of Brandon. It is billed as the longest swinging footbridge in Canada. A first crossing was built in 1904, and floods have damaged or carried off the span more than once, so what you walk on today is a rebuild. The deck of planks hangs from cables and moves under your feet, swaying a little with each step and more when the wind comes up or when other walkers cross at the same time. That motion is the whole attraction, along with the river view from the middle, where the water runs slowly between wooded banks. Beside the bridge are a rock museum and a municipal campground, and the town has a few cafes and shops. It is a short stop, not a destination, and suits families on the way across the prairies. Crossing is usually free, but confirm that, and confirm the bridge is open, because high water can close it for weeks.

Souris Swinging Bridge, the long footbridge over the Souris River in the town of Souris, about 30 km south of Brandon; coordinates approximate, Souris, Manitoba, Canada

The bridge is a walk-across structure and is commonly open to pedestrians in daylight from spring to autumn, with no gate staff and no ticket office. It can be closed at short notice when the Souris River is high, after storms, or while repairs are made, and this has happened after floods in past years. In winter it may be closed or unsafe because of ice on the planks. The rock museum and the campground beside it keep their own seasonal hours, usually late May to early September, and may open only on certain days. Confirm both with the town of Souris or the Manitoba tourism office before driving out, especially in April, May and after heavy rain. Crossing is free to the best of my knowledge, but confirm.

Souris Swinging Bridge on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos