Now
10°C · Drizzle
Today
12° / 9°
Rain, 7 days
38 mm
Season
Fall · frost in ~23 d
Foraging around Thompson
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyEarly Fall Foraging in Thompson: Berries and Mushrooms Before the Frost
In season now
Lingonberry (Cowberry)
Where: Dry to moist coniferous forests, rocky outcrops, and open boreal areas throughout the region.
Small evergreen shrub with glossy leaves; bright red berries ripen in late August–September. Harvest by hand or berry rake; tart flavor excellent for jams, sauces, and fresh eating.
Look-alikes: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) has similar berries but larger leaves and a mealy texture; lingonberries are juicier and more tart.
Caution: Verify ownership before foraging on private land; most boreal areas are Crown land but check locally.
Cloudberry (Baked Apple Berry)
Where: Sphagnum bogs, moist coniferous forests, and wetland margins; scattered throughout boreal Manitoba.
Low herbaceous plant with distinctive palmate leaves; amber-orange berries ripen in late August–early September. Harvest ripe berries by hand; prized for jam and liqueur.
Look-alikes: No dangerous look-alikes; young plants may be confused with other bog herbs, but the berry is unmistakable.
Caution: Bogs are sensitive habitats; tread lightly and never harvest the entire plant.
Boletus edulis (Porcini)
Where: Coniferous and mixed forests, especially under spruce and pine; common in boreal zone after rain.
Robust mushroom with brown cap, white pores (not gills), and thick white stem often with a net-like ring. Harvest young specimens by cutting at base; excellent fresh or dried.
Look-alikes: Satan's Bolete (Caloboletus calostratus) has similar appearance but red pores and blue-staining flesh; porcini pores are white to pale yellow and do not stain blue.
Caution: Never eat any mushroom unless 100% certain of ID; when in doubt, consult a local mycological society.
Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
Where: Mixed and coniferous forests, often near birch and aspen; widespread in boreal Manitoba.
Golden-yellow funnel-shaped mushroom with false gills (ridges) running down the stem, solid flesh, and fruity aroma. Harvest by cutting at base; sauté or dry for storage.
Look-alikes: False Chanterelle (Hygrophorellus pseudoaurantiacus) has thinner flesh, more blade-like gills, and grows in clusters; true chanterelles are firmer and more robust.
Caution: Verify ID with a field guide or experienced forager before consuming.
Labrador Tea
Where: Sphagnum bogs, moist coniferous forests, and open wetlands throughout the boreal zone.
Evergreen shrub with narrow, leathery leaves (white-fuzzy undersides) and small white flowers; harvest leaves year-round. Steep fresh or dried leaves for a mild, aromatic tea.
Look-alikes: No toxic look-alikes; young leaves of bog rosemary are similar but smaller and more delicate.
Caution: Harvest sustainably; take only a few leaves from each plant.
Rose Hips (Wild Rose)
Where: Open meadows, forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout the region.
Bright red-orange seed pods of wild roses (Rosa acicularis, R. woodsii) ripen in September–October; rich in vitamin C. Harvest after light frost for best flavor; remove seeds and hairs before use in tea, jam, or syrup.
Look-alikes: No dangerous look-alikes; all wild rose hips are edible.
Caution: Wear gloves when handling; rose thorns are sharp.
Coming soon
Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus, V. macrocarpon)
Low-growing vine with small red berries; peak harvest late September through October. Excellent for sauce and preserves.
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)
Shrub with translucent red berries in clusters; ripens in late September–October. Harvest after frost for best flavor; use for jams and syrups.
Matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake)
Prized mushroom with white flesh, brown cap, and distinctive spicy aroma; appears in September–October in coniferous forests. Highly sought; verify ID carefully.
Safety in this area
- Ticks are active in boreal forests and wetlands through September; wear long sleeves and pants, check skin after foraging, and remove ticks promptly with tweezers.
- Poison ivy is rare in Thompson but present in southern Manitoba; learn to identify (three leaflets, glossy leaves) and avoid contact.
- Most foraging land in the region is Crown land (public), but verify ownership before harvesting; private land requires permission.
- Black bears are present in boreal Manitoba; make noise while foraging, never approach cubs, and store food securely if camping.
Foraging information is educational. Confirm every identification with a regional field guide or expert before eating anything wild.
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