Metal Detecting in Manitoba: The Good, The Bad, and the "Is That a Bear?!"

Alright, so if you’ve ever been metal detecting in Manitoba, you know one thing for sure—this place is WILD. And I don’t just mean the finds. I mean actual wild, as in you might be hunting for a 1930s quarter one minute and suddenly locking eyes with a deer who looks just as confused as you are. Or worse—something bigger that makes you reconsider if that signal is really worth digging.

But that’s what makes detecting in Manitoba so great. You never know what you’re going to find. Could be an old Hudson’s Bay token. Could be a smashed beer can from someone’s fishing trip in 1998. It’s basically treasure hunting with a side of mystery and occasional mild terror.

Treasure, Trash, and Tales from the Dirt

I’ll never forget the time I was out near an old homestead, getting a strong 82-84 signal on my Garrett. My heart was racing—silver? Maybe even a big ol’ silver dollar? Nope. It was a perfectly intact, vintage spoon. Exciting? Debatable. But hey, at least I could technically use it.

Then there was the time I thought I hit the jackpot—huge, solid tone, deep in the ground. I was already planning how I’d spend my gold coin fortune… only to pull out a rusty horseshoe. If luck is real, I was hoping it kicked in immediately.

But for every piece of scrap metal, there’s always that one find that keeps you coming back. A silver dime that makes you forget the 17 nails you just dug up. An old military button that gets you wondering who lost it. Or even a classic Manitoba token from back in the day when 5 cents could actually buy something.

Where to Hunt in Manitoba?

If you’re new to detecting or just looking for some fresh ground, Manitoba is packed with solid hunting spots. Old fur trade routes, abandoned homesteads, ghost towns, and of course, the beaches—because for some reason, people love losing their money in the sand. (Seriously, thank you, beachgoers. We appreciate your donations.)

And don’t sleep on your own backyard—you’d be surprised how many treasures are hiding under the grass just a few steps from your door. Just, you know, maybe don’t dig up your neighbor’s lawn. (Or do, but don’t tell them I told you to.)

Want More Stories?

Metal detecting in Manitoba is an adventure—sometimes weird, sometimes frustrating, but always worth it. If you want more crazy finds, tips, and probably too many spoon stories, check out more articles and stories at OK John Metal Detectors.

Until then, happy hunting—and watch out for coyotes.

~ Windy Digger

Robin Paul Paré

Rob is a passionate metal detecting enthusiast with a deep love for uncovering lost history. But for Rob, it’s not just about the finds — it’s about the people. He thrives on connecting with fellow detectorists, sharing knowledge, and building a strong, supportive detecting community. Whether he’s out hunting solo, organizing group events, or helping someone new get started, Rob is always ready to dig in and make a difference — one signal at a time.

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Paul Daniels IIApril 9, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I love junk!
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