Celebrate Canada Day at Riding Mountain National Park
News Release
Experience the outdoors and learn more about Canada’s history with free admission at Parks Canada places
June 29, 2017 Wasagaming, Manitoba Parks Canada Agency
National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
Riding Mountain National Park is pleased to welcome visitors to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary on Saturday, July 1st, with a variety of special activities, and some Canada Day cake!
This year’s activities for Canada Day include:
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast, Onanole Recreation Centre
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Kayak Excursion to Deep Bay to meet the Artist In Residence, register at the Visitor Centre (fees apply)
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Delights of the English Gardens, register at the Visitor Centre (fees apply)
11 a.m. – Noon Citizenship Ceremony welcoming over 100 new Canadians
12:30 p.m. Birthday cake (Free)
12:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Live entertainment on stage with Indestructible, Fubuki Daiko, Al Simmons, Jérémie & the Delicious Hounds, and Tom Foolery
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Bikes n’ Beers, register at the Visitor Centre (fees apply) 18+
Dusk Fireworks in Onanole
Additional activities throughout the day include the Canada 150 Zone, face painting, temporary tattoos, Xplorer Book launch, and the roving Marlowe the Magician.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government is very pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017. Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
To ensure the best possible experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit ahead of time through the Parks Canada website or download the new FREE Parks Canada app.
This includes:
- making camping reservations in advance (www.pccamping.ca or 1-877-RESERVE)
- visiting one of our many hidden gems, such as Lake Audy, Whirlpool Lake, Deep Lake, Moon Lake, or Agassiz Day Use Area
- considering visiting during the spring or fall to avoid the busiest times of the year.
Please note that only admission is free for 2017. There are fees for enhanced interpretative programs and recreational services and products such as camping and firewood, fishing permits, and overnight backcountry use.
Quotes
“On this very special Canada Day, I invite Canadians and visitors from around the world to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in Riding Mountain National Park with free admission and special activities throughout the day. Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians and there’s no better way to celebrate our country, to connect with friends and family, and to discover our national heritage than with a visit to a national park. Happy Canada Day!”
Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
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Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world.
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With 3,000 square kilometres of protected lands, Riding Mountain National Park is Manitoba’s oldest national park. Its forests and grasslands are home to wolves, moose, elk, black bears, hundreds of bird species, and a bison herd that can be visited at Lake Audy. Riding Mountain National Park is also part of the traditional territory of the Anishinabe people with seven First Nation communities in the region.
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Bikes n’ Beers is a great way to explore the park, meet new people, and experience the local flavour. Cruise the nearby trails until happy hour and then get together for a drink in beautiful townsite of Wasagaming.
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Join your guide for a special kayak excursion to meet Kristin Nelson, Artist In Residence at the Deep Bay Cabin, whose work focuses on natural water bodies.
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Download the FREE Parks Canada app for a new and innovative way to connect with Canada’s natural and cultural treasures, including trip planning information and fun, interactive content.
Associated Links
Contacts
Rae Kingdon
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Riding Mountain National Park
Parks Canada
204-848-7248
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca