Riding Mountain National Park officially kicks off 2021 summer visitor season on May 21, 2021

Visitors are asked to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

May 18, 2021                     Wasagaming, Manitoba        Parks Canada Agency

National historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas offer Canadians places to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors and opportunities to discover history, while respecting the guidance of public health experts.

May 21, 2021, Riding Mountain National Park is pleased to welcome visitors for the 2021 summer visitor season. Riding Mountain National Park follows the guidance and public health orders set out by the province of Manitoba. All visitors are recommended to regularly check the Riding Mountain National Park website (https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mb/riding/) and social media for up-to-date information about available services and facilities and Government of Manitoba webpages for updates on current public health orders.

The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. Before visiting, there are a few things that everyone should remember:

·         Plan ahead. The Parks Canada website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare, and what services are available. Be sure to check the website before you travel.

·         Follow travel restrictions and respect the guidance of public health experts. We all need to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep one another safe. It is important to always follow travel restrictions, even when visiting national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

·         Make safe choices. Choose activities that correspond with your level of experience in order to avoid injury and/or getting lost and help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.

·         Be self-sufficient. Pack a kit that includes extra hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, soap, masks or face coverings, garbage bags and a tablecloth. You should be prepared to bring your own water and food.

·         Leave no trace. Help us keep this special place clean by using appropriate garbage containers or by taking all your garbage with you.

·         Respect wildlife. Learn more about the wildlife in the Riding Mountain National Park before you visit, remember to never feed wildlife, always give them space, maintain a clean campsite, respect closures and speed limits, and keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Further information and tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit are available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info/covid-19-visite-visit.

This year, Riding Mountain National Park is excited to announce the completion of renovations at the Visitor Centre. This project stems from a $3.6 million federal infrastructure investment providing the Visitor Centre with major renovations, new exhibits, improved accessibility and much more. The Visitor Centre will feature new digital and interactive displays, as well as new exhibits revolving around the theme “Riding Mountain is Home” – to the Anishinabe (Anishinabe Homeland), to forest and parkland ecosystems (Wilderness Home), to park residents (Home Away from Home), to generations of visitors (Historic Home), and Parks Canada protects and manages the ecosystems in the park to maintain and restore ecological integrity (Good Housekeeping). All are welcome here. We look forward to celebrating the new exhibits with visitors once health restrictions permit museums and exhibits to reopen safely.

Along with continued day use, this year will also include the gradual resumption of camping at Lake Audy which will begin on May 21, 2021, with the opening of the three oTENTiks. Unserviced campsites in the north end of the campground will reopen on June 30, 2021 and remain available until October 10, 2021. 

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