Discover the beauty of Riding Mountain National Park with our travel guide. Explore tips on accommodations, activities, wildlife safety, and more for an unforgettable Manitoba adventure. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park, located in Manitoba, Canada, is a natural sanctuary featuring a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and rugged hills. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the park offers an array of recreational activities including hiking on numerous trails, wildlife viewing with chances to spot moose, black bears, and bison, and camping in various campgrounds. The park's centerpiece, Clear Lake, is a hub for boating, fishing, and swimming. Riding Mountain is also culturally significant, with the town of Wasagaming providing charming amenities, and the park's history includes Indigenous use of the land and a conservation area for bison.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada, is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the clear waters of Clear Lake.
The park's flora is in full bloom, adding to its scenic beauty. Additionally, summer hosts various events and activities in Wasagaming, the park's townsite. However, if you prefer quieter visits with fewer crowds and enjoy winter sports, the fall and winter seasons offer stunning foliage, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities.
Getting to Riding Mountain and Getting Around
To get to Riding Mountain National Park, the most common route is by car. The park is located about 265 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, Manitoba. You can drive from Winnipeg via Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) and then take Highway 10, which leads directly to Wasagaming, the main town within the park.
Once at Riding Mountain, getting around is mainly done by personal vehicle, as the park covers a large area. There are numerous parking areas near major attractions and trailheads.
For those who prefer not to drive around the park, biking is a popular alternative during the warmer months, with many trails and roads suitable for bicycles.
In the townsite of Wasagaming, amenities are close enough to explore on foot. Additionally, during the summer season, there may be shuttle services available for popular areas within the park.
Top Attractions and Activities in Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park, located in Manitoba, Canada, offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors. Here's a detailed list of some of the top attractions:
Lake Audy Bison Enclosure: Home to a herd of around 40 bison, this enclosure provides a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in a natural setting.
Sunset at Clear Lake Pier: Clear Lake, the park's largest lake, offers stunning sunset views, particularly from a long pier near the Wishing Well on the lake's eastern end.
Fat Bike Rentals: Renting a fat bike from the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park centre is a popular way to explore the park's terrain. These bikes with wide tires are suitable for riding over uneven and soft terrain.
Burls and Bittersweet Trail: This easy 2.2km trail leads through the heart of the hardwood forest in the park, offering a serene hiking experience.
Boat Cruises on Clear Lake: Clear Lake offers various boat cruise options, including one-hour interpretative cruises and romantic dinner cruises.
Canoeing on Clear Lake and Kinosao Lake: Canoeing is a popular activity in the park, with opportunities to paddle around Clear Lake or explore the secluded Kinosao Lake.
Ominik Marsh: Located just outside of Wasagaming, this marsh has an excellent trail and boardwalk for exploring the local ecosystem, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
Hike to Kinosao Lake: This relatively easy hike takes you to one of the park's most picturesque and accessible lakes, Kinosao Lake.
Chasing the Northern Lights: The park's clear skies and lack of light pollution make it an excellent spot for viewing the Northern Lights, especially during the colder months.
Red Chairs Program: Throughout the park, you'll find pairs of red chairs installed by Parks Canada at scenic viewpoints, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the park's natural beauty.
Bald Hill Hike: This challenging 9km hike leads to Bald Hill, offering some of the best views in the entire park.
Historic East Gate: The historic East Gate, built in 1933, is a National Historic Site and the only remaining original national park gate in Canada.
Relax at the Wishing Well on Clear Lake: This historic spot from the 1930s features a lovely garden, quaint bridges, and a well for making wishes.
Farmery Estate Brewery: While not located inside the park, this nearby brewery in Neepawa is known for its locally-grown ingredients and offers a chance to enjoy local flavors and modern brewery tours.
Where to Stay
Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada, offers a range of accommodations both inside and outside the park. Whether you're looking for a camping adventure, a cozy cabin, or a comfortable hotel, there are options to suit various preferences and budgets.
Inside Riding Mountain National Park
Wasagaming (Clear Lake):
The main resort area in the park, offering a variety of accommodations.
Options include the historic Elkhorn Resort, cabins, and motels.
Close to amenities like restaurants, shops, and visitor centers.
Campgrounds:
The park has several campgrounds, including Wasagaming Campground which offers a range of services.
Other options include Moon Lake, Lake Audy, and Deep Lake for more rustic camping experiences.
Some sites offer full-service, electricity, and/or basic amenities.
oTENTik Tents:
These are a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin, located in the Wasagaming Campground.
Offer a more comfortable camping experience, equipped with beds and basic furniture.
Backcountry Camping:
For a true wilderness experience, there are backcountry campsites accessible by hiking or biking.
Permits and reservations are required.
Outside Riding Mountain National Park
Dauphin:
A nearby town offering a range of accommodations including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
About a 45-minute drive from the park, it's a good base for exploring the region.
Onanole:
Located just south of the park, Onanole is a small community with several accommodation options.
Includes bed and breakfasts, cabins, and small inns.
McCreary:
Another nearby town, located near the Agassiz Provincial Forest.
Offers a few hotel and motel options.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead: Secure accommodations and backcountry permits early, especially for summer and fall visits.
Check Park Info: Consult the park's official website or visitor center for the latest on trail conditions and activities.
Pack Appropriately: Wear layers for changeable weather, rain gear for showers, sturdy hiking boots for trails, and sun protection including hats and sunscreen.
Wildlife Safety: Use bear-proof containers for food, and familiarize yourself with safety measures for bear and elk encounters.
Leave No Trace: Adhere to ecological principles like packing out trash, keeping to trails, and respecting plant and animal life.
Visit Visitor Centre: Check out maps, guided tours, and educational programs at the visitor center in Wasagaming.
Prepare for Remote Areas: Take a map, have a plan communicated to others, and consider a satellite phone or GPS for backcountry adventures.
Driving: Be vigilant for wildlife, and ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before entering the park.
Cultural Experiences: Engage with the park's Indigenous history and culture through exhibits and local community interactions.
Photography: Use cameras or binoculars for capturing wildlife, especially during early morning or late evening for the best sightings.
Bug Protection: Apply insect repellent and dress in long sleeves and pants during summer to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
Fire Safety: Follow current fire regulations, only use fire in designated pits, and be aware of any fire bans.
Explore Local Communities: Visit nearby towns like Wasagaming, Onanole, and Dauphin for additional dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
