Riding Mountain National Park of Canada

Recreation

Hiking

With more than 400 km (250 miles) of trails, Riding Mountain offers a variety of walking and hiking opportunities. Choose from a short walk on one of the self-guided trails, a longer day hike into Grey Owl's cabin or around Moon Lake, or take a multi-day trip into the backcountry. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). You must obtain a permit for camping in the backcountry of Riding Mountain. For permits call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.

Backpacking

The best way to experience the park is by spending a night or two camping out under the stars. The park's habitat varies from the rugged gorges of the east side of the park to the tall evergreens of the Central portion to the meadows of the western portion. Trail surfaces vary from partially gravelled patrol roads to grassy trails. Wet conditions may be encountered, particularly in the spring. Flooding on the trails, caused by beaver dams, is occasionally a problem. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). You must obtain a permit for camping in the backcountry of Riding Mountain. For permits call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.

Cycling

Mountain biking is growing in popularity in the park due to the partially graveled patrol roads found in the western and eastern portions of the Park. Trails vary in difficulty from the easy gently rolling trails of the Central, Baldy Lake and Strathclair trails to the rugged and extremely hilly Packhorse, Jet and Baldy Hill trails. Other backcountry trails are acceptable for biking, but most day-use trails are off-limits to biking. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). If camping in the backcountry, you must obtain a permit for camping in the backcountry of Riding Mountain. For permits call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.

Horseback Riding

Horse use is allowed on most backcountry trails, allowing for an experience you won't likely forget. If you do not have your own horse and equipment, contact one of our many local outfitters for numerous choices of riding experiences. If you have your own horses check out information on trails to see where you can go riding for a day trip or even overnight. The main trails used by horseback riders include the South Escarpment trail, North Escarpment trail, Ochre River trail and Central trail area. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). You must obtain a permit for camping in the backcountry of Riding Mountain. For permits call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.

Horsedrawn Wagon

Why not view Riding Mountain in the style of early pioneers? Horsedrawn wagons are suitable for use on some backcountry trails and campsites, including the Central, Strathclair and North Escarpment Trail. If you don't have the equipment, local outfitters will provide you with a thrilling and unique outdoor experience. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). You must obtain a permit for camping in the back-country of Riding Mountain. For permit call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.

Cross-country Skiing

Riding Mountain National Park offers some of southwestern Manitoba's best skiing. Trails vary from easy to difficult. There are also lighted ski trails and skate-skiing trails. Warming shelters are found on several trails. Cairn's cabin, situated on the Ochre River trail, provides a base for winter ski touring. The cabin must be booked in advance and you must obtain a permit for winter camping in the backcountry of Riding Mountain. For permits call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the administration building in person.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in Riding Mountain National Park is restricted to the surface of Clear Lake and along the park boundary. No other areas within the Park are designated for this activity.

Fishing

The lakes of Riding Mountain National Park are open for fishing. Clear Lake, Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Whirlpool Lake offer great northern pike fishing. Other fish species include walleye, white fish and perch in Clear Lake, while Lake Katherine and Deep Lake have a limited number of rainbow and brook trout. Winter or ice fishing is allowed on Clear lake for most of the winter. A national park fishing licence is required, and may be picked up in Wasagaming or in surrounding towns. Information on locations for purchasing fishing licences, fees and limits are available by calling (204) 848-7275, or by visiting the Visitor Centre.

Boating

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Attention Boaters!!

• Older, outboard motors, particularly conventional 2-strokes, can release up to 30% of their fuel unburned into the water or air via exhaust.
• Marine motors that produce lower emissions contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Parks Canada and its partners are committed to protecting our environment and the ecological integrity of our national parks and national marine conservation areas. As a result of public consultation, a decision was made by Parks Canada in 2001 to move towards protecting park waters by only permitting cleaner marine motors. In order to reduce emissions within Riding Mountain National Park of Canada, all internal combustion marine outboard motors used within the Park must be either 4-stroke or direct injected 2-stroke engines effective January 1, 2007.

Accepted Outboard Motors

• Four-stroke and direct injected two-stroke.
• New low emission technologies will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as they become available.

Compliance and Monitoring

• Park staff will be conducting inspections at various times and locations throughout the summer.
• Boaters will be asked to provide basic data for reference to show that their watercraft has a motor that meets the new emissions standards.
• After inspection a compliance sticker can be affixed to the motor. This will help avoid subsequent inspections or delays.
• Should any motor be found non-compliant, the operator will be formally advised to take action to comply with the Superintendent's Order and may be required to immediately remove the watercraft from all park waters. Continued non-compliance may result in formal charges.
• Park Wardens will be enforcing the Superintendent's Order in Riding Mountain National Park of Canada.

Lasting Benefits

• Boaters will benefit from less fuel consumption and can take pride in keeping our waters clean for future generations.
• Riding Mountain's lakes will be healthier and will continue to support sustainable fish and aquatic populations.
• Park visitors and residents will enjoy cleaner water for drinking and recreation.

For more information or questions about watercraft engine requirements or motor inspections, please contact us at 204 848-7275.

Motorized boats are allowed on Clear Lake, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Boat launches are found on Clear Lake and Lake Audy, while boats and motors must be carried 300 metres (1000 feet) at Moon Lake. Only non-motorized watercrafts are allowed on Deep Lake, Lake Katherine and Whirlpool Lake, and all backcountry lakes.

No personal water crafts allowed on any waters in Riding Mountain National Park.

Canoeing

Due to intermittent water supply, canoeing is generally restricted to the lakes of Riding Mountain. During spring runoff or following heavy rainfalls, the Whirlpool River and Jackfish Creek may be navigable. Canoe rentals are available for use on Clear Lake during the summer.

Sailing

Prairie winds and clear water make Clear Lake one of the best spots for sailing in southwestern Manitoba. Most launching occurs at the boat cove in Wasagaming, where ample parking is available. Clear Lake is 25 sq. km (9.6 sq. miles), making for ideal sailing, however, strong winds can be encountered. Sailing is allowed on all other accessible lakes in the park, but their small size makes Clear Lake your best bet.

Swimming

Clear Lake, with its sandy beaches and clear water, is the most popular spot for swimming. The main beach area in Wasagaming has change rooms and washrooms, as well an outdoor shower. There are numerous other spots for swimming around the lake as well. Other lakes used for swimming include Lake Katherine, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Most other Park lakes have muddy bottoms, but swimming is possible. Please remember that all swimming areas are unsupervised. Finally, swimmer's itch, a small parasite that causes itching and irritation, is found in most park waters. Simple precautions of coating your skin with mineral or cooking oil, or rubbing skin vigorously with a towel following swimming should prevent any complications.

Scuba Diving

For those who prefer the underwater view, the crystal spring waters of Clear Lake provide ample opportunity for scuba diving. The deepest point in the lake is approximately 34.7 m (114 feet) deep. Divers are asked to register for their dives by contacting the Park prior to using the facilities set up for divers at Glen Beag day-use area.

Camping

Four camping areas offer a variety of camping experiences - from the luxury of fully serviced sites to a quiet site on the edge of a prairie lake. All sites contain a fire box, picnic table, and also access to washrooms or pit privies. Campgrounds suitable for car camping are situated at Wasagaming (Clear Lake), Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Deep Lake. Whirlpool Lake is designated as tent camping only, for those wanting a slightly "wilder" stay. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable).

Tenting

Tenting is allowed in the larger campgrounds, and also at Whirlpool Lake. For a true wilderness experience, choose one of 22 wilderness campsites. These sites are equipped with firewood, pit privies, picnic tables and food storage containers. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). You must obtain a permit for camping in the backcountry of Riding Mountain. For permits call: (204) 848-7275. Up-to-date information on trails or backcountry camping is available by following these links, or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.

Car Touring

To observe the wildlife or to enjoy breathtaking scenery whether it is a winterscape, spring and summer green or spectacular autumn colours, drive along one of the three major routes - Hwy. #10, Hwy. #19 or Lake Audy Road. To help you on your way to the Lake Audy area, you may pickup a self-guided bison tour brochure from a park facility. The park also offers guided "car caravans" during the summer months ... join us and learn more about the park. Also be sure to take in some of the other self-guided trails found along the major routes, such as the Arrowhead or Boreal Island trail.

Viewpoints

With the Riding Mountains climbing 300 meters (1000 feet) above the surrounding plains, great viewpoints are easy to come by. From Agassiz Tower situated on Hwy #10, look out over the town of Dauphin or catch a sunset. Along Hwy #19, one km (0.6 mile) east of the Dead Ox Creek picnic site, gaze out on the Manitoba plain ... perhaps you will see Lake Manitoba in the distance. Finally, on the bicycle path at the end of Wasagaming Drive, watch as Clear Lake's waters change from various hues of blue through green.

Picnicking

Bring along your picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing luncheon at one of 15 picnic sites. These sites are equipped with barbecue pits, pit privies, and most have access to drinking water. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable).

Golfing

Lush fairways, manicured greens, natural landscape, challenging holes, a spectacular setting - all make Clear Lake Golf Course one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in North America. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phoning (204) 848-GOLF. Be sure to check out the other golf courses outside the park ... there are too many to list.

Tennis

For the sport enthusiast, six courts await you at the Clear Lake Tennis Courts. These feature an excellent up-to-date playing surface. Lessons are available for all levels. You can join in on a friendly open-mixer or some of the seasonal tournaments. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 848-2649.

Skateboarding

In accordance with the direction of the Wasagaming Community Council, skateboarding is restricted to the Skate Board Park, located next to the parking lot near the community centre.

Learning Experiences

Let your visit to RMNP be an opportunity for unique learning experiences. During the summer season, the park presents a variety of programs - everything from car caravans and guided hikes to campfire programs and evening programs. Please see the services section for more information. The park also offers special programming for schools. Other organizations offer programming as well as Friends of Riding Mountain National Park. Finally, the Riding Mountain Historical Society maintains the Pinewood Museum at 154 Wasagaming Drive open from 2p.m. to 5p.m. in July and August.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in RMNP is truly amazing! The beauty lies in cresting your own trail anywhere, at any time, allowing you to explore many special nooks in the Park. If you prefer, there are also 100 kms of designated snowshoe trails from which to choose. Please show courtesy to skiers by not snowshoeing on groomed cross-country ski tracks.

Skating Park and Snow Hill

Day or night, this beautifully lit skating rink and trail through the forest is the focus of a Wasagaming winter. Highlights: located behind the Visitor Center, central parking, on-site warming shelter with wood stove and picnic tables, heated washroom open year-round, handy access to the Wasagaming townsite and South Lake ski trails.