COVID-19 and your visit to Riding Mountain National Park

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors and Parks Canada team members is our top priority. We are only opening places and activities where risks can be managed, according to the advice of public health experts. For your safety, at all times, avoid all places, green spaces, day use areas and trails that are closed.

Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

Update for June 1, 2020 - Gradual reopening of Parks Canada places

As of June 1, some Parks Canada places began a safe, gradual reopening of some outdoor areas at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Openings will differ across the country.

This means:

  • As of June 1, you may be able to access certain Parks Canada places near you.
  • Access to some trails, day use areas, and green spaces at some locations will be permitted.
  • Group activities and public events are suspended until further notice.
  • Highways and roadways which pass through Parks Canada places will remain open.

We will continue to deliver services critical for Canadians, including highway maintenance, fire response, dam operations and water management on historic waterways, avalanche control, among others.

You are encouraged to purchase a Discovery Pass online before your visit as admission fees may be collected at the Parks Canada place you plan to visit.

How to visit a Parks Canada place during COVID-19
Update for June 17, 2020 - Camping resumption

Starting June 22, 2020, Parks Canada will begin to offer some camping services at select national parks and national historic sites across the country. Initially, camping will be available only to visitors with existing reservations. Parks Canada will gradually begin to accept new online reservations for some campgrounds over the coming weeks.

Camping at Parks Canada during COVID-19

 

As of June 1st, Riding Mountain National Park began a gradual reopening of some outdoor areas, facilities and services. Please check our website regularly for the current status of this location and others.

Important information about your visit to Riding Mountain National Park

June 17, 2020, Parks Canada is planning a phased approach to resume visitor services based on our capacity and the ability to maintain the health and safety of Canadians, visitors, and Parks Canada team members. Resumption of operations and services will take time and may be incremental in nature. Businesses in Wasagaming remain open and accessible to the public.

Visitors are responsible to follow the advice of public health authorities for physical distancing and hygiene. Parks Canada will implement measures to strengthen sanitization and hygiene of day use areas and of shared visitor facilities at trailheads and parking lots.

As of June 1, 2020, Riding Mountain National Park began a gradual restoration of visitor access and visitor services. Access and services within the park include use of trails, grounds, beaches and other outdoor settings. Visitors will be asked and expected to follow physical distancing and personal hygiene requirements.

Overnight camping will partially open to visitors on June 22, 2020. Reservations remain closed at this time with a planned reopening of the system in late June to early July. For specific details about campground use at Riding Mountain National Park, including what sites and facilities will be open for visitor use, please read the information below.

What’s open? (updated June 17, 2020)

The following services and facilities in the park are open:

  • Entry Gates open for information and to purchase park passes and fishing licences

  • Trails – some trails are not accessible due to road closures or maintenance (see Trail Condition report)

  • Day use areas, including outlying campgrounds day use areas (closed to overnight camping): picnic areas, kitchen shelters, beaches, and pit privies.

  • Camping

  • Bison enclosure

  • Recreational boating is allowed on park waters with a Parks Canada issued permit:
    • To obtain a seasonal permit, you must complete the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Seasonal Permit Holder Course and undergo a mandatory watercraft inspection.
    • To obtain a temporary permit, you do not need to complete the AIS Seasonal Permit Holder Course, but you must undergo a mandatory watercraft inspection.
    For more detailed information on watercraft permits and inspections, visit:https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mb/riding/visit/moto-boat

  • Shore fishing and fishing from watercrafts is permitted with a valid fishing licence. Riding Mountain National Park fishing licences (differs from a provincial licence) are now available at park entry gates. For more information about where else you can buy a fishing licence, visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mb/riding/visit/pass#5 

  • Please note: Before watercrafts are permitted in park waters for fishing or other leisure activity, visitors must undergo a mandatory watercraft inspection. A seasonal permit can be obtained by attending the AIS Seasonal Permit Holder Course. Temporary permits are also available and do not require the orientation session. For more information on watercraft permits and inspections, visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mb/riding/visit/moto-boat

  • Townsite of Wasagaming open:
    • access to businesses remains open
    • green spaces
    • Main beach and pier
    • parking lots
    • washrooms
    • trails
    • kitchen shelters
    • playground
    • The Clear Lake cabin area shower building and kitchen shelters, washrooms will gradually reopen

What’s closed? (updated June 17, 2020)

  • Visitor Centre due to planned construction for the 2020 season.
  • Park Administration building
  • Lake Audy Campground remains closed for overnight use until further notice.
  • All outlying campgrounds remain closed for overnight use until June 22. Day use is permitted at: Moon Lake, Lake Audy, Whirlpool Lake, and Deep Lake.
  • Ma-Ma-O-Pe is currently closed and will remain closed for the season.
  • All special events and interpretive activities are cancelled until further notice.
Camping during COVID-19

  • Camping: Starting June 22, 2020, Riding Mountain National Park will begin to offer limited camping services.
  • Wasagaming campground will open to visitors with existing reservations. New reservations for select areas of the campground will reopen June 27, 2020.
  • Backcountry camping resumes June 22. New Reservations can be made as of June 27, 2020.
  • Self-registration camping will resume at the following outlying campgrounds: Moon Lake, Deep Lake and Whirlpool Lake. Day use at Lake Audy remains open; overnight camping will remain closed until further notice.
  • Camp Kippichewin will open on June 22, 2020. Camp Ma-Ma-O-Pee will remain closed for the 2020 season
  • Washroom and shower facilities located in open campgrounds will be available for use

All oTENTiks, and other roofed accommodations at the Wasagaming Campground remain closed until further notice. The oTENTiks at Moon Lake and Lake Audy will remain closed for the season.

Your safety when visiting

  • Keep a healthy space of 2 metres between you and others. We ask guests to practice frequent hand washing and to bring their own hand sanitizer and soap, if possible.
  • Be bear smart in the park
  • Beware of ticks
  • Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
  • Leave no trace when you visit outdoor spaces. Please take all your garbage with you and help keep these places clean.
  • Abide by all travel advisories and area closures.


Frequently asked questions (FAQ) specific to Riding Mountain National Park

Stay informed

For the most up to date information, visit: