COVID-19 and your visit to Riding Mountain National Park

Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

Effective Thursday, July 15, 2021 the Provincial Response Level is Orange: Restricted. Visitors to Riding Mountain National Park will be asked to follow this requirement.

  • Outdoor gathering sizes on private property to double to 25 persons.
  • Public outdoor gathering sizes to increase to 150 persons.
  • Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces. Practice physical distancing. Keep two metres away from anyone not in your household.

All visitors are recommended to regularly check the Government of Manitoba webpage for updates.

Important information about your visit to Riding Mountain National Park

July 15, 2021

The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance. Parks Canada will follow the advice and guidance of public health authorities in resuming visitor access and services.

To help Canadians gain access to the health and wellness benefits that come with being outdoors, while continuing to ensure safety of visitors, residents and staff, Parks Canada is taking a phased approach in restoring access services to the park. In doing so, physical distancing for the public remains a critical requirement in all areas of the park. Some restrictions and closures implemented as a result of COVID-19 have been lifted, while others will remain in effect.

Please check our site regularly for the current status of areas, activities and services offered in Riding Mountain National Park. This is an evolving situation. For more information visit the Public Health Agency of Canada Coronavirus disease page and Manitoba Health.

  • All visitors are to abide by regulations set out by Manitoba Health.
  • The Administration Office will be open to visitors Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:00. We can also be reached by phone: 204-848-7275 or email: pc.info-riding@canada.ca
What’s open? (updated July 15, 2021)

The following services and facilities in the park are open:

  • Entry Gates open for information and to purchase park passes and fishing licences.
    • South gate entrance will be open 7 days/week from 8:00 to 20:00
    • North gate entrance will be open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00, Friday from 8:00 to 21:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 20:00

  • The Visitor Centre will be providing basic reception services and information. It is limited to one individual at a time beginning June 24 and will be open from 7 days/week from 8:00 to 20:00.

  • Trails (see Trail Condition report)

  • Day use areas, including outlying campgrounds day use areas: picnic areas, kitchen shelters, beaches, and pit privies. Day use is permitted at: Moon Lake, Lake Audy, Whirlpool Lake, and Deep Lake.

  • Bison enclosure

  • Starting Thursday, July 22nd, our double-vaccinated visitors and children under 12 will be able to enjoy the museum in the Visitor Centre. To comply with Manitoba public health guidelines for museums and galleries, proof of vaccination, mask-wearing and advance booking is required to manage capacity. The Visitor Centre will be offering 20-minute timeslots to a limited capacity from 8am to 8pm daily. For more details and to book a visit, see us in person or call us at 204-848-7228.

  • Townsite of Wasagaming open:
    • access to businesses remains open
    • green spaces
    • Main beach and pier
    • parking lots
    • washrooms
    • trails
    • open air kitchen shelters
What’s closed? (updated July 15, 2021)

  • All special events and interpretive activities are cancelled until further notice.
Camping during COVID-19 (updated July 15, 2021)

  • Camping in Riding Mountain National Park
  • Washroom and shower facilities located in open campgrounds will be available for use. Due to the nature of shared and common spaces at Parks Canada campgrounds, it is not possible to complete self-isolation periods if necessary.
  • Wasagaming campground including oTENTiks are open.
  • Moon Lake campground including oTENTiks are open.
  • Whirlpool campground is open.
  • Deep Lake campground is open.
  • Lake Audy oTENTIks (Units 1-3) will be available from May 21 to Oct 10, 2021. Moon Lake oTENTIks are currently open. These are booked using the Parks Canada reservation system.
  • Unserviced camping in the Lake Audy Campground will resume for Sites 11-32 (19 sites) from June 30 to Oct 10, 2021. Sites are available on a first come first served basis. Moon Lake, Deep Lake and Whirlpool campgrounds are open.
  • Wasagaming Campground will be using a fire permit system. Daily fire permits are available for purchase for campers having fires in dedicated fire pits while staying in the campground.
  • Backcountry camping resumed on Saturday, January 23, 2021.
  • Backcountry campsites are open and available for booking using the Parks Canada reservation system with the exception of Cairns Cabin on the Ochre River Trail will remain closed.
  • Group camping may not exceed 10 individuals and physical distancing of two metres is required.
  • Washroom and shower facilities located in open campgrounds will be available for use.
Your safety when visiting

  • Effective 12:01 a.m., Thursday, July 15, 2021, the Provincial Response Level is Orange: Restricted. Visitors to Riding Mountain National Park will be asked to follow this requirement.
  • Wear a mask in indoor settings where social distancing is not possible (An indoor public space is any space with walls and a roof that can be accessed by the members of the public).
  • Outdoor gatherings on private property are limited to 25 persons.
  • Current orders prohibit gatherings of more than 150 people including household members at an outdoor public place.
  • 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.

Stay informed

For the most up to date information, visit: