Riding Mountain National Park
From Wikitravel
Contents
Riding Mountain National Park is located in southwestern Manitoba. The park was established in 1929 to protect an area of 2,969 km2 of prairie parkland.
[edit] Understand
- The only community located within the national park is Wasagaming (often referred to as Clear Lake).
- Park offices are open from 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM during from May - September.
[edit] History
Much of the park's public infrastructure was created during the 1930s by labourers participating in Canada's great depression relief programs. Illustration of this early construction survives to this day in the park. During World War II the park was home to a Prisoner of War camp which has since been dismantled. In 1986, Riding Mountain was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Until 1996, Riding Mountain was the only national park located in the province of Manitoba.
[edit] Flora and fauna
Moose, elk, deer, beaver, porcupine, loon, grey wolf, cougar, and Canada goose are just a few of the animal and bird inhabitants of Riding Mountain National Park. The park boasts one of the largest populations of black bears in North America. There is also a wild bison enclosure located near Lake Audy.
Riding Mountain National Park is also well known for its wildflowers and wide range of unique vegetation, most of which is not seen anywhere else in the prairie regions of Canada.
[edit] Get in
Provincial highway 10 bisects the eastern half of the national Park. Brandon is located approximately 100 km to the south, Dauphin approximately 30 km to the north. During the winter months, it is not uncommon for Highway 10 to be closed during poor weather. Check local road conditions via Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation [1] or listen to a local radio station.
Greyhound Bus Line [2] provides daily bus service to Brandon (onwards to Winnipeg) and to Dauphin.
[edit] Fees/Permits
The 2009 Entrance fees for Riding Mountain National Park [3] are:
- Adult $7.80
- Senior $6.55
- Youth $3.90
- Family $19.60
[edit] Get around
[edit][add listing] See
[edit][add listing] Do
The park has a number of hiking trails, including:
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Lodging
[edit] Camping
[edit] Backcountry
- Moon Lake Campground, Moon Lake, [5]. Primitive campground operated by Parks Canada at Moon Lake. $15.70. edit
- Lake Audy Campground, Lake Audy, [6]. Primitive campground operated by Parks Canada at Lake Audy. $15.70. edit
- Whirlpool Campground, [7]. Primitive campground operated by Parks Canada at Whirlpool Lake. $15.70. edit
- Deep Lake Campground, Deep Lake, [8]. Primitive campground operated by Parks Canada at Deep Lake. $15.70. edit
[edit] Stay safe
Riding Mountain National Park is a safe area to visit, however, common sense is required. Key safety concerns in the park include:
- Poison Ivy [9]
- Black Bears: Riding Mountain is home to a population of black bears. Further information on black bear safety can be found at: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng//docs/v-g/oursnoir-blackbear/index.aspx.
- Swimmer's Itch [10]
 WARNING: Be careful when doing outdoor activities during the winter time as temperature can reach as low as -40°C so check local television/radio when going out |
[edit] Get out
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