Building on the success of last year’s initiative, the Manitoba government is once again offering free entry to provincial parks for a full week in mid-July, including Canada’s Parks Day weekend, so visitors can take advantage of these parks and all they have to offer, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.
“This week-long free access, which coincides with Canada’s Parks Day on Saturday, July 16, is designed to ensure all Manitobans can enjoy the extraordinary natural beauty of our provincial parks even more affordably,” said Wharton. “From hiking and birdwatching in lush boreal forests to exploring intriguing historic sites that showcase our province’s cultural heritage to paddling a pristine, tranquil lake, Manitoba’s provincial parks have something for everyone.”
Vehicle permits will not be required at any provincial park from July 11 to 17. Overnight camping fees still apply along with fees to national parks. Manitoba’s provincial park entry fees are among the lowest in Canada, and this week-long offer and other free park access offerings are designed to ensure the cost is not a barrier to anyone.
Several parks are offering special events on Saturday, July 16, for Canada’s Parks Day including family fun activities, barbeques and prize draws. Event details are available at local campground offices and online at www.manitobaparks.com.
Numerous interpretive programs are offered at park visitor centres and museums, along with guided experiences and tours, campfire talks and amphitheatre presentations that inspire visitors to learn and protect each park’s natural, cultural and historical resources, the minister said. Information on interpretive programs can be found at www.manitobaparks.com and under the events tab on the Manitoba Parks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks.
Flooding and wet conditions continue to affect several provincial parks. Park visitors should check www.manitobaparks.com for the latest flood-related closures and advisories, and www.manitoba511.ca for road closures and potential detours before travelling. Campsite reservation holders will be contacted if they are affected by a site closure and can then request a full refund or move their reservation to another available location. Campers should not pre-emptively cancel reservations before being notified, otherwise cancellation policies will apply.
Individuals who wish to camp in a provincial park can check site availability and make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-482-2267.
Beach users are reminded to be water smart this summer, which includes never swimming alone and supervising children on the beach. Boaters and beach users should wear properly sized life-jackets when participating in water-related activities. Visitors can borrow life-jackets in select parks and return them after their activity. Locations for the Life-jacket Loan Program and other beach safety information is available at www.manitobaparks.com.
Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following the Manitoba Parks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.
