Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced that a number of provincial parks in southern Manitoba will welcome campers this weekend, officially kicking off the 2024 season.

“I know many Manitobans, like me and my family, are eager to head out to the great outdoors to camp at one of our province’s beautiful provincial parks,” said Schmidt. “We encourage all Manitobans to take the opportunity this spring and summer to explore our provincial parks and make lasting memories.”

Campers will notice improvements in several provincial campgrounds this season including:

  • redevelopment of the Nutimik Lake Museum in Whiteshell Provincial Park;
  • new playgrounds at Kiche Manitou in Spruce Woods, Winnipeg Beach, White Lake in Whiteshell and Whitefish Lake;
  • completed work on water and wastewater treatment system upgrades at Asessippi, Birds Hill and Paint Lake provincial parks; and
  • new washroom and shower facility at Bakers Narrows Provincial Park.

All other provincial park campgrounds will open for the May long weekend. Manitobans can make a reservation for campsites, cabins, yurts and group-use areas through the Parks Reservation Service, online at manitobaparks.com or by calling (toll-free) 1-888-482-2267.

Reminders for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include:

  • visit manitobaparks.com for advisories before travelling;
  • buy and print provincial park vehicle permits online before leaving home at manitobaelicensing.ca;
  • all campers must check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits;
  • have reservation confirmation and personal identification ready for check-in;
  • be ‘Wildlife Smart’ by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving;
  • keep all pets on leash; and
  • keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restriction.

Do not transport firewood from Winnipeg to areas outside the city to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, an invasive species of beetle. To avoid charges and fines, purchase firewood from local retailers at or near most campgrounds.