The Manitoba government will once again offer free entry to provincial parks to mark the 2018 Labour Day long weekend.

“Free park entry weekends provide an opportunity for all Manitobans to make the trip into one of our beautiful provincial parks and take a moment to enjoy nature,” Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity and make the most of all that our provincial parks have to offer.”

Park vehicle permits are not required in provincial parks from Friday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 3. Regular camping fees still apply. In addition to free entry at provincial parks this weekend, there will be a variety of special interpretive programming such as:

  • amphitheatre presentations at Birds Hill Provincial Park on Manitoba wild cats and how to ‘Be Bear Smart’;
  • a guided night hike to discover the boreal forest after dark at Grand Beach Provincial Park;
  • a skink safari, searching for the endangered northern prairie skink in the Spruce Woods Provincial Park; and
  • opportunities to view wildlife and the start of the fall migration up close at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Teachers are encouraged to book free interpretive programs for their students this fall and winter in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks. Interpretive programs offer engaging, curriculum-based outdoor learning experiences in natural and cultural environments.

Several provincial park campsites, cabins and yurts remain open through the fall, allowing campers to stay as late as Thanksgiving. To make a reservation, or see the full list of campgrounds open in the fall and their operating dates, call the Parks Reservation Service toll-free at 1-888-482-2267 or visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Manitobans are also reminded to stop the spread of invasive species to help protect provincial parks. Firewood cannot be moved out of the city of Winnipeg due to the presence of the emerald ash borer and the designation of Winnipeg as a federally regulated area. Anyone caught transporting firewood could face fines or charges. Firewood should always be obtained and burned locally.

Boaters and watercraft users are reminded to do their part in preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species. Before leaving any body of water, take the proper steps to remove aquatic plants and invasive species, drain all water and remove drain plugs before transporting watercraft over land, dry all equipment and surfaces before placing in another water body and dispose of all bait used in a control zone water body in the trash prior to leaving the shore.

Watercraft inspection stations are up and running for the summer and are scheduled to be open Thursday through Monday for the rest of the open water season in Selkirk (Selkirk Park boat launch), Headingley (weigh station), Eriksdale/Mulvihill (PTH 6 at PTH 68W), Grand Rapids, The Pas and Swan River. It is a legal requirement for all watercraft, which includes canoes, kayaks and jet skis, to stop at watercraft inspection stations when they are open.

Anyone planning a backcountry trip is reminded that campfires should only be made in designated fire pits. Campers heading into a remote area should tell someone else where they are going and when they expect to return.