Reservations for Manitoba campgrounds, cabins and group-use areas will begin on April 5 with staggered dates offered to make it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to book sites at their favourite campgrounds.

“Our government thanks Manitobans for their commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic in acting on the advice our health-care experts to stay home for the benefits of themselves, their loved ones and their communities,” said Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard. “It is through their dedication and actions that we are able to allow Manitobans to continue to visit our provincial parks, and we are pleased to open our campgrounds for the season with additional safety measures in place. This will be welcome news for many Manitobans and their families. I encourage them to keep practising the fundamentals of good hygiene and social distancing at home and especially while enjoying quality time outside with their loved ones, whether camping, at cottages or throughout our beautiful parks.”

To accommodate the expected high demand on April 5, the opening day of the parks reservation system, online and call centre services will begin at 7 a.m. at prs.gov.mb.ca, 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) and 1 888-482-2267 (toll free). Customers are advised to check the website for call centre hours on other days, and those making online reservations should check to confirm their user IDs and passwords prior to April 1. For more information, visit manitobaparks.com.

The Manitoba parks reservation system will accept bookings in three phases:

  • April 5 at 7 a.m. – campsite reservations open for the Birds Hill Provincial Park campground;
  • April 7 at 7 a.m. – campsite reservations open for the Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake campgrounds; and
  • April 12 at 7 a.m. – campsite reservations open for all remaining provincial park campgrounds.

Park visitors will be familiar with many of the safety measures in effect, as the province continues to protect Manitobans while ensuring opportunities for outdoor activities. Campers are reminded to check for updates to the latest public health orders, such as those that limit outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 10 people, and to practise good hygiene and physical distancing. Provincial parks will once again employ enhanced cleaning procedures and sanitization of public washrooms and shower facilities.

In addition, campers from southern Manitoba are reminded of a travel ban north of the 53rd parallel, with certain exceptions for essential travel. If booking sites at campgrounds anywhere north of Lake Winnipeg, campers should confirm the ban has been lifted before travelling there. Out-of-province campers and visitors, as well, must follow the public health orders for travel in Manitoba.

Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can be made at 200 Saulteaux Cres. in Winnipeg, and will be available beginning April 5 Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the parks and facilities described above. Public access to the building is limited because of COVID-19 and may require lining up outside. Online or call-centre reservations are preferred.

Manitobans are reminded that park vehicle passes will be available online in early April as part of the province’s e-licensing program. For more information on the e-licensing program or to purchase a park vehicle pass when the program launches this spring, visit manitobaelicensing.ca.