The Manitoba government will once again offer free park entry for the entire month of February so Manitobans and visitors can take advantage of the many winter activities available in provincial parks at no cost.
“Winter is an excellent time to enjoy the beauty of our provincial parks and there are many outdoor activities to take part in as a family or on your own,” Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said. “Whether it’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or taking a quiet walk, there is much to see in Manitoba parks and we encourage everyone to enjoy them in winter just as they do in the summer.”
Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park this month, but SnoPasses are still required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the parks and entrance fees still apply in national parks. There are groomed trails in 12 provincial parks across the province for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hiking. Paint Lake, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills while fat-tire biking is welcome on designated trails in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks.
Trail grooming reports are updated online every Thursday throughout the winter. Manitobans are encouraged to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before visiting parks to properly plan their outdoor adventure. Maps of winter trails and updated reports can be found at www.manitobaparks.com.
In addition to free access to provincial parks this month, anglers are reminded they will not need an angling licence to try their luck during this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend from Feb. 16 to 18. Anglers will be able to fish without a licence provincewide. Note conservation limits will apply and a federal licence will still be required to fish in national parks. Anglers should be sure conditions are safe before venturing onto the ice, always let someone know where they are fishing and wear appropriate clothing for an enjoyable ice fishing experience.
For more information on fishing regulations in Manitoba, view the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide at www.manitobafisheries.com.
Park interpreters are offering several guided experiences this winter. Interpretive programs are free and offered year round in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks. Highlights for the month of February include:
- a wolf howl in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 2;
- a guided snowshoe trek in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Sunday, Feb. 10;
- a nature detectives program for families with preschool aged children in Birds Hill Provincial Park on Wednesday, Feb. 13;
- learn to ice fish session in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Monday, Feb. 18;
- a winter family fun day at the winter recreation area in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 23; and
- a winter safari in Birds Hill Provincial Park on Sunday, Feb. 24.
Interpretive programs are happening every week in February. More information on these events and other upcoming programs can be found online at www.manitobaparks.com.
