Manitobans are encouraged to take part in the 26th annual Canada’s Parks Day and experience the great outdoors with free entry to provincial parks this weekend.
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises that park vehicle permits will not be required July 17 through July 19 in provincial parks. In addition to free entry, numerous events are occurring across the province to mark this day. Nightly camping fees and fees in national parks still apply.
Parks Day is an annual celebration by the Canadian Parks Council showcasing Canada’s incredible network of parks. Special events and activities have been designed to connect people of all ages to nature and the outdoors.
Park interpreters lead the family fun with numerous Parks Day-themed programs including campfire talks, guided walks and amphitheatre presentations. These programs highlight the provincial park system and connect visitors to each park’s natural, cultural and historical resources. Information on interpretive programs for this weekend and the entire season can be found online.
Some highlights this weekend include:
- guided tours of restored homes from the 19th-century French community at Saint Norbert Provincial Heritage Park including the newly reopened Bohémier House;
- campfire talks and amphitheatre presentations at Birds Hill, Grand Beach, Hecla/Grindstone, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks;
- presentations by wildlife ambassadors from Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre at St. Malo Provincial Park on Saturday afternoon; and
- guided walks through the historical Hecla Village in the Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park and the Bannock Point Petroforms in the Whiteshell Provincial Park on Sunday.
Several campgrounds are having special celebrations including Bakers Narrows, Clearwater Lake, Grass River, Manipogo, Nopiming, Rivers and Wekusko Falls provincial parks. Manitobans are also encouraged to enjoy the newly expanded beach at Birds Hill Provincial Park or rediscover the lower camping area at Kiche Manitou Campground in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, now fully reopened following damage from flooding.
For information on these and other Canada’s Parks Day events, visit www.manitobaparks.com.
