Riding Mountain National Park

About Riding Mountain National Park

In western Manitoba the flat farmland suddenly climbs onto a wooded plateau, an island of forest and lakes that fur traders thought of as a mountain. Within its boundaries, prairie grassland, deciduous woods, and boreal forest meet, supporting a striking range of wildlife. Established in the early 1930s, the park also preserves rustic log buildings from that era.

Wasagaming, the townsite on the south shore of Clear Lake, is the hub, with cabins, restaurants, a beach, and a visitor centre housed in a heritage log building. Short walks such as Loon's Island Trail explore marshes and lakeshore, while longer routes like the Ochre River Trail and Tilson Lake Loop lead deeper into the hills. The Lake Audy Bison Enclosure allows visitors to see a free-roaming plains bison herd from viewing areas. Hikers and paddlers can reach Grey Owl's Cabin, where the famous conservationist lived in the early 1930s. Elk, moose, and black bears are present throughout, so wildlife watching is a major draw, especially at dawn and dusk. Easy, wide trails also make the park appealing for cycling.

The park suits families, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Summer brings lake activities, autumn brings color and the elk rut, and winter offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in near-solitude.