Overview
Riding Mountain National Park offers a striking contrast to the surrounding prairie farmland—2,969 km² of forested parkland protecting three converging ecosystems: grasslands, upland boreal, and eastern deciduous forests. Established in 1929 and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986, the park provides backcountry wilderness experiences with over 400 km of trails, Clear Lake for boating and sailing, and wildlife including black bears and moose.
Day Trips · Nature · Skiing · Trekking · Wildlife
Before you go
Accessibility
The Wasagaming townsite and main beach area are wheelchair accessible with paved paths. Many backcountry trails are not accessible due to natural terrain and lack of maintenance.
Connectivity
Cell service is limited and unreliable throughout the park. Wasagaming may have basic connectivity but do not expect reliable internet for work.
Money
Prices typically quoted in Canadian dollars. Whitehouse Bakery is open 8AM-4PM. Limited ATM facilities in Wasagaming—carry cash from larger towns.
Packing
Bring layers for variable weather, bear spray for backcountry, cash for fees and local purchases, all food supplies for extended stays.
Safety
Black bears present; proper food storage required. Poison ivy in some areas. Swimmer's itch possible in lakes. Winter temps can reach -40°C—check forecasts.
Transport
Personal vehicle required. Highway 10 bisects park; may close in winter. Nearest airports in Dauphin and Brandon. Bus from Winnipeg only reaches Dauphin.
Weather
Continental climate: hot summers (avg July 16.5°C in Wasagaming), cold winters (avg January -19.7°C, down to -40°C possible). June is wettest month; 127 cm snowfall at higher elevations.