In time for Louis Riel Day and Manitoba Winter Trails Day, the provincial government is waiving all provincial park entry fees for the month of February.
The inaugural Manitoba Winter Trails Day is taking place on Saturday, February 8. On every second Sunday of February, the day has been set aside as an opportunity for Manitobans to try out the province’s many winter trails and acknowledge all the hands that maintain them.
For those who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors in a Manitoba winter, it may seem like fresh news that groomed paths run through provincial parks, catering to cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, fat-biking enthusiasts, snowshoers, and hikers.
Families can find many an outdoor skating rink and toboggan hill, too.
To try one’s hand at ice fishing, Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park offers free ice fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg. Both Asessippi and Whiteshell Provincial Parks provide excellent opportunities for downhill ski adventures.
On February 8 only, park interpreters will be available in specific locations to offer guided trail adventures.
Visitors can also head to Birds Hill Park for a guided snowshoe trek along the Nimowin Trail, searching for animal tracks and signs of wildlife and discovering how creatures thrive through a Manitoba winter.
Another option is to take a guided hike on the Epinette Trail in Spruce Woods Provincial Park to experience landscapes unique to this province.
Information about all of Manitoba’s unique trails and a list of outdoor planned activities can be found at the Manitoba Parks website (see below). The site regularly updates trail conditions.
Regardless of the kinds of trails you find yourself enjoying this winter, be sure to respect trail use rules. Never walk on groomed ski tracks, always keep dogs on leash, and remember to practice the “leave no trace” principle by removing everything you bring in.
It should be noted that February free entry does not include snowmobiles. A Snopass is still required for snowmobile use in provincial parks for the balance of the season.
