A Central Canada Wonder

Plan a new RV trip in Manitoba’s fascinating Riding Mountain National Park.

by

Words by Steve Fennell 

Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a prime RV destination encompassing 3,000 sq km (1,158 sq mi) of grasslands, lakes and rich forests. It’s easily accessible and can serve as a full-on destination or stop-over while travelling across the prairie provinces.  

The RV season starts here as early as late spring when you can start enjoying its campgrounds, natural attractions and the community of Wasagaming with its local shops, restaurants and services. Riding Mountain National Park is a true Canadian experience.  

Getting to and Staying in Riding Mountain National Park 

The park is located on the Manitoba Escarpment on Treaty 2 Territory and has been a settlement for First Nation peoples for centuries. To get here, the south entrance is about an hour north as the crow flies from the Trans-Canada Highway and The City of Brandon. This is a popular route since it leads directly to Wasagaming and the shores of Clear Lake.

You can also access the park from the East Gate Registration Complex NHSC, approximately 40 minutes via Hwy 5 and Hwy 19 from Neepawa and the Trans-Canada. Upon your arrival, you’ll see the original National Park gate from the 1930s - the only one of its kind of all the National Parks. From here, it’s an approximate 50-minute drive up the Manitoba Escarpment to the heart of Wasagaming and the Visitor Information Centre. 

Recently renovated, the Visitor Information Centre showcases new wildlife exhibits from all seasons, interactive ecological displays, and Indigenous history and culture. Friendly staff can address any questions about the park and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s a key resource to begin your RMNP experience. 

Wasagaming and Clear Lake Country

From golfing, hiking and watersports to shopping and dining, Wasagaming and Clear Lake are the main starting points in the park. Cafés, restaurants, retailers, and even chocolatiers are established in its business district. 

Start your day with breakfast at the Whitehouse Bakery, enjoy some shopping and then take a break for ice cream at Velvet Dip, the newest ice cream parlour near the lake in the Historic Danceland building. Later on, plan dinner at T.R McKoy’s Italian Restaurant. Reservations are recommended. 

To discover more of the natural attractions in Clear Lake Country, hit one of the many trailheads. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience RMNP and has some of the best trails in the province. Even those who are less experienced or have disabilities can find the perfect route. 

There are about 20 accessible trails in Wasagaming and Clear Lake Country alone. They range from the 3 km (1.9 mi) South Lake Loop and moderate 3.8 km (2.4 m i) Clear Lake South Shore Trail (both are rated easy) to the more challenging 5.9 km (3.7 mi) Wasagaming Campground Long Loop. 

More than two dozen other trails are in other regions of the park including along the Riding Mountain Parkway, at Lake Audy and in the East Escarpment. Many - but not all - are rated as moderate to difficult. Regardless of the trail, you can hike amongst the tall-standing rich forests consisting of deciduous species of white birch, aspen, elm, maple and balsam. 

Wildlife sightings are common for bears, lynx, moose, and elk all season. If you travel here in the fall, expect to hear the high-pitched sounds of male elks during the rutting season when they search for female mating partners. It’s pretty distinctive from September through to mid-October and takes place at dusk and the early morning. 

Protected bison also graze the lands of RMNP and you can view herds from the comfort of your RV or tow (or towed) vehicle at the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure. The area has about 40 species that graze open spaces. Self-guided bison tour brochures are available at the Visitor Information Centre and the best viewing times are in the morning or early evening. 

For avid golfers, the Stanley Thompson-designed Clear Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole, 6,309-yard par 72 track at the east end of Clear Lake. There's a pro shop for essentials before your game and a restaurant to relax at (with excellent views of the lake and surrounding area) afterwards.  

The Lakes of Riding Mountain National Park

Clear Lake is the largest and perhaps the most appealing among RVers. At 29 sq km (11 sq mi) with a depth of 34 m (112 ft), its shores are lined with a mix of boreal forests and prairies. Both serve as a vital natural water filter to manage nutrients, which contribute to its clean, crystal-clear water. 

Green spaces with facilities and access to the water are located at Aspen and Spruce picnic areas while Firth Beach and Deep Bay Beach are other areas at its south end. There are also boat launches, ample parking and the 2.5 km (1.6 mi) Lakeshore Walk. 

Clear Lake Marina is another way to access the water. Afternoon and sunset cruises on ‘The Martese’ embark from the marina during the peak and shoulder seasons. You can also explore the lake on your own as pontoon boats, kayaks, and SUP rentals are available. 

After launching, you’ll be captivated by the open water that leads to coves, bays and sand shores. The lake is known for catching Northern pike, while walleye, whitefish, smallies and perch are other lively species. Fishing regulations are in effect all year. Be sure to visit  https://parks.canada.ca to learn about licenses, daily catch limits and the designated fishing seasons. 

More Lakes and RV Camping 

It’s hard not to go hiking or take a scenic drive without seeing identification markers or designated turn-offs for the other numerous lakes within RMNP’s boundaries. Some of the lakes are hike-in only. Others can be accessible by vehicle including Audy, Moon, Catharine, Kinosao and Deep lakes. Visit www.parkscanada.com for updates about accessibility before you visit.  

Aside from Kinosao Lake, all provide limited camping and boat launches but plan to boondock. The solitude and opportunities for fishing, birding and hiking provide an authentic RMNP experience. 

If you prefer more services, Wasagaming Campground is the largest and most popular option. With 427 sites, it’s open from mid-May to mid-October and reservations are recommended. Although there are unserviced sites, back-in and pull-though options are available with water, power and sewer.  All have fire pits and picnic tables with access to washrooms, hot showers, kitchen shelters, and a dumping station.

For added guests in your group, Parks Canada recently added its oTENTiks, yurts and Micro-Cube accommodations. A great way to experience the park, all are comfortable and feature the necessary appointments for an enjoyable stay. For more information visit www.parks.canada.ca

With continuous developments and maintenance throughout the park and the opportunity for visitors to always find new experiences, RMNP is an excellent destination for RVers. For more information and to make a reservation for this season visit www.reservation.pc.gc.ca

What’s New in RMNP: Fat Bikes, Critters, Fabulous Dining and Unique Accommodations

Always expect something new with every visit and enjoy a favourite day trip. Here are a few more services that you can enjoy this season. 

  • Friends of Riding Mountain National Park Learning Centre 

Visitors can rent fat bikes all year for $10 an hour or $25 for four hours. They are available on a first-come first served basis. The younger travellers in your family may also want to rent a critter dipping kit to learn more about the park’s ecology.  

www.friendsofridingmountain.ca

  • Turtle Village

Turtle Village opened August 2023 in the Wasagaming Campground and consists of  cabin-style accommodations or what are called ‘Turtle Shells.’ Each one can sleep two with a queen bed, has solar interior LED lighting and USB ports with access to washrooms, hot showers, kitchen shelters and a dumping station. 

  • The Stowaway Inn 

Built and established in the 1930s, The Stowaway Inn is located in the park and is an alternative accommodation. After being vacant for several years, it has recently undergone extensive renovations and will be open for 2024. 

For more information visit https://thestowawayinn.ca/

  • The Elkhorn Resort Spa and Conference Centre

This is a full-service resort facility for overnight stays and a gateway to several activities. For 2024, the resort will open its new Klar So Nordic Spa. Your wellness can be enhanced - and even rejuvenated - through tailored massage therapy, comprehensive hand/foot care and face regeneration treatments. 

For all the details and operating hours visit www.elkhornresort.mb.ca