Riding Mountain National Park
Encyclopedia
Riding Mountain National Park is a national park
in Manitoba
, Canada
. The park sits atop the Manitoba Escarpment. Consisting of a protected area 2969 km² (1,146.3 sq mi), the forested parkland stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding prairie farmland. The park is home to wolves, moose
, elk
, black bear
s, hundreds of bird species, countless insects and a captive bison
herd. It is most easily reached by Highway 10
which passes through the park. The south entrance is at the townsite of Wasagaming
, which is the only commercial centre within the park boundaries.
The park was first protected in 1929 and had much of its public infrastructure created during the 1930s by labourers participating in Canada's great depression
relief programs. Much of this early construction survives to this day.
During World War II
it was home to a prisoner of war
camp which has since been dismantled. In 1986, Riding Mountain was designated a biosphere reserve
by UNESCO
.
connects Brandon
, 95 km to the south, with Wasagaming and continues to Dauphin
, 13 km beyond the north border of the Park. From the east, Highway 19 enters the park through the scenic escarpment region. The nearest commercial airports are at Dauphin and Brandon, and the nearest International Airport is located in Winnipeg
. An airport for small planes is located at Erickson
, just south of the park. To enter Riding Mountain National Park by motor vehicle, a permit is required and can be purchased at the park gates when entering the park.
The East Entrance
has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of its historic and rustic architectural design.
Moose
, elk
, deer
, beaver
, porcupine
, loon
, grey wolf, cougar, and Canada goose
are just a few of the animal and bird inhabitants of Riding Mountain National Park. The park boasts one of the largest populations of black bear
s in North America. There is also a wild bison
enclosure located near Lake Audy.
Riding Mountain National Park is also well known for its wildflowers and wide range of unique vegetation, most of which is not seen anywhere else in the prairie regions of Canada.
There are over 400 km (248.5 mi) of trails within the park for hiking or backpacking. The park's habitat varies from the rugged gorges of the east side of the park to the tall evergreens of the Central portion to the meadows of the western portion. Trail surfaces vary from partially graveled patrol roads to grassy trails. Backpacking trails include Ochre River Trail, South Escarpment Trail, and the Tilson Lake Trail.
There are a lot of cycling opportunities in Riding Mountain National Park. Trails vary in difficulty from the easy gently rolling trails of the Central, Baldy Lake and Strathclair trails to the rugged and extremely hilly Packhorse, Jet and Baldy Hill trails.
Horse use is allowed on most backcountry trails. Local outfitters are able to provide equipment needed for a unique Horsedrawn Carriage experience.
Riding Mountain National Park is home to critically acclaimed ski trails. Warming shelters are found on several of the trails during the winter months and heated base cabins are available.
Because the Park is federally protected land, only the frozen surface of Clear Lake during the winter months can be used for snowmobiling.
National Park Fishing Licenses are required for fishing within Park boundaries. There are many clean, freshwater lakes within the Park including Clear Lake, Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Whirlpool Lake among others. Walleye, white fish and perch are found in Clear Lake, and a limited number of rainbow and brook trout can be found in Lake Katherine and Deep Lake. Ice fishing is allowed on Clear Lake during the winter months.
Motorized boats are allowed on Clear Lake, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Boat launches can be found on Clear Lake and Lake Audy, while boats and motors must be carried 300 metres at Moon Lake. Only non-motorized watercrafts are allowed on Deep Lake, Lake Katherine and Whirlpool Lake, and all other backcountry lakes.
All personal water crafts are banned within Riding Mountain National Park.
As of 2008, only four-stroke and direct injected two-stroke equipped motor boats will be permitted on Clear Lake. Boats equipped with other motors are not permitted to use the lake for environmental reasons. The ban is enforced by Parks Canada and the RCMP
. CITATION NOT FOUND.
The lakes of Riding Mountain provide excellent conditions for canoeing and kayaking. At times, Whirlpool River and Jackfish Creek can be used for canoeing & kayaking when the water is high enough, usually after heavy rains or spring runoff.
Clear Lake is used by many people for sailing because of its relatively large size, and wind patterns. Parking and assembly areas are located at the Wasagaming boat launch.
Clear Lake is by far the most popular for swimming in Riding Mountain National Park. The main beach at Wasagaming is equipped with washrooms, change rooms, along with outdoor shower. There are numerous other beaches on clear lake as well. Other lakes used for swimming are Lake Katherine, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Most of the other lakes in the park have muddy bottoms, so swimming is difficult but possible.
The clear spring-fed waters of Clear Lake provide many opportunities for scuba diving. The deepest point in Clear Lake is approximately 34.7 m (114 feet) deep.
Wasagaming campground is one of the largest in Manitoba, and is a full service campground located near the Wasagaming townsite and Clear Lake. All sites in the Wasagaming campground contain a fire box, picnic table, and access to washrooms at the unserviced camp sites, and full service sites are equipped with all modern ameneties including sewer, electricity, water, picnic table, and fire box. Other campgrounds suitable for car camping are located at Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Deep Lake. These campground sites are equipped with a fire box, picnic table, and access to washrooms or pit privies.
Tent camping is available at all campgrounds within the Park. Whirlpool Lake campground is designated as a tenting only campground. There are also 22 wilderness campsites located in the back country of the Park. These sites are equipped with firewood, pit privies, picnic tables and food storage containers.
There are 15 picnic sites located within the Park, usually along major roads and trails. These sites are equipped with barbecue pits, pit privies, and most have access to drinking water.
Clear Lake Golf Course is located within Park boundaries along the shores of Clear Lake. The course has received high ratings from multiple North American golf publications.
There are six professional tennis courts located in the Park in the Wasagaming townsite.
There is a skateboard park, located next to the parking lot near the old community center site in Wasagaming.
this trail in the winter, but access can be difficult after heavy snow fall.
was the name Archibald Belaney (September 18, 1888 – April 13, 1938), adopted when he took upon a First Nations identity as an adult. He was a writer and became one of Canada's first conservationists. He spent many years living in a cabin in Riding Mountain National park studying and working with wildlife, including two beavers named Jelly Roll and Rawhide. His main goal in the park was to re-establish beaver colonies in areas where they were exterminated. He is regarded as a legend and major historical figure because of the influence he had on Riding Mountain National Park. His living quarters, now known as "Grey Owl's Cabin", still stand to this day and are a popular tourist attraction.
, and one of the first in western Canada
. Anniversary celebrations included a reinactment of the official park opening ceremony, along with year-long arts, culture and wildlife programs.
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
in Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The park sits atop the Manitoba Escarpment. Consisting of a protected area 2969 km² (1,146.3 sq mi), the forested parkland stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding prairie farmland. The park is home to wolves, moose
Moose
The moose or Eurasian elk is the largest extant species in the deer family. Moose are distinguished by the palmate antlers of the males; other members of the family have antlers with a dendritic configuration...
, elk
Elk
The Elk is the large deer, also called Cervus canadensis or wapiti, of North America and eastern Asia.Elk may also refer to:Other antlered mammals:...
, black bear
American black bear
The American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most common bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in...
s, hundreds of bird species, countless insects and a captive bison
American Bison
The American bison , also commonly known as the American buffalo, is a North American species of bison that once roamed the grasslands of North America in massive herds...
herd. It is most easily reached by Highway 10
Manitoba Highway 10
Provincial Trunk Highway 10 is a north-south highway that runs from the North Dakota border at the International Peace Garden near Boissevain, north through Brandon, Dauphin, Swan River, and The Pas to the Saskatchewan boundary at Flin Flon. The speed limit is 100 km/h...
which passes through the park. The south entrance is at the townsite of Wasagaming
Wasagaming, Manitoba
Wasagaming is the main town-site in Riding Mountain National Park. It is located at the south gate of Riding Mountain National Park along Highway 10. The town-site lies on the south shores of Clear Lake, the largest lake in Riding Mountain National Park. It is a popular tourist...
, which is the only commercial centre within the park boundaries.
The park was first protected in 1929 and had much of its public infrastructure created during the 1930s by labourers participating in Canada's great depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
relief programs. Much of this early construction survives to this day.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
it was home to a prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
camp which has since been dismantled. In 1986, Riding Mountain was designated a biosphere reserve
Biosphere reserve
The Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO was established in 1971 to promote interdisciplinary approaches to management, research and education in ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.-Development:...
by UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
.
Park Access
Riding Mountain National Park is easily accessible by car and bus from centres to the north and south. Highway 10Manitoba Highway 10
Provincial Trunk Highway 10 is a north-south highway that runs from the North Dakota border at the International Peace Garden near Boissevain, north through Brandon, Dauphin, Swan River, and The Pas to the Saskatchewan boundary at Flin Flon. The speed limit is 100 km/h...
connects Brandon
Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba, Canada, and is located in the southwestern area of the province. Brandon is the largest city in the Westman region of Manitoba. The city is located along the Assiniboine River. Spruce Woods Provincial Park and CFB Shilo are a relatively short distance...
, 95 km to the south, with Wasagaming and continues to Dauphin
Dauphin, Manitoba
Dauphin is a small city in Manitoba, Canada, with a population of 7,906 as of 2006. The nearby lake was given the name "Dauphin" by the explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye in 1741 in honour of the heir to the French throne...
, 13 km beyond the north border of the Park. From the east, Highway 19 enters the park through the scenic escarpment region. The nearest commercial airports are at Dauphin and Brandon, and the nearest International Airport is located in Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
. An airport for small planes is located at Erickson
Erickson, Manitoba
Erickson is a town in the Rural Municipality of Clanwilliam in the Canadian province of Manitoba. It is located on Highway 10 on 32-17-18W in south central Manitoba. The main industry of Erickson is agriculture....
, just south of the park. To enter Riding Mountain National Park by motor vehicle, a permit is required and can be purchased at the park gates when entering the park.
The East Entrance
Riding Mountain Park East Gate Registration Complex
The Riding Mountain Park East Gate Registration Complex National Historic Site of Canada, in Manitoba, Canada, is the only surviving gate structure of the three built at the entrances to Riding Mountain National Park...
has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of its historic and rustic architectural design.
Wildlife
Moose
The moose or Eurasian elk is the largest extant species in the deer family. Moose are distinguished by the palmate antlers of the males; other members of the family have antlers with a dendritic configuration...
, elk
Elk
The Elk is the large deer, also called Cervus canadensis or wapiti, of North America and eastern Asia.Elk may also refer to:Other antlered mammals:...
, deer
Deer
Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. Species in the Cervidae family include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer and chital. Male deer of all species and female reindeer grow and shed new antlers each year...
, beaver
Beaver
The beaver is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, North American Beaver and Eurasian Beaver . Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges . They are the second-largest rodent in the world...
, porcupine
Porcupine
Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend or camouflage them from predators. They are indigenous to the Americas, southern Asia, and Africa. Porcupines are the third largest of the rodents, behind the capybara and the beaver. Most porcupines are about long, with...
, loon
Loon
The loons or divers are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia...
, grey wolf, cougar, and Canada goose
Canada Goose
The Canada Goose is a wild goose belonging to the genus Branta, which is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, having a black head and neck, white patches on the face, and a brownish-gray body....
are just a few of the animal and bird inhabitants of Riding Mountain National Park. The park boasts one of the largest populations of black bear
American black bear
The American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most common bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in...
s in North America. There is also a wild bison
Bison
Members of the genus Bison are large, even-toed ungulates within the subfamily Bovinae. Two extant and four extinct species are recognized...
enclosure located near Lake Audy.
Riding Mountain National Park is also well known for its wildflowers and wide range of unique vegetation, most of which is not seen anywhere else in the prairie regions of Canada.
Activities
For all recreation activities within the Park, it is advisable to contact Riding Mountain National Park administration for information and to acquire necessary permits.- Hiking & Backpacking
There are over 400 km (248.5 mi) of trails within the park for hiking or backpacking. The park's habitat varies from the rugged gorges of the east side of the park to the tall evergreens of the Central portion to the meadows of the western portion. Trail surfaces vary from partially graveled patrol roads to grassy trails. Backpacking trails include Ochre River Trail, South Escarpment Trail, and the Tilson Lake Trail.
- Cycling
There are a lot of cycling opportunities in Riding Mountain National Park. Trails vary in difficulty from the easy gently rolling trails of the Central, Baldy Lake and Strathclair trails to the rugged and extremely hilly Packhorse, Jet and Baldy Hill trails.
- Horseback Riding & Horsedrawn Carriage
Horse use is allowed on most backcountry trails. Local outfitters are able to provide equipment needed for a unique Horsedrawn Carriage experience.
- Cross country Skiing
Riding Mountain National Park is home to critically acclaimed ski trails. Warming shelters are found on several of the trails during the winter months and heated base cabins are available.
- Snowmobiling
Because the Park is federally protected land, only the frozen surface of Clear Lake during the winter months can be used for snowmobiling.
- Fishing
National Park Fishing Licenses are required for fishing within Park boundaries. There are many clean, freshwater lakes within the Park including Clear Lake, Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Whirlpool Lake among others. Walleye, white fish and perch are found in Clear Lake, and a limited number of rainbow and brook trout can be found in Lake Katherine and Deep Lake. Ice fishing is allowed on Clear Lake during the winter months.
- Boating
Motorized boats are allowed on Clear Lake, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Boat launches can be found on Clear Lake and Lake Audy, while boats and motors must be carried 300 metres at Moon Lake. Only non-motorized watercrafts are allowed on Deep Lake, Lake Katherine and Whirlpool Lake, and all other backcountry lakes.
All personal water crafts are banned within Riding Mountain National Park.
As of 2008, only four-stroke and direct injected two-stroke equipped motor boats will be permitted on Clear Lake. Boats equipped with other motors are not permitted to use the lake for environmental reasons. The ban is enforced by Parks Canada and the RCMP
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police , literally ‘Royal Gendarmerie of Canada’; colloquially known as The Mounties, and internally as ‘The Force’) is the national police force of Canada, and one of the most recognized of its kind in the world. It is unique in the world as a national, federal,...
. CITATION NOT FOUND.
- Canoeing & Kayaking
The lakes of Riding Mountain provide excellent conditions for canoeing and kayaking. At times, Whirlpool River and Jackfish Creek can be used for canoeing & kayaking when the water is high enough, usually after heavy rains or spring runoff.
- Sailing
Clear Lake is used by many people for sailing because of its relatively large size, and wind patterns. Parking and assembly areas are located at the Wasagaming boat launch.
- Swimming
Clear Lake is by far the most popular for swimming in Riding Mountain National Park. The main beach at Wasagaming is equipped with washrooms, change rooms, along with outdoor shower. There are numerous other beaches on clear lake as well. Other lakes used for swimming are Lake Katherine, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Most of the other lakes in the park have muddy bottoms, so swimming is difficult but possible.
- Scuba Diving
The clear spring-fed waters of Clear Lake provide many opportunities for scuba diving. The deepest point in Clear Lake is approximately 34.7 m (114 feet) deep.
- Camping
Wasagaming campground is one of the largest in Manitoba, and is a full service campground located near the Wasagaming townsite and Clear Lake. All sites in the Wasagaming campground contain a fire box, picnic table, and access to washrooms at the unserviced camp sites, and full service sites are equipped with all modern ameneties including sewer, electricity, water, picnic table, and fire box. Other campgrounds suitable for car camping are located at Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Deep Lake. These campground sites are equipped with a fire box, picnic table, and access to washrooms or pit privies.
- Tenting
Tent camping is available at all campgrounds within the Park. Whirlpool Lake campground is designated as a tenting only campground. There are also 22 wilderness campsites located in the back country of the Park. These sites are equipped with firewood, pit privies, picnic tables and food storage containers.
- Picnicking
There are 15 picnic sites located within the Park, usually along major roads and trails. These sites are equipped with barbecue pits, pit privies, and most have access to drinking water.
- Golfing
Clear Lake Golf Course is located within Park boundaries along the shores of Clear Lake. The course has received high ratings from multiple North American golf publications.
- Tennis
There are six professional tennis courts located in the Park in the Wasagaming townsite.
- Skateboarding
There is a skateboard park, located next to the parking lot near the old community center site in Wasagaming.
Ochre River Trail
Ochre River Trail is situated deep within Riding Mountain National Park, beginning just off Highway #10 and then winding its way through thick forest down to a parking lot on the north-eastern boundary of the park. Highlights along this trail include scenic campsites, river views, stream crossings, and a serene forest setting. The trail is used by backpackers, bikers, horseback riders, and cross country skiers. Skiers can make an over-night trek from the South Trailhead to Cairn’s Cabin (located about 800m off the trail near the Ochre River Campsite) for the night and then back out again the following day. This cabin must be booked and paid for in advance.Tilson Lake Loop
The Tilson Lake Loop is a multipurpose trail located in the western portion of the park, as that side side of the park is not as heavily forested as the eastern side, and provides views over open meadows and rolling hills for hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trail is 2-day loop and takes hikers an average of 11 hours to hike, but which can be joined up with some of the nearby trails to create a longer trip. The trail has few markings, but is wide and difficult to lose, and there are large, green signs clearly marking all junctions along the way. There are two campsites on the trail which have privies, fire pits, food storage bins, firewood, picnic tables and plenty of space for tents. It is possible to snowshoeSnowshoe
A snowshoe is footwear for walking over the snow. Snowshoes work by distributing the weight of the person over a larger area so that the person's foot does not sink completely into the snow, a quality called "flotation"....
this trail in the winter, but access can be difficult after heavy snow fall.
Grey Owl
Grey OwlGrey Owl
Grey Owl was the name Archibald Belaney adopted when he took on a First Nations identity as an adult...
was the name Archibald Belaney (September 18, 1888 – April 13, 1938), adopted when he took upon a First Nations identity as an adult. He was a writer and became one of Canada's first conservationists. He spent many years living in a cabin in Riding Mountain National park studying and working with wildlife, including two beavers named Jelly Roll and Rawhide. His main goal in the park was to re-establish beaver colonies in areas where they were exterminated. He is regarded as a legend and major historical figure because of the influence he had on Riding Mountain National Park. His living quarters, now known as "Grey Owl's Cabin", still stand to this day and are a popular tourist attraction.
75th Anniversary
In 2008, Riding Mountain National Park celebrated the 75th anniversary of the creation and opening of the Park. It was the first National Park in ManitobaManitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, and one of the first in western Canada
Western Canada
Western Canada, also referred to as the Western provinces and commonly as the West, is a region of Canada that includes the four provinces west of the province of Ontario.- Provinces :...
. Anniversary celebrations included a reinactment of the official park opening ceremony, along with year-long arts, culture and wildlife programs.
See also
- Wasagaming, ManitobaWasagaming, ManitobaWasagaming is the main town-site in Riding Mountain National Park. It is located at the south gate of Riding Mountain National Park along Highway 10. The town-site lies on the south shores of Clear Lake, the largest lake in Riding Mountain National Park. It is a popular tourist...
- town-site in Riding Mountain National Park - National Parks of Canada
- List of National Parks of Canada
- List of Manitoba parks