Visit Manitoba Parks For Free Throughout February 2020
The Government of Manitoba has announced that there is free entry to Manitoba Parks for the month of February.
“The beauty of our provincial parks does not disappear in winter, so why not take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a great chance to get the family together and leave the hustle and bustle of our busy lives behind to soak up all that our provincial parks have to offer.”
Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park this month, but SnoPasses are still required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the parks, and entrance fees still apply in national parks. There are groomed trails in 12 provincial parks across the province for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hiking. Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills while fat biking is welcome on designated trails in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks.
Trail grooming reports are updated online every Thursday throughout the winter. Manitobans are encouraged to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before visiting parks to properly plan their outdoor adventure. Maps of winter trails and updated reports can be found at www.manitobaparks.com.
In addition to free access to provincial parks this month, anglers are reminded they will not need an angling licence to try their luck during this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend from Feb. 17 to 19. Anglers will be able to fish without a licence provincewide. Conservation limits will apply and a federal licence will still be required to fish in national parks.
Anglers are reminded to be sure conditions are safe before venturing onto the ice. It is important to let someone know the fishing location and to wear appropriate clothing so the ice-fishing experience will be enjoyable.
For more information on fishing regulations in Manitoba view the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide at www.manitobafisheries.com.
Park interpreters are offering several guided experiences this winter. Interpretive programs are free and offered year round in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks. Highlights for the month of February include:
guided snowshoe treks in Birds Hill Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 1
a skijoring workshop in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 8
a wolf howl in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 15
guided snowshoe treks in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Sunday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 23
Learn to ice fish session in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Monday, Feb. 17
a nature detectives program for families with preschool aged children in Birds Hill Provincial Park on Wednesday, Feb. 26
a winter family fun day at the winter recreation area in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 22
a variety of drop-in family activities at the Spruce Woods Visitor Centre throughout the month.
Interpretive programs are happening every week in February. More information on these events and other upcoming programs can be found under the events tab at the new Manitoba Parks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks.
Teachers can also book free guided school programs throughout the winter season. For more information on winter activities and interpretive programs in provincial parks, email ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca or visit www.manitobaparks.com.
Stay connected with Manitoba Parks by following them on Facebook.
Banner image of Adam Lake Ski Trails — at Turtle Mountain Provincial Park from Manitoba Parks’ Facebook page.
