The Travelling Maple Leaf

Introduction

Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada is the perfect place for an outdoor summer getaway. There are many activities, restaurants, cafes, and hiking trails to keep you entertained as you explore the park. This article details some of my favorite activities in the park that you should try next time you visit Riding Mountain!

Kayaking & Pedal Boating

In Riding Mountain National Park, there’s a town site called Wasagaming that sits on the shores of Clear Lake. This lake is beautiful and perfect for a swim, boat, or kayak. While there are other lakes in the park where you can kayak, I recommend kayaking Clear Lake as there are kayaking and pedal boat rental places that are reasonably priced and negate the need for you to bring your own.

If you do bring a kayak or pedal boat from home, there are strict watercraft inspection rules that are enforced before you enter the water. At times, the wait for your watercraft can be lengthy. You can either book a kayak or pedal boat online at the Clear Lake Marina website or you can rent one from their on-site location on the main boardwalk.

Martese Cruise

Sail Clear Lake and learn about the area while enjoying cocktails and snacks! The Martese Cruises are a bit more expensive than other activities in Riding Mountain, but they are a unique and fun activity for all ages.

The Clear Lake Marina offers both an afternoon cruise and a sunset cruise. The afternoon cruise provides information about the area and discusses attractions and activities along the shore of Clear Lake. The sunset cruise is a great opportunity for photos and enjoying the park from the water. The Martese Cruises are certainly memorable and enjoyable experiences for all family members.

Camping Riding Mountain

There are many different types of campsites and locations across the park. Riding Mountain National Park even has oTENTiks and yurts that can rented. My favorite campground is Wasagaming Campground as it is close to the main townsite, Wasagaming, where parking can be difficult to find.

There are plenty of campsite options at the Wasagaming Campsite including RV sites, tenting sites, and rentable strutted. This campground also has clean washrooms with showers. Overall, if you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay near Wasagaming, I highly recommend the campground.

Hiking Riding Mountain

The beauty of Riding Mountain National Park is unmatched from beautiful lakes to lush green forests. There are plenty of hiking trails around the park with some being easily accessible to the townsite of Wasagaming and others across the park. Many of the hiking trails offer backcountry campsites as well, which is perfect for multiple-day backpacking trips. My favorite hikes in the park include Moon Lake, Grey Owl’s Cabin Trail, and Brule Trail.

Mountain Biking

There are also designated mountain biking trails in the park that offer a more adventurous way to explore the landscape. Some of these trails include Clear Lake South Shore, Kinosao, and South Lake Trail. Riding Mountain National Park has many different trails for all ages and skill levels.

The trails are open seasonally from May to October depending on weather but make sure to check the park’s website for trail updates and closures before starting your journey. If you enjoy mountain biking, these trails are a must as they contain some of the most scenic Mountain Biking views in Manitoba.

Fishing

There are many opportunities to fish in Riding Mountain National Park with over 1900 lakes and wetlands in the park. Additionally, there are both summer and winter fishing opportunities throughout the park making this a fun year-round activity.

From walleye to brook trout and northern pike, there are ample opportunities for a relaxing day of fishing. Just be sure to check the regulations and obtain the necessary permits before casting your line. Find more information about fishing in the park and permits by clicking the button below.

Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing

Looking for fun winter activities to stay active despite the cold weather? Riding Mountain has Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing trails so you can add some movement and enjoyment to the winter months. Visit the links below for more information about trail conditions, routes, and safety on the park’s website.

Lake Audy Bison Enclosure

A unique and interesting activity in Riding Mountain is the Plains Bison enclosure that you can drive through like a wildlife safari. The enclosure can only be accessed by vehicle, and you must remain in your vehicle as you drive through. This activity is farther away from Wasagaming than most of the others listed, but the drive is worth it for this unique experience.

Bird Watching

Riding Mountain is a great destination for bird enthusiasts! With a rich diversity of bird species throughout the park, hours can be spent watching birds and learning about species native to the park.

The park even has a Birder’s Checklist that lists the 260 bird species found in the park. You can pick up this checklist at the Visitor’s Centre in Wasagaming. Pack your binoculars and a bird guidebook to enjoy birdwatching as you walk the beautiful trails in Riding Mountain.

Visitor Centre- Interpretive Programming

The Riding Mountain National Park Visitors Centre includes fun and interactive exhibits enjoyable for all ages. You can learn about park wildlife, Anishinabe culture, and ecological project at the Visitor Center.

The Visitors Centre offers experiences and programs that educate visitors about the natural and cultural history of the park. Some of these experiences include campfires and programs for kids as well as guided tours through the park. To learn more or book an experience, click the button below.

Riding Mountain National Park is a beautiful treasure that offers plenty of fun activities, shops, and experiences. From the Martese Cruises to roasting marshmallows by the fire and hiking through the lush forest, this park is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Comment below your favorite things to do in Riding Mountain!

Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.