Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park protects aspen parkland, boreal forest, fescue prairie, lakes, and wetlands atop the Manitoba Escarpment. The park rises sharply above surrounding farmland and centres on Clear Lake and the lakeside townsite of Wasagaming, with classic trails to viewpoints over deep valleys and the open prairie below.

At a glance — Riding Mountain National Park

Location	Manitoba Escarpment, west-central Manitoba (centred on Clear Lake and Wasagaming)
Province	Manitoba
Established	1933
Area (approx.)	≈ 2,969 km²
Notable features	Clear Lake & Wasagaming townsite; escarpment viewpoints (e.g., Bald Hill, Gorge Creek); fescue prairie; Lake Audy Bison Range; East Gate Registration Complex (National Historic Site)
Nearby communities	Wasagaming/Onanole (south), Erickson & Minnedosa corridor; Dauphin (north gate); regional hub: Brandon

Overview

Perched on the crest of the Manitoba Escarpment, Riding Mountain gathers three major ecosystems—prairie, parkland, and boreal—into one protected highland. The result is a wildlife-rich mosaic of valleys, lakes, and forests within a day’s drive of Winnipeg and Brandon. Summer brings beach days and lake paddling; autumn delivers showy aspen colour; winter transforms trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Escarpment & valleys: Steep slopes drop hundreds of metres to the lowlands, with classic lookouts over the surrounding prairie.
Aspen parkland & boreal forest: Trembling aspen, balsam poplar, spruce, tamarack, and jack pine intermingle with meadows and berry patches.
Fescue prairie & wetlands: Remnant rough fescue grasslands and sedge meadows support pollinators, songbirds, and grazers.
Lakes & rivers: Clear Lake, Moon Lake, Lake Audy, and kettle ponds host loons, waterfowl, and beaver.
Wildlife (highlights): Black bear, moose, elk, wolf, coyote, beaver, fox, and abundant birdlife. A managed bison herd roams the fenced Lake Audy Bison Range.

Things to do

Hiking & viewpoints: Signature routes include Bald Hill, Gorge Creek, and lakeside/forest loops near Wasagaming and Moon Lake.
Beaches & paddling: Swim, kayak, canoe, or SUP on Clear Lake; calmer options at Moon Lake and day-use areas.
Cycling & multi-use trails: Family-friendly paths around Wasagaming; longer rides on mixed-use roads and trails (check designations).
Camping & roofed stays: Frontcountry campgrounds at Wasagaming, Moon Lake, and Lake Audy (seasonal), plus oTENTik/roofed options near Clear Lake.
Scenic driving & wildlife viewing: Explore the Audry Lake/No. 10 corridor, bison viewing loop, and pullouts along the escarpment.
Winter: Groomed Nordic ski trails, snowshoe routes, and fat-bike loops operate when conditions allow.

Access and visitor services

Highway 10 runs through the park from the south entrance (Onanole/Erickson) to the north gate near Dauphin; the historic East Gate Registration Complex marks the eastern approach.
The main Visitor Centre is in Wasagaming (Clear Lake) with trip planning, exhibits, and programs; services, groceries, rentals, and lodging cluster nearby.
Reservations are recommended for peak summer camping and roofed stays; some seasonal roads and campgrounds operate on limited schedules.

Safety and low-impact travel

Wildlife: Bears, elk, and bison are present—keep safe distances, secure food and scented items, and follow all viewing rules (never approach bison).
Ticks & insects: Perform tick checks after hikes; carry repellent and wear long layers in shoulder seasons.
Steep/eroding slopes: Stay on signed trails near cliffs and valley edges; footing can be loose after rain.
Boating & cold water: Weather changes quickly; wear PFDs and be prepared for cold-water immersion.
Observe fire bans, respect closures, and practice Leave No Trace to protect fragile prairie and wetland soils.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Riding Mountain National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding
Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/roofed/backcountry): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire bans): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp