Winnipeg/Manitoba: Jeff Wharton, Manitoba’s Environment, Climate, and Parks Minister announced today that due to last year’s initiative of offering free entry to provincial parks, the Manitoba government once again offers free entry to provincial parks for a full week in mid-July, including Canada’s Parks Day weekend to grant visitors the full advantage of these parks and all they have to offer.
“This week-long free access, which coincides with Canada’s Parks Day on Saturday, July 16, is designed to ensure all Manitobans can enjoy the extraordinary natural beauty of our provincial parks even more affordably. From hiking and birdwatching in lush boreal forests to exploring intriguing historic sites that showcase our province’s cultural heritage to paddling a pristine, tranquil lake, Manitoba’s provincial parks have something for everyone,” said Wharton in a news release.
Although vehicle permits will not be required at any provincial park from July 11 to 17, overnight camping fees will still apply along with fees to national parks.
With Manitoba’s provincial park entry fees being the lowest in Canada, this week-long offer and other free park access offerings are designed to ensure the cost is not a barrier to anyone.
On Canada’s Parks Day, Saturday, July 16 special events are being offered by many parks including family fun activities, barbeques and prize draws. Event details are available at local campground offices and online at www.manitobaparks.com.
Park visitor centers and museums are offering numerous interpretive programs along with guided experiences and tours, campfire talks, and amphitheater presentations that inspire visitors to learn and protect each park’s natural, cultural and historical resources, the minister said.
Information on interpretive programs can be found at www.manitobaparks.com and under the events tab on the Manitoba Parks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks.
Provincial park’s site availability and making reservations by individuals who wish to camp can be done through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-482-2267.
Beach users are cautioned to be water smart this summer including never swimming alone and supervising children on the beach.
Boaters and beach users are advised to wear properly sized life jackets when participating in water-related activities. Life jackets can be borrowed by visitors in select parks and return them after their activity.
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