July 18, 2014
Province Announces Free Provincial Park Entry This Weekend as Manitobans Celebrate 25th Annual Canada's Parks Day
Manitobans are encouraged to be a part of the 25th year of celebrating Canada’s Parks Day and to experience the great outdoors with free entry to Manitoba’s provincial parks this weekend, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Manitoba’s parks offer many fun ways to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day and no matter what recreational activities you pursue, you are sure to enjoy our spectacular natural environments and unique cultural sites,” said Minister Mackintosh. “When you are ready to experience everything under the sun, come to Manitoba’s provincial parks.”
Park vehicle permits are not required today, tomorrow and Sunday in provincial parks. In addition to free entry, numerous events are occurring across the province to mark this special day. Nightly camping fees still apply and fees are still required in national parks.
Park interpreters lead the family fun with numerous Parks Day-themed programs including campfire talks, guided walks and amphitheatre presentations. These programs highlight the provincial park system and connect visitors to each park’s natural, cultural and historical resources. Information on interpretive programs for this weekend and the entire season can be found online at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/act_interp/events/events.html.
Some highlights include:
- evening amphitheatre presentations at Birds Hill, Grand Beach, Hecla/Grindstone, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks tomorrow;
- guided walks through the historical community of Pine Ridge in Birds Hill Provincial Park, the Hecla Village in Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park and the Bannock Point petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Sunday; and
- guided tours of restored homes from the 19th century French community at Saint Norbert Provincial Heritage Park.
Park interpreters will also offer hands-on learning experiences at interpretive centres and museums this weekend. For information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/act_interp/centres.html
Several campgrounds are also having special celebrations including at Bakers Narrows, Clearwater Lake, Grass River, Nopiming and Wekusko Falls provincial parks.
For information on these and other Canada’s Parks Day events, visit www.manitobaparks.com or email ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca.
Park visitors are advised to check www.manitobaparks.com prior to travelling for road conditions, trail advisories and campsite closures due to flood conditions.
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