News Releases

May 11, 2017

Manitoba provincial campgrounds are once again ready for visitors and many have significant improvements and upgrades, Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox announced today.

“Manitobans love the great outdoors, so the start of camping and fishing season is an exciting time for people who have been waiting to get out and enjoy all the beautiful parks and campgrounds our province has to offer,” Cox said.  “We have added many new amenities to parks and campgrounds, and we encourage people to explore our great province this season.”

While some parks and campgrounds will open tomorrow, all provincial campgrounds will be open on May 19.  Significant improvements can be found around the province such as:

• additional electrical sites at Manipogo, Rainbow Beach and St. Malo campgrounds;
• new family group-use campsites at Rainbow Beach and Blue Lakes campgrounds within the group-use area;
• all showers have been converted to pay showers at St. Malo campground;
• six new yurts at Paint Lake this spring and six new yurts to open later this summer at Tulabi Falls; and
• the new campground entrance for Kiche Manitou Campground (Spruce Woods) is open at the south end of the campground.

Campers are reminded the May long weekend is liquor free in all campgrounds, group-use areas and yurts, and at cabins at Camp Morton and Hecla/Grindstone provincial parks.  Fires should only be started in approved fire pits and campers are reminded not to move firewood.  Transporting firewood can introduce forest invasive species such as the emerald ash borer to Manitoba.

Fishing season opens Saturday, May 13 in the southern division and Saturday, May 20 in the northwest and north central divisions.  Angling licences are available at Manitoba Sustainable Development offices and numerous licence vendors throughout the province.  Full details on limits, regions and regulations are outlined in the 2017 Manitoba Anglers Guide, which is available online at www.manitobafisheries.com.

Anglers are encouraged to carefully handle and release any fish they catch that is spawning or full of eggs.  By releasing spawning fish, anglers will help protect stocks and sustain Manitoba’s fisheries resource now and for future generations.

Boaters and watercraft users are reminded everyone has a role to play in the protection of lakes, rivers and wetlands from the transfer of aquatic invasive species.  When leaving a waterbody, it is important to clean, drain and dry the watercraft, trailer and all water-related equipment and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

For more information on invasive species, visit www.manitoba.ca/stopthespread or call (toll-free) 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).
 
It is important to note that while the government of Canada is celebrating Canada 150 with free entry to national parks, a provincial park pass is still required when visiting provincial parks, the minister said.  Passes are available at park offices, online through Canada Map Sales at www.canadamapsales.com, and anywhere hunting and fishing licences are sold.  Annual passes are also available at Manitoba Liquor Mart locations and Manitoba Public Insurance service centres.

To make a reservation in a provincial campground, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Manitobans can also stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following the Twitter channel at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.  Manitobans are also encouraged to share photos of their experiences on Twitter by tweeting at @MBGovParks.

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