RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL
PARK
Riding Mountain National Park
is a haven for wildlife and for people. The 200 miles (320 km)
of hiking and riding trails of summer become cross country ski
and snow shoeing trails in winter and, in the spring, green
freshens the view and begins the cycle towards autumn's oranges.
In short, any time you visit, you'll get a new appreciation of
the park's beauty.
Riding Mountain National Park is an island of wilderness
rising out of the prairie landscape. It is at the crossroads of
topographical change where the habitats of eastern, western and
northern Canada meet and mingle into a pattern of forest,
grassland, hill and valley.
Established in 1933, the Park covers, 1,150 square miles
(297,620 hectares) and incorporates part of a 350-mile stretch
of the Manitoba Escarpment. Moose, black bears, elk, lynx,
wolves and coyotes roam through the park's vast area and, in the
lakes, several species of fish splash through the crystal water.
Three distinct combinations of flora and fauna merge within
the part to make it unique among national parks. At the higher
altitudes, cooler temperatures encourage the growth of black
spruce, jack pine, aspen, white birch, tamarack, balsam fir,
green ash, elm and Manitoba maple. Lower down, along the
escarpment, deciduous forest of hardwoods, shrubs and fern
provide cover for large animals, while beaver build their houses
in the marshes along lakes and creeks.
The pride of the park is the bison enclosure at Lake Audy.
The best times to drive through the enclosure are early morning
or later in the evening, when you can observe the mighty beasts
grazing on grassy meadows. An interpretive exhibit depicts the
life and history of the bison, the animal that graces the
Manitoba coat of arms.
For fishing enthusiasts who want to hook the elusive lake
trout, there are fine specimens in Clear Lake, along with
walleye and whitefish. Rainbow and brook trout populate Lake
Katherine and Deep Lake, but the main game fish is northern
pike, which can be found in most of the park's lakes. In order
to fish in one of the most beautiful settings in the province, a
National Park Fishing Licence must be purchased.
During the hot summer, nothing beats a swim in the cool
waters of beautiful Clear Lake. The main beach is situated
within the resort town of Wasagaming and provides access to many
water activities. Rent a paddle boat to tour the bay area or
hire a motor boat for more wide-ranging exploration. Included
near or on the beach are tennis courts, a children's park, beach
volleyball, a bowling green and a vast expanse of treed lawn for
relaxing or throwing frisbees.
Wasagaming is the hub of summer activity, in Riding Mountain
National Park. Its shops, restaurants, ice cream parlours,
hotels, a laundromat, large dance hall, service stations and
daycare centre provide most of the amenities you require. It is
also home to the Park T'heatre, billed as the largest log cabin
theatre in North America. How about renting a bicycle and riding
around the town for a look at some of the creatively-named,
rustic cottages?
The log Interpretive Centre in the heart of Wasagaming
contains natural history, native artifacts, and flora and fauna
displays. You can arrange to take in an illustrated talk or lace
up your walking shoes for a guided hike.
An 18-hole golf course, on the eastern point of Clear Lake
near Wasagaming, is considered one of the most beautiful in
Canada. Many holes offer spectacular views of the lake, and the
fairways are fringed with stands of pine, spruce, and birch.
Families find that Riding Mountain National Park is a great
place to spend a vacation. Besides all the recreational
opportunities, the Wasagaming Summer Arts Program in July and
August features arts and crafts classes for all age groups. As
well, there are educational programs for children at the Junior
Interpretive Centre.
Riding Mountain National Park is a park for all seasons. In
the summer, hike to Grey Owl's cabin to see where the naturalist
observed his "beaver people" and, in the winter, try
cross country skiing over the same route. In every season,
outfitting companies offer trail rides, overnight camping trips
and bird-watching excursions within the park.
Experience Shawenequanape Kipichewan, an Anishinabe village
located at Lake Katherine. See Aboriginal cultural
demonstrations and spend the night in a teepee.
Plan to spend some time in Riding Mountain National Park
soon. With over 1,000 square miles to explore, it's impossible
to see the park in one weekend or in one season.
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