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.