Photo:
Shahnoor Habib Munmun / CC BY 3.0
Riding Mountain rises like a forested island above the Manitoba prairie, a highland plateau where boreal forest, aspen parkland and open grassland meet, cupping the clear waters of its namesake lakes. A comfortable resort town on Clear Lake sits at its heart, making it an easy family escape, while a captive bison herd and abundant wildlife give it genuine wild character.
The park straddles a transition zone, and that variety is its signature: dense boreal forest of spruce and fir, rolling aspen parkland, patches of native rough fescue grassland, and clear glacial lakes and wetlands. This mosaic supports a remarkable range of wildlife, from the plains bison of the Lake Audy enclosure to elk, moose, wolves and one of the healthiest black-bear populations in the region.
Summer (June to August) is the warmest and busiest season, with full access to the beach, trails, campgrounds and Wasagaming’s services. Late spring and early fall are excellent for wildlife and quieter trails, with the fall elk rut a highlight. Winter turns the park into a snowy retreat for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking, though many services close.
The park is reached via Highway 10, which climbs the escarpment between Brandon to the south and Dauphin to the north, with Wasagaming on Clear Lake as the main hub for lodging, food and rentals. A vehicle is the practical way to reach trailheads, the Lake Audy bison range and the scenic drives spread across the park.
Swim and paddle at Clear Lake, hike or bike the extensive trail network from easy lakeshore loops to longer backcountry routes, and drive to the Lake Audy enclosure to see bison. Wildlife watching, canoeing quiet lakes, camping under dark prairie skies, and the summer buzz of Wasagaming round out a visit.
This is black-bear country, so carry bear spray, make noise and store food securely, and keep a wide, respectful distance from bison and elk, which are large and unpredictable, especially in rut. Ticks and mosquitoes are common in the warm months, so use repellent and check yourself. Lake water stays cold, and prairie weather can change fast, so pack layers.
A Parks Canada pass is required, and camping should be reserved ahead, especially for summer weekends. Check for seasonal fire bans and trail conditions before you go. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current conditions, closures and reservations with Parks Canada before your trip.
Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.
