Explore Manitoba's Provincial Parks

Manitoba, the heart of Canada, is home to 92 provincial parks, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, biking, swimming, and camping. Many of these parks are conveniently located within a couple of hours' drive from Winnipeg, making them perfect for day trips or weekend retreats. For those in the city, Winnipeg's urban parks provide amenities like outdoor pools, zoos, and winter toboggan slides.

Discover the beauty of Manitoba's landscape by renting a car and embarking on an adventure to some of the best parks in the province.

1. Whiteshell Provincial Park

Whiteshell Provincial Park is a 2,721-square-kilometer haven for water enthusiasts and campers, featuring over 200 lakes and numerous rivers ideal for canoeing. The park is also home to wildlife such as deer, black bears, and foxes. Popular tourist spots include West Hawk Lake and Falcon Lake, which offer amenities like stores and restaurants. Located about two hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell is accessible via Rennie, Falcon Lake, and Seven Sisters.

2. Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park showcases the beauty of western Manitoba with its rolling hills and lakes. The park offers over 370 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, and jogging, as well as boating on Clear Lake and Deep Lake. Wasagaming, the park's historical town, provides dining, shopping, and an 18-hole golf course.

3. Grand Beach Provincial Park

Grand Beach Provincial Park is famous for its expansive beaches and warm shallow waters of Lake Winnipeg. The park features sand dunes, a boardwalk on West Beach, and a variety of activities like hiking, volleyball, and water-skiing. Located less than an hour north of Winnipeg, it's an ideal spot for a day of sun and sand.

4. Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Spruce Woods Provincial Park offers a unique landscape with sand dunes, cactus, and spring-fed lakes. Visitors can camp at Kiche Manitou campground and explore the Spirit Sands dune area. The park is about a 6.5-hour drive from Winnipeg and is perfect for a longer getaway.

5. Nopiming Provincial Park

Nopiming Provincial Park, a 2.5-hour drive northeast from Winnipeg, is a nature lover's paradise with hundreds of lakes and abundant wildlife. The park's campgrounds serve as gateways to more remote areas.

6. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park

Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, located on an island connected by a causeway, offers beaches, fishing, scenic drives, and the Hecla Golf Course. Accommodations range from camping to luxury hotels.

7. Birds Hill Provincial Park

Just 20 minutes from Winnipeg, Birds Hill Provincial Park features rolling hills, a beach, and trails, making it a convenient family destination.

8. Clearwater Lake Provincial Park

Known for its lake trout fishing, Clearwater Lake Provincial Park also has a unique cave area to explore. Camper's Cove campground and yurts are available for overnight stays.

9. Duck Mountain Provincial Park

Duck Mountain Provincial Park is home to rolling hills, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Campgrounds and trails, including a section of the Trans Canada Trail, offer plenty of outdoor activities.

10. Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park

Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park boasts a long, wide beach along Lake Winnipeg's western shore. The town of Winnipeg Beach offers typical summer attractions, with a variety of accommodations nearby.

11. Beaudry Provincial Park

Beaudry Provincial Park, a short drive from Winnipeg, is a forested retreat with walking trails and bird-watching opportunities.

12. Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

For those interested in culture and history, Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park in St. Norbert offers a glimpse into the lives of Trappist monks and hosts outdoor Shakespeare performances.

13. Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg

Assiniboine Park, a 450-acre urban park, features trails, picnic areas, and the Assiniboine Park Zoo, known for its polar bears and the Leo Mol Sculpture Gardens.

14. Kildonan Park, Winnipeg

Kildonan Park offers walking and biking trails, Rainbow Stage performances, and a 50-meter outdoor pool with splash pads, making it a great spot for summer fun.