Boreal · Manitoba
Riding Mountain National Park
Where the prairies climb into the boreal forest.
Province
Manitoba
Established
1929
Size
2,974 km²
Coordinates
50.67°, -100.07°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Riding Mountain National Park
An elevated boreal plateau rising from the surrounding prairie, Riding Mountain shelters black bears, elk, wolves and a captive plains bison herd. Wasagaming townsite on Clear Lake makes it Manitoba's classic summer escape.
Why visit
- Clear Lake — warm, clear, swimmable
- Captive plains bison enclosure (Lake Audy)
- Wasagaming townsite with vintage cabins
- Excellent fall colour and bear sightings
Things to do
Plan your days.
Clear Lake beach and paddling
boating
Wasagaming Campground
camping
Lake Audy bison enclosure drive
wildlife
Gorge Creek Trail
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Wasagaming — full-service near the beach
- Whirlpool — quieter
- Lake Audy — basic, near bison
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: bird migration, fewer crowds.
- Summer
- July–August: lake at its warmest.
- Fall
- September–October: stunning colour.
- Winter
- December–March: skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking.
- Peak
- July through August.
- Shoulder
- June or September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Highway 10 at dawn for bear and elk; Lake Audy for guaranteed bison.
Common species
Elk · Beaver · White-tailed deer
Signature species
Black bear · Plains bison (enclosure) · Gray wolf
Wildlife safety
Black bear country — store all food properly.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Wasagaming
- Onanole
- Dauphin
Nearby attractions
- Asessippi Provincial Park
- Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Clear Lake weekend
Beach, ice cream in Wasagaming, bison drive.
family
Family camp week
Five nights at Wasagaming with day trips.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Riding Mountain National Park.
Can I camp in Riding Mountain National Park?+
Yes. Riding Mountain National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Riding Mountain National Park?+
Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends; a portion of sites may remain first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Riding Mountain National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 9/10. Excellent for families — wide trails, interpretive programs and accessible viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit Riding Mountain National Park?+
July and August; September for fall colour. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include black bears, plains bison, elk and gray wolves. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two to five days.
Nearby parks
