There is still plenty of time to make the most of Canada 150 at Riding Mountain National Park

From Parks Canada

Experience the outdoors and many fall activites with free admission at Parks Canada places
August 31, 2017                        Wasagaming, Manitoba                       Parks Canada Agency

National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Riding Mountain National Park will be hosting a number of special events and programs throughout the fall as we celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.

Some of these events and programs include:

• Dark Sky Weekend (September 1-3) – Navigate parkways and glimpse the inner workings of the natural world on our Wildlife, Wild Skies Car Caravan, gaze up at the wonder of the stars on a Star Party Boat Cruise, and learn to capture intrinsic photographs of the night sky in our Dark Sky Photography Workshop.
• Heritage Camping Experience (September 2-3) – Discover the stories that lie within the night sky, sit by the fire and enjoy traditional cuisine infused with local flavours, and form a once in a lifetime connection with the landscape of Lake Audy. Be immersed in Anishinabe culture as you learn how to clean a hide using traditional tools and techniques.
• Pride Week (September 5-10) – Dance to DJ Mama Cutsworth’s beats, deck yourself out at the Pride Yourself Station, and party on a cruise boat at our very first Pride Week.
• Learn-to Camp (September 16) – Sleep in a tent under the stars, take an evening flashlight walk, tell stories around the campfire, it’s time to start the tradition and make some memories! Every year, Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) team up to teach hundreds of people how to camp.

The Heritage Camping Experience includes exciting opportunities to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions, including touring a fully furnished tipi to learn about traditional tools, furnishings, and artwork, and an evening stargazing with an Indigenous perspective provided by noted Cree astronomer Wilfred Buck. Parks Canada is pleased to invite Canadians to visit and learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and customs. In doing so, we can create new opportunities for Canadians to better understand the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to plan their trips and discover new and exciting destinations in 2017 by consulting Parks Canada’s website, or downloading the NEW Parks Canada Mobile App, for a list of hidden gems and other unique and memorable ways to celebrate Canada 150.

This includes:

• Making camping reservations in advance (www.pccamping.ca or 1-877-RESERVE).
• Visiting one of our many hidden gems, such as Lake Audy, Whirlpool Lake, Deep Lake, Moon Lake, or Agassiz Day Use Area.
• Stopping by the Visitor Centre to talk with park staff about trails, activities and programs. The Visitor Centre, Wasagaming Campground and Outlying Campground (Lake Audy, Whirlpool, Deep Lake and Moon Lake) are open through the October long weekend.

Quotes

“Canada’s national parks and historic sites give Canadians the chance to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way, and I am so pleased to see just how many Canadians and visitors alike have made Parks Canada’s places part of their Canada150 celebrations. 2017 is far from over, and I hope that more Canadians will make Riding Mountain National Park’s wonderful activities part of their autumn plans.”

The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick Facts

• With 3,000 square kilometres of protected lands, Riding Mountain National Park is Manitoba’s oldest national park. Its forests and grasslands are home to wolves, moose, elk, black bears, hundreds of bird species, and a bison herd that can be visited at Lake Audy. Riding Mountain National Park is also part of the traditional territory of the Anishinabe people.
• As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government is very pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017. Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
• Please note that only admission is free for 2017. There are fees for enhanced interpretative programs and recreational services and products such as camping, firewood, fishing permits, and overnight backcountry use.

Associated Links

• Parks Canada
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Parks Canada App

Contacts

Chantal Skraba
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Riding Mountain National Park
Parks Canada
204-848-7247

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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