Manitoba offering free provincial park access in February

People out skiing Thursday at Birds Hill Provincial Park. (Source: Josh Crabb/CTV News)

Manitobans are being encouraged to enjoy the outdoors this winter as the government offers free provincial park entry for the month of February.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes made the announcement in a news release on Tuesday, saying provincial parks provide a wide variety of trails and activities for people of all ages.

“I am pleased to announce we are waiving the entry fee to all provincial parks for the month of February to make it more affordable for Manitoba families to get outdoors and enjoy all our beautiful provincial parks have to offer,” he said.

Moyes added activities at the parks include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking, skating, snowshoeing, hiking and more. He noted Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park has free ice-fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg, while Asessippi or Whiteshell provincial parks offer ski slopes.

Vehicle permits are not required in provincial parks in February; however, Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using designated trails.

In addition to free park entry, the province is also marking Manitoba Winter Trails Day on Feb. 8. The province explains this event will take place annually on the second Saturday in February as a way to showcase Manitoba’s winter trails, celebrate those who create and maintain trails, and inspire Manitobans to embrace the season.

Manitobans can join park interpreters on Feb. 8 for guided trail adventures in Birds Hill and Spruce Woods provincial parks.

Details and registration for upcoming programs can be found online.