Parks Canada wants you to take advantage of the Labour Day weekend in Riding Mountain National Park.
They say that while there are still some road closures in place, many of the trails are in great condition and that the townsite is bustling with all shops and restaurants open for business.
Mireille Kroeker, public relations and communications officer for Parks Canada at Riding Mountain National Park, says that there has been a lot of bear activity at the park this year and that there are many things that can attract bears.
"There [have] been a lot more items left out than in previous years. When I say left-out items, I mean items with a scent, bear attractants... You'll have anything from a full dinner... left on a picnic table, but that's not the only thing that's going to attract bears. Anything from personal hygiene products, like your toothpaste, deodorant, soap... can attract bears. Sunblock, bug repellant, even an empty cooler can be a bear attractant because if they've ever gotten into a cooler that had some food in it before, now every single cooler is like a treasure chest," she adds.
If someone does encounter a bear, Kroeker recommends that they be as loud as you can and clap their hands. They should, however, never run because that would make them look like prey to the bear.
Kroeker says that they should never turn their back to the bear because they would lose a sense of what that bear is doing if they did and that they should back away slowly and safely.
Anyone nervous about bear activity in the park or in a threatening situation involving a bear can call Parks Canada Dispatch for assistance at 1-877-852-3100.
More information on bears can be found on the Parks Canada website.
According to Kroeker, anyone interested in boating will be subject to a boat inspection on the east side of Clear Lake and at the boat cove as per usual.
"We're looking for aquatic invasive species... With that said, at these stations, you may encounter some big lineups... To try and avoid them, I recommend [that you] don't go at peak times around noon. [It's] better to go around eight in the morning when they open," Kroeker adds.
More information on boating and paddling at the park can be found here.
Kroeker went on to say that those interested in fishing will need a park-specific fishing licence, which can be purchased from the visitor centre, the campground or the administration building.
She adds that, unlike provincial parks, entry will not be free over the long weekend and that all regular fees will apply.
