If you like some adventure during the winter months, Riding Mountain National Park has a lot to offer.
Whether you want to go skiing, ice fishing, fat biking, hiking, or camping, the park is open and waiting for you. There are also many cultural experiences you can take in as well.
If you are new to the park, or just want more information about trail conditions, current activities and more, the best place to start is the newly-renovated Visitor's Centre.
"The Visitor's Centre has kind of turned into our full-on information hub now which was always the intended purpose ... it has everything from trail conditions to activities that are going on", said Scot Shellborn, the Visitor Services Coordinator at RMNP.
You can also get park passes there as well as fishing permits. The fishing permits sold at the Visitor's Centre are not provincial fishing licences and are required to fish within RMNP.
One of many things RMNP is known for is great ski-only and multi-use trail systems. The dumping of snow we have received already this winter has helped greatly with grooming the trails. "They've put down a great base for the trails so they are in great shape", said Shellborn. You can also check trail conditions before you head out.
Have you ever gone winter camping? There is lots of opportunity for that as well. If you like to have some creature comforts while you camp, you should consider renting an oTENTik at either the Wasagaming campground or Moon Lake.
"All you need to do is bring linen and food and it's like having your own little cabin in the woods in the winter", explained Shellborn.
The oTENTiks at Wasagaming Campground have electricity and wood stoves. They are also connected to the ski-trails so you can strap on the skis and head out right from your oTENTik. The Moon Lake oTENTiks do not have electricity but they do have wood stoves for heat. If you prefer traditional camping without the extras, there are regular campgrounds and backcountry camping as well.
As well, to take in a broader scope of what adventures are possible at the park, check out the Winter Adventure Weekend at RMNP from February 3rd to 5th. More details to come.
"We're winter people, so we should get out and enjoy it"
