The Manitoba government has announced that entry to all provincial parks will be free for a year, starting on April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026. No vehicle permit is required to access any of Manitoba’s 93 provincial parks.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced that the initiative is part of the 2025 provincial budget. The government aims to encourage Manitobans to explore outdoor spaces across the province.
“In Budget 2025, our government announced free entry to all of our incredible provincial parks for the next year,” said Moyes in a press release.
“As Canadians explore closer to home, we hope everyone will get out and enjoy our beautiful parks and take in all they have to offer. Whether you love to hike, canoe or just want to relax surrounded by nature, we encourage all Manitobans to visit our provincial parks, as no vehicle permit is required.” The 2025 Budget allocates $18 million for infrastructure upgrades in several parks, according to a press release. The improvements include new washroom and shower facilities at St. Malo and West Hawk Lake’s seasonal campground. The funding will also expand campgrounds and add electrical sites at Spruce Woods, Grand Beach and Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.
In Whiteshell Provincial Park, West Hawk Lake will have a restored Crescent Beach seawall. The area will include a ramp and beach mat to improve accessibility, per a press release.
The province will also open new playgrounds at parks including Whiteshell, Clearwater Lake, Winnipeg Beach and Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.
Moyes stated that Manitoba is home to more than four million hectares of land and water in provincial parks.
“Visitors can make memories while exploring varied landscapes, including lush boreal forests to perfect prairie parklands and sandy shorelines, or walk through the past on a historic site tour and develop new skills at an outdoor workshop,” he stated. Camping fees will still apply even though vehicle park passes are not required.
Provincial Park campground reservations open between April 7 and April 11. Reservations are staggard and start at 7 a.m. each day. They can be made online at manitobaparks.com or by calling 204-948-3333 in Winnipeg or 1-888-482-2267.
