Summer Starts Here

By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press VISITORS FROM FAR AND WIDE FLOCK TO RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, YET IT STILL REMAINS SOMETHING OF AN UNDISCOVERED GEM WITHIN OUR OWN PROVINCE. Located on Treaty 2 territory and home of the Anishinabe, Riding Mountain National Park is a large protected area spanning 3,000 square kilometres and encompassing three different ecosystems. Along the shores of Clear Lake, the resort community of Wasagaming bustles with restaurants, a movie theatre and plenty of shops. At the same time, visitors can relax at a top-flight golf course, picturesque fishing spot or the beach. The park also offers 17 backcountry and four front-country campsites. Visitor experience manager Cal Martin says Riding Mountain National Park has something for everyone. "There is a diverse range of activities and amenities for any visitor who enters the park, making them feel welcomed, no matter their outdoor expertise," he says. "Typically, a lot of families come to the park that have been spending their summers here for decades, but recently we have seen a lot of newcomers. A younger crowd, looking to discover trails, lakes and camping outside of Wasagaming, has made their mark here. First-time visitors often come to enjoy an authentic outdoors experience within the comforts of the town of Wasagaming." Short hikes are perfect for families with young children while longer hikes also offer stunning views. The Discovery Room at the Visitors Centre attracts crowds for its animal displays and interpretive boards about the history and the wildlife that roam throughout the park, which officially opened on July 26, 1933. "For many visitors, their family has been spending summers at the park for decades. Memories at the park spent eating ice cream at the beach, chopping wood for campfires or sleeping under the stars offer an essence of what summer means to some visitors, at a place held so closely to their hearts," Martin says. "This sentiment and tradition associated with the park and summertime often continues each year as familiar faces are seen around town or on trails. As one generation ages, a younger one is ready to explore. Booking a campsite, cabin or hotel is the first step to cherishing our beloved summers at the lake, diving head first into crisp lake water and adventure." For others, the park remains an unforgettable oasis. "It represents a vacation away from the city, fit with a sea of trails, a variety of wildlife and fresh park air. The hustle and bustle of city life is slightly muted, making room for the songs of birds, sand between toes and the lingering scent of campfire," he says. "Physically, the park is situated on the Manitoba Escarpment, offering a new perspective to life on a prairie landscape and also is the core of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve." Beginning this year, the federal government is offering free admission to Parks Canada places for youth aged 17 and under. As well, entry to Riding Mountain National Park will be free on Canada Day, when 100 new Canadians will be welcomed with a citizenship ceremony at 10:30 a.m. followed by afternoon entertainment starting at 1 p.m. On June 21, Riding Mountain will host National Indigenous Peoples Day festivities and on June 23 visitors will be able to enter the park free of charge. As well, the park hosted its first- ever Pride Week in 2017, and it will continue with this collaborative event on Sept. 15 and 16. Another new offering this year is the Parks Canada guided experience called Wasagaming on Edge: Drinks, Debauchery, and the Dirty Thirties. "Come join us on an eye-opening tour of historic Wasagaming. Death, lies, exploitation, Nazis; explore the hidden history behind Riding Mountain National Park and see all the skeletons in the closet," Martin says. "Not enough local flavour for you? Cap off the evening with a tasting of local brews. You'll never look at Riding Mountain the same way again." In addition, Riding Mountain continues to offer daily interpretive programming throughout the summer, including campfire evenings for families and adults with topics ranging from bear safety to Indigenous culture. This summer, visitors can also enjoy two heritage camping experiences with the opportunity to be immersed in Anishinabe culture while riding on horseback, learning to raise a tipi and falling asleep under the ancient starry sky. Information is available by visiting the Parks Canada's website (www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np- mb/riding), downloading the Parks Canada's mobile app and checking out Parks Canada social media. ✹ PHOTO BY KRISTEN MONTAG Riding Mountain National Park offers visitors plenty of unique outdoor experiences from picturesque bike trails and horseback riding to fishing and just chilling with friends. SUPPLIED PHOTOS

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