This Canadian National Park Is A Hidden Gem For Hikers And Outdoor Adventurers

Rising like a forested island from the surrounding flat prairie of the Manitoba landscape, Riding Mountain National Park contains a diverse range of habitats hidden within its borders. Grasslands, upland boreal forests, hills, lakes, and wetlands make it an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with an endless list of activities to enjoy. Spread over almost 1,200 square miles, this "Jewel of the Province" has more than 250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, as well as fat biking and cross-country skiing in the winter. There are more than 1,900 lakes for canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming if temperatures allow, and it's one of only a handful of Canadian national parks to have a resort townsite. Wasagaming, which sits on the shores of Clear Lake, is the gateway to many of the park's activities.

Riding Mountain National Park officially opened in 1933 and is one of two national parks in Manitoba, along with Wapusk National Park. It was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986 to help protect the unique ecosystems and rare species of its forests and grasslands. Located around one hour north of Brandon and roughly three hours west of Winnipeg, driving is the best way to get there. It's open all year round, and one-time adult entry costs around $7. However, if you're exploring more of Canada, it may be worth your while to purchase a Discovery Pass for around $60. It gives you unlimited admission to more than 100 Parks Canada destinations for a year.

Hiking is one of the best ways to see Riding Mountain National Park. From short, easy strolls to more challenging hilly hikes, the trails call in every season. Fall is particularly beautiful as the aspen and birch trees transform into warm, colorful hues before winter covers the land with a blanket of snow. Spring is a birdwatcher's heaven, and summer brings masses of wildflowers, including orchids and lilies. 

Bald Hill has some of the best views in the park, but getting there can be a challenge when the 11.8-mile trail gets overgrown. Located on the east side of the park, expect a few steep climbs to reach the views over the Manitoba Escarpment. Many other trails are located around the aptly named Clear Lake, the clearest lake in the Southern Prairies. The 16.2-mile Clear Lake South Shore Trail traces the shoreline, is fairly flat, and leads you to a pair of the famous Adirondack chairs. You may have to do some wading, and bugs can be a problem, but the abundance of birdlife and wildlife make up for it. Birders and photographers should take the 0.9-mile Ominnik Marsh Trail, which meanders through the wetlands by way of a floating boardwalk, where you might spot beavers and waterbirds. This trail is prone to flooding, so check conditions at the visitor center before setting off.

Other wildlife to look out for includes wolves, lynx, black bears, and moose. The park also has a captive herd of around 40 plains bison at Lake Audy. You'll need to stay in your car within the enclosure, but backpackers can explore this side of the park further on the 45-mile Central Trail, which passes near the bison. (If you're feeling especially adventurous, try this cross-country journey through Canada.)

Said to have got its name from when horses were used to traverse the area, Riding Mountain is understandably popular with equestrians, in particular the North Escarpment, Ochre River, and Central Trails. To experience the park from horseback, contact the Trailhead Ranch near Lake Audy, which organizes tours lasting from a couple of hours up to multiday rides combined with backcountry camping. Not to be left out, bikers looking for a challenge should head to the East Escarpment Trail Network, which takes in Bald Hill and Reeve's Ravine, a picturesque trail over challenging terrain developed with experienced mountain bikers in mind. In winter, the snow-covered trails are well suited for fat bikes, which you can hire from Friends of Riding Mountain National Park in Wasagaming.

This is also where you'll find a range of accommodation from camping up to luxury resorts. Aside from Wasagaming Campground tent sites, you can also opt for an oTENTik, yurt, or MicrOcube for a touch of added comfort. And if you're lucky enough to be camping out come the spring or fall equinoxes, you may see the aurora borealis too. Like Terra Nova, Canada's easternmost national park, Riding Mountain's clear, dark skies provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing. Accommodation gets snapped up quickly in the summer months, so it pays to book ahead on the Parks Canada website. Camping fees start from around $14 for primitive sites to around $34 for a fully equipped site in Wasagaming. Otherwise, try your luck in winter with the Arrowhead Family Resort and Lakehouse Hotel, both of which stay open year round.