Manitobans and visitors are invited to enjoy Canada’s Parks Day on July 18, 2009, by taking in a wide variety of family-oriented activities including designing your own provincial park, being an honourary natural resource officer and enjoying interpretive events at Manitoba parks, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced.
“We can be proud of the fine heritage found in the provincial parks of Manitoba,” said Struthers. “This province features many popular campgrounds, beaches and picnic areas located in beautiful natural environments, and the Canada’s Parks Day weekend is a great time to explore what our provincial parks have to offer.”
There is no park admission fee at provincial parks for the next two years, although campground and other fees remain in place.
This year Canada Parks Day is also celebrating the International Year of Astronomy. Enjoy the park and see the stars. Scheduled activities include:
• An opportunity to design your own provincial park to see what’s important in a green space. (Birds Hill)
• CSI Hecla – Brave Bear and Ninja Turtle solve a crime in the park. (Hecla/Grindstone)
• A puppet adaptation of The Lorax, the Dr. Seuss story and environmental classic. (Birds Hill, Spruce Woods)
• Calling All Rock Hounds – have your three favourite rocks identified by a geologist. (Whiteshell, Big Whiteshell)
• Recycled objects fashion show – one person’s trash is another’s treasure. (Whiteshell, Otter Falls)
• Nature’s Construction Crew – a look at the rodent who builds homes for many Whiteshell plants and animals (Whiteshell, Opapiskaw)
• Star Gazing – celebrate International Year of Astronomy and be guided through the starry skies (Turtle Mountain, Paint Lake)
• Join park staff for a guided hike. (Hecla/Grindstone, Paint Lake/Pisew Falls, St. Malo, Turtle Mountain, Big Whiteshell, Falcon Lake)
Free park entry is only available in Manitoba’s provincial parks. More information about Canada’s Parks Day celebrations is available at park offices or online at www.parksday.ca.
Online reservations can be made at www.manitobaparks.com (follow the links to camping and reservations). Reservations may also be made over the phone by calling 1-888-4U2-CAMP (1‑888‑482-2267) toll-free or in Winnipeg at 948-3333.
