July and August may be the traditional beach season at Manitoba’s parks and lakes, but September and early October are fine times for a trip, especially if you prefer something quieter.
The beaches and trails are practically empty during weekdays in the “off-season.” You might see the occasional person fishing or a solitary hiker. Even weekends are often people-free.
The attractions, however, are still first class, even if they’re not drawing the crowds so common in summer. Colourful foliage and late-blooming flowers create many photo-worthy stops and wildlife sightings are more frequent as humans become sparser in the area.
Read Also
Sharing stories to promote Canadian farm safety
Personal stories can sometimes go farther than facts and data to promote safe practices on Canadian farms, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association conference attendees hear.
Photo-worthy walks in southwest Manitoba
The Spirit Sands trails in Spruce Woods Provincial Park will likely still be busy on weekends, but not during the week. Deeper into the park, the Epinette Creek trail system and Marshs Lake trail will have only a few hikers. The beach at Kiche Manitou Campground will probably be empty, although the campground operates until Thanksgiving.
Choose a sunny day for a walk at Marshs Lake. Watch for painted turtles perched on tree trunks that stretch over the water, or a beaver or muskrat swimming past.
Turtle Mountain Provincial Park and William Lake Provincial Park, south of Boissevain, are two southern parks that can be especially colourful in autumn. Plan a relaxing picnic at Adam Lake, William Lake or Max Lake to enjoy the lovely reflections, or try some of the hiking trails.
Energetic hikers could take the trail up to the Turtle’s Back tower at William Lake, which offers a rewarding view. The trail passes through a community pasture, so you might encounter cattle.
Since hunters are sometimes on the trails at this time of year, it is advisable to wear bright clothing.
If the weather has been dry, those who prefer to explore somewhere new could drive a little-used, gravel road from Max Lake through the park to Provincial Road 450, on the west side of the park. From there, it’s just a short drive south to the Canadian section of Lake Metigoshe. There is no access here by road to the American side.
Fall destinations in your backyard
Pembina Valley Provincial Park, southwest of Morden, deserves a visit in autumn. It is relatively small, but has several trails. Just driving there can be a beautiful road trip, especially if you plan to drive on rural roads that pass through the Pembina Valley at different spots. Use the Backroad Mapbook to determine which roads have bridges across the Pembina River.
One fall, just after Thanksgiving, I visited Oak Lake, a day-use resort area. A few cottagers were still around enjoying the nice weather or preparing their cottage and grounds for winter, but the beach was empty. A few boats remained, but most had been removed. Mallards and American coots (mud hens) floated past while, overhead, a small flock of geese honked plaintively.
Oak Lake is a natural lake, not man-made, but a dam on the southern end is used to regulate water levels. The area is part of an Important Bird Area (IBA) of Canada, and a valuable breeding ground for water birds as well as a migrating stop-over. Birders find this a good place to visit.
The best of the northwest
Riding Mountain National Park is certainly worth a visit in autumn. Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10, 19, and the road to Lake Audy are all colourful, with picnic spots and trails much less busy than in summer. By October, the tamarack trees will be in golden array. Watch for wildlife, including the bison at the Lake Audy enclosure and black bears still searching for pre-winter food. Those who want a colourful hike can try the Gorge Creek Trail or one of the trails up to Bald Hill. Or for an evening time, settle in for a famous Lake Audy sunset.
Still farther north, Duck Mountain Provincial Park will also be in full autumnal display. Baldy Mountain, in the southeast corner of the park, is the highest spot in Manitoba with an elevation of 831 metres. The observation tower, a 12-metre structure, offers a lovely view of the forested slopes below. Drive north from Grandview on PTH 366 to reach Baldy Mountain, and then visit some of the lakes and campgrounds such as the East and West Blue Lakes.
Many other lakes and parks in Manitoba are worth a visit in autumn. Just try to choose a sunny day, judge when the leaves will be in their full splendour, and be sure to take your camera. Enjoy the coloured leaves while they last. Unfortunately, the colourful season is short.
Images of fall
These pictures give an idea of the beautiful views that await anyone making a trip to Manitoba’s many parks, beaches and trail networks this time of year.
The beach at Adam Lake in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park sits deserted, despite the vibrant fall landscape. Tamaracks in Riding Mountain National Park show off their fall gold colouring. Photo: Donna Gamache Oak Lake Beach lies quiet in the off-season. Photo: Donna Gamache Still water on William Lake gives visitors a double, reflected dose of fall foliage.Photo: Donna Gamache Spirit Sands, in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, is a popular hiking destination for a reason. Here, the turquoise waters of the Devil’s Punch Bowl reflects the surrounding evergreen and tamarack trees in late fall. Photo: Alexis Stockford Paddlers are silhouetted against a stunning sunset at Lake Audy in Riding Mountain National Park. Deciduous trees at Marshs Lake in Spruce Woods Provincial Park hold onto their last leaves in October 2024. Photo: Alexis Stockford Turtles sun themselves along Marshs Lake in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Photo: Donna Gamache Leaves are beginning to change along the Bead Lakes trail in Riding Mountain National Park Sept. 13, 2025. Photo: Alexis Stockford Turning trees greet fall visitors to the eastern gate of Riding Mountain National Park, one starting point into the eastern Escarpment Trail Network, which includes the Gorge Creek Trail and routes to Bald Hill. Photo: Alexis Stockford Firewoods sits ready for a fall campfire in the Squirrel Hills trail system near Minnedosa. Photo: Alexis Stockford
