Weather wasn’t kind for summer activities in 2022, but officials at Riding Mountain National Park hope 2023 will mark the return to a more normal year.
Last year, the problems started early, said park spokesperson Dameon Wall. Major April snowstorms were followed by a whiplash of freeze and thaw conditions. The rest of the month saw heavy rains and high winds.
The result was severe erosion on two main driving routes. Road damage cut off the east entrance of the park from Highway 10 and Wasagaming and orphaned the access to Lake Audy campground in both directions. Bridges and culverts were washed out, roads cut and trees downed.
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Riding Mountain National Park is popular for outdoor recreation in western Manitoba but weather dampened activities last year.
Repairs to Highway 19, which suffered more than 20 major cuts, began Nov. 3 at the eastern edge of the damaged area.
“Contractors are currently completing road work with the goal of opening Highway 19 in late January,” said Mirieille Kroeker, public relations and communications officer for the park.
“Due to winter work and spring thaw conditions, we anticipate a spring closure followed by a short period of construction to finalize the repairs for the busy summer season.”
Anyone hoping to visit Lake Audy this summer may find little opportunity. Lake amenities will likely not be open for much of the season.
Last summer’s closure dismayed visitors who wanted to fish or camp at the lake or drive through the bison enclosure. Roads there suffered major damage, including a 10-metre gap in the road just south of the Lake Audy campground. Another section east of the bison enclosure will also require work.
“Construction is tentatively set for June 2023 with completion of the road work anticipated by the end of summer 2023,” Kroeker said.
Park representatives have said this date will allow for completion of spring runoff and fish-spawning season.
Back in business
While the damaged roads and some trails remain closed, many activities have resumed. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available around Wasagaming, and the skating path winding through the trees near the administration building is open.
Several four-season oTENTiks (tent-like structures with raised floors, beds and furniture) can be reserved for overnight stays. Fat-tired bikes, tubes and toboggans are available to rent at the Friends of Riding Mountain shop. In the far west, Moose Lake and Deep Lake ski trails are in use.
Trails on the western part of Highway 19 are accessible as far as Lake Katherine. This includes the scenic Kinosao/Brûlé trails used for skiing and snowshoeing, as well as the ski trail around Lake Katherine and a longer ski option to Grey Owl’s cabin.
Most trails along Highway 10 are open, with the exception of the Boreal Trail, which had storm damage to boardwalks and bridges, and the Ochre River trail, where wind shear brought down trees.
On the east side of the park, Oak Ridge and part of the Bald Hill trails are track set, but must be accessed from Highway 5 north of Neepawa. Access through the park may improve with the re-opening of Highway 19 later this winter.
Wasagaming visitors can access the visitor centre from Friday to Monday and there are special activities on “Fireside Fridays.” Information on events such as trivia night, board game night, movie night and open mic night will be published on the Friends of RMNP Facebook page or can be checked by phone at 204-848-4037.
Two special weekends are also on the schedule for February. Winter Adventure Weekend is Feb. 4-5 and Louis Riel Weekend is Feb. 18-20. Both feature outdoor activities such as snow sculpting, maple syrup rolling, snowshoeing and bannock making.
The Snow Moon Artisan sale during the first special weekend will feature local vendors and handmade items. Ski clinics will be offered, and – if the wind is right – visitors will be able to watch winter kiting on Clear Lake.
Full details for both weekends will be posted on the Friends of RMNP Facebook page as they are finalized.
