Exploring Manitoba: Our Family’s Top Three Favourite Campgrounds
Exploring Manitoba: Our Family’s Top Three Favourite Campgrounds
By Phil Gear, realtorAs a family of four with two adventurous boys aged 10 and 6, camping has become one of our favorite ways to spend quality time together, connect with nature, and create lasting memories. Manitoba, with its stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor activities, offers some of the best camping experiences. Here are our top three favorite campgrounds in Manitoba that have provided us with countless unforgettable adventures.
1. Riding Mountain National Park
Location: Approximately 3 hours northwest of Winnipeg
Why We Love It: Riding Mountain National Park is our go-to destination for a perfect family camping trip. The park’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to serene lakes, offer a beautiful backdrop for our adventures. The boys love the abundant wildlife, and we’ve had thrilling moments spotting bison, elk, and even black bears.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Hiking: The park has trails for all skill levels. Our favorite is the Gorge Creek Trail, which is just challenging enough to keep the boys engaged.
- Swimming and Boating: Clear Lake is ideal for swimming, and we enjoy renting canoes for a paddle.
- Cycling: The park has excellent biking trails that are perfect for family rides.
Camping Experience: We appreciate the variety of camping options available. From traditional tent sites to oTENTik cabins, we can choose the level of comfort we want. The facilities are well-maintained, making our stays hassle-free.
2. Whiteshell Provincial Park
Location: About 1.5 to 2 hours east of Winnipeg
Why We Love It: Whiteshell Provincial Park is a paradise for water-loving families like ours. The rugged Canadian Shield terrain, dotted with beautiful lakes, makes it an adventurous playground for our boys. The combination of water activities and scenic trails keeps everyone entertained.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Canoeing and Kayaking: The boys love paddling on the calm waters of West Hawk Lake, which was formed by a meteor impact.
- Fishing: Fishing off the dock is always a hit with the kids, especially when they catch something!
- Hiking: The Bannock Point Petroforms trail offers a fascinating glimpse into Indigenous history, which is both educational and fun for the kids.
Camping Experience: We usually opt for sites near the water, where the boys can swim and play. The park offers both serviced and unserviced sites, catering to different camping styles. The serene environment and well-equipped facilities make every trip enjoyable.
3. Birds Hill Provincial Park
Location: Approximately 24 kilometers north of Winnipeg
Why We Love It: Birds Hill Provincial Park’s proximity to Winnipeg makes it our favorite quick getaway. Despite being close to the city, it offers a serene escape with plenty of activities to keep our energetic boys busy.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Swimming and Beach Fun: The boys love the artificial lake and sandy beach, perfect for building sandcastles and swimming.
- Cycling: The family-friendly bike paths are a great way to explore the park.
- Horseback Riding: A unique experience that the boys always look forward to.
Camping Experience: The large campground has excellent facilities, including modern washrooms and showers, which are always appreciated after a day of outdoor activities. We enjoy the spacious sites and the park’s safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion
Camping in Manitoba has brought our family closer together and provided us with countless adventures. Riding Mountain National Park, Whiteshell Provincial Park, and Birds Hill Provincial Park are our top three favorite camping destinations. Each park offers unique experiences that cater perfectly to our family’s love for nature and adventure. Whether we’re spotting wildlife, paddling on a lake, or biking through scenic trails, these parks never fail to deliver unforgettable family moments. We can’t wait for our next camping trip to one of these fantastic destinations!