Free Entry ito Manitoba Parks for a Year – Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you love the great outdoors but hate the extra cost of getting out there, I’ve got some amazing news! Starting April 1, 2025, there will be free entry into Manitoba Parks for an entire year. Yup, no more park pass fees through March 31, 2026. This little gem of an announcement is expected to be part of the upcoming Manitoba budget, and honestly, it’s a huge win for anyone who enjoys nature but doesn’t want to spend extra just to access it.

Why This Is a Big Deal

For a lot of us, park entry fees aren’t a dealbreaker, but they do add up—especially for families, students, and anyone trying to cut back on expenses. Normally, a vehicle permit for provincial parks in Manitoba costs $9.50 for a day, $16.50 for three days, or $44 for an annual pass. If you visit parks often, those fees can really stack up. So having a full year of free entry ito Manitoba Parks? That’s a big relief for the wallet.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re a casual hiker, a weekend camper, or someone who just loves a peaceful lake view, this change makes getting outdoors a whole lot easier. Here’s what you can expect:

• No more vehicle permits – Just drive in and enjoy.
• More opportunities to explore – Try out new parks you might have skipped before!
• Perfect timing for summer adventures – Hit up places like Birds Hill, Whiteshell, Spruce Woods, or Riding Mountain (okay, that last one is a national park, but still worth a visit).
• Great for budget-friendly outings – Pack a picnic, bring some friends, and make a day of it without spending a dime.

What’s Still Not Free?

While free entry to Manitoba Parks is happening, other costs like camping, cabin rentals, firewood, and park services (think fishing licenses, boat rentals, or guided tours) will still apply. So, if you’re planning an overnight trip, you’ll still need to budget for accommodations. But hey, if you’re just heading out for a hike or a beach day, you’re good to go without spending a cent!

Why Is This Happening?

From what I can gather, this move is part of a broader effort to make nature more accessible to everyone. It could be a way to boost tourism, encourage outdoor activity, and give people an easy, low-cost way to enjoy Manitoba’s natural beauty. Whatever the reason, I’m not complaining!

Spread the Word

If you know someone who loves the outdoors (or just loves free stuff), share this with them! Let’s make sure everyone takes advantage of this rare opportunity to enjoy free entry to Manitoba Parks.

Are you excited about this? Have a favorite Manitoba park you’ll be visiting more often? Drop a comment and let me know!

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

Due to ongoing wildfires, some parks and trails are temporarily closed or restricted:

✅ Open Parks & Areas

• Whiteshell Provincial Park – All businesses and campgrounds are open.

  • 🚫 Mantario Wilderness Zone remains closed (includes the Mantario Hiking Trail and select portages).

📅 Partially Open

• Bakers Narrows Provincial Park – Seasonal campers can return July 25. Nightly campsites reopen August 1.

• Nopiming Provincial Park – Reopens July 25 for permanent residents, cottagers, and commercial operators.

  • 🚫 Campgrounds at Beresford Lake, Black Lake, Tulabi Falls, Shoe Lake backcountry sites, all water routes, and hiking trails remain closed for the season due to wildfire cleanup.

  • 🔥 Wildfire EA61 is still smouldering; flames and smoke will be visible all summer/fall.

🚫 Fully Closed

• Atikaki Provincial Park – Majority of the park is closed, including Aikens, Dogskin, and Sasaginnigak lakes, plus Bloodvein and Gammon river corridors.

• South Atikaki & Wallace Lake Provincial Parks – Closed to all users.

• Wekusko Falls Provincial Park – Closed until at least August 7 (closure may extend).