So - it has been quite a while since I spoke to anyone at the parks regarding winter camping. back in 2013/2014 they thought we were all nuts and really had not considered that we would do this. Well, that has changed.
Note the following I found online - I will confirm my info with the park I am heading to before I leave but thought this may be interesting to other Manitoba based campers.
https://www.manitoba.ca/sd/parks/pdf/winter_camping.pdftext reads:
Winter Camping in Provincial Parks
While developed campgrounds close for the winter season, there are several options for winter camping. Whether you are hunting, ice fishing or looking for a thrilling winter adventure, you should first contact the respective Sustainable Development District Office for the park you wish to camp. Staff will let you know what locations may be available and help you plan your visit. Find contact info here:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/wildlife/about/who.html In provincial parks, any overnight camping permitted only in designated sites. Any backcountry sites available in summer remain available for camping in the winter. There are no fees for backcountry winter camping. Winter camping is by tent only.
There are some options on maintained trails as well: • Spruce Woods Provincial Park –the Epinette, Seton and Yellow Quill trail systems offer several hike or ski in campsites, including the Jackfish Lake cabin. Distances to sites range from 2 km to 20 km treks. • Turtle Mountain Provincial Park – you can ski on the Adam Lake trail system to the James Lake cabin for overnight use. There is no charge for camping or use of the Jackfish or James Lake cabins, but registration is required for any overnight use in these two parks. For Spruce Woods, call our Carberry District Office at 204-834-8800; for Turtle Mountain, call our Boissevain District Office at 204-534-2028.
Organized groups may be able to use group use areas for winter camping. Organizers need to submit a Special Event Application to do so, found here:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/specialevents/index.html Most parks do not have regular staff in the winter; routes are not maintained and there are no services. You are camping and travelling at your own risk. You must practice Leave No Trace and pack out everything you packed in, including trash and gear.
For more information on winter camping in provincial parks, contact your local District Office, call us toll-free 1-800-2146497 or email
[email protected].