Provincial Parks provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation – from hiking and camping to birdwatching, photography and more. Whether seeking solitude, adventure or a family-friendly destination; these four Westman parks are sure to deliver something for everyone!
Spruce Woods Provincial Park: Glenboro, MB (photos: Travel Manitoba)
Spruce Woods Provincial Park stands as a unique testament to the province’s diverse natural beauty. Nestled amidst the prairie landscape, it boasts the awe-inspiring Spirit Sands; a rare desert-like ecosystem featuring towering sand dunes that evoke a sense of otherworldly wonder and the blueish-green Devil’s Punchbowl; a unique crater shaped lake. Visitors to Spruce Woods can explore these striking dunes on foot, marveling at the dynamic shapes sculpted by wind over millennia. Beyond the sands, the park offers a myriad of recreational opportunities, including hiking through lush forests, birdwatching along the meandering Assiniboine River, and camping under a canopy of stars. Whether scaling dunes or picnicking by tranquil oases, Spruce Woods Provincial Park promises an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural splendor, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. A sandy beach and family-friendly campground offer plenty of opportunities for fun for the little ones.
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Other to-do’s in the area:
- Head to Carberry to check out their museums & shops in the charming historic downtown
- Photo with Sara the Camel in Glenboro
- A stop in MacGregor to check out Bison General; a cafe and gift shop worth making the short drive for!
Following the last ice age, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park became the first inhabited location in Manitoba and is also the biggest remaining natural deciduous forest in southwestern Manitoba. Within it’s borders, you’ll find William Lake, Adam Lake and Max Lake campgrounds and the park is known for its bike trails, fishing, back country cabins and canoe routes. William Lake offers a great sandy beach for cooling off on those hot Summer days, as well as the trail head for the Turtle’s back trail; a 6.4km loop which rewards hikers with some panoramic views at it’s peak. The park is named after the numerous Painted Turtles found in the area that you can spot sun bathing near permanent ponds or lakes in the park’s warmer months.
Located along the shores of one of the larger lakes in the Province; Oak Lake – this park offers an exceptional fishing and recreational water activities; including swimming, boating/tubing, water skiing and more. Picnic areas and campgrounds provide ideal settings for family gatherings and overnight stays. Oak Island Resort offers a world class 18-hole golf course with pro-shop and restaurant (seasonal) and the campground has a plethora of serviced lots, grocery store, ice cream shop, cabin rentals, mini-golf and swimming pools. The park also offers beach volleyball, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, fire pits, a children’s playground, covered picnic shelters, washrooms sandy beach. Meanwhile, Cherry Point Park offers a one kilometre natural walking trail with lakeside benches, so you can take a break and enjoy the beauty of the area.
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Rivers Provincial Park offers a serene escape just minutes from the Town of Rivers! This park consists of 38 hectares of mixed grass prairie, and the campground is located on Lake Wahtopanah, a reservoir that was created by damming the Little Saskatchewan River. The area is a fantastic family destination, as it has an abundance of kid-friendly activities on-site, including a nice playground, sandy beach, mini golf, canoe rentals, food truck and more. In town, visitors can delve into local charm and hospitality by taking in a visit at a museum, local eatery or quaint shop; the perfect blend of nature, convenience and cultural richness on a visit to this Westman park.
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