When I set out to visit Riding Mountain National Park, I had practically no expectations—and I was so pleasantly surprised! From the friendly park staff to the stunning natural beauty and wildlife encounters, my experience exceeded anything I could have imagined. Here’s a breakdown of what made this visit unforgettable:
Friendly and Helpful Park Staff
First, a big shoutout to the park staff who made my visit so much easier with their helpful trail suggestions, gelato recommendations, and even pointing me to the best veggie burger in town. Their kindness set the tone for the rest of my trip.
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Camping at Lake Audy
Lake Audy was the true highlight of my visit. The campground was incredibly peaceful, with only one other occupied site when I stayed. After being closed for two years, it has just re-opened, and the lakefront sites were well worth the 30-45 minute drive down a gravel road. While some sites are more private than others, they all offer a beautiful connection to nature.
I was lucky enough to spot a pelican gliding across the lake—a surprisingly serene sight in this quiet setting. And as the day ended, I was treated to one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen, the sky ablaze with pinks, oranges, and purples reflecting on the calm water.
The proximity to the bison enclosure made it easy to visit early in the morning, right when the bison are most active—an absolute must-do! Bears were also spotted in the area, so be sure to maintain a BARE campsite and follow all wildlife safety protocols. I felt immersed in nature, with sightings of both bison and bears creating a truly wild experience.
The Bison Enclosure: A Magical Encounter
If you do one thing at Riding Mountain, let it be a visit to the Bison Enclosure. It’s conveniently located near Lake Audy, making an early morning visit easy if you’re camping there. Getting to the enclosure involves a drive down a gravel road, but it’s manageable, even for my Hyundai Elantra! You’ll see plenty of RVs making the trek too.
Once inside the enclosure, plan to take your time. I’d recommend at least 30 minutes to drive through slowly and stop for photos—there’s plenty to capture! While you can’t get out of your vehicle except in one designated area, the bison are often close enough for you to see them clearly. Plus, watch for bear activity in the area—keeping your bear spray handy is always a good idea.
For me, seeing the bison, especially the adorable babies, was a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Hiking the Bald Hill Trail
If you enjoy hiking, the Bald Hill Trail is a must. Just be sure to make plenty of noise, as I encountered a bear on this trail. The hike itself was full of wildlife signs—animal tracks and droppings were everywhere—indicating the diverse ecosystem within the park.
The view from the top is stunning, offering a panoramic perspective of the flat terrain stretching out beneath you. While Bald Hill may not be the highest point in the province (that title goes to Balding Mountain), it offers a “top of the world” feel that makes the trek worth it.
The Town of Wasagaming
The town of Wasagaming added its own charm to the experience. With a variety of restaurant options and plenty of families around, there was a lively, welcoming atmosphere. I was there during the first weekend of summer vacation, and the vibe was festive. A couple of recommendations: the gelato from The Chocolate Fox was delightful, and I had a delicious veggie burger from Restaurant 1929.
Camping at Moon Lake
Moon Lake campground was more populated than Lake Audy, but when I arrived around 8 pm, I still had a good selection of sites to choose from. However, unlike Lake Audy, the campsites here don’t offer direct views of the lake. A bear was also spotted in this campground, so once again, staying bear aware is crucial!
I also attempted the Moon Lake Trail the next morning. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best experience due to the wet grass and the lack of lake views. Perhaps it would be better in drier conditions or at a different time of day.
Watch Out for Construction
A word of advice: check for any construction updates before heading to different parts of the park. When I visited, some road closures—including a stretch of Highway 19—weren’t reflected on Google Maps. This closure made it impossible to drive through the park to reach the Escarpment section, so a quick stop at the visitor center is a must for up-to-date info.
