One of the most scenic destinations in Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park, is a must-see spot for nature lovers—especially as the leaves begin to change.

Once the height of summer has passed and the kids have returned to school, Riding Mountain National Park becomes a serene oasis for visitors looking to enjoy the great outdoors and a little peace and quiet. Take the three-hour drive from Winnipeg in September or early October (up until Thanksgiving when businesses start to close) and spend a weekend enjoying the spectacular scenery and a multitude of activities. Here are our top seven reasons why you need to see Riding Mountain in all its splendor this autumn.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

1. To witness the changing of the seasons

Manitoba is lucky enough to experience four distinct seasons, and few places are better to watch summer shift to fall than at Riding Mountain National Park. There are more than 400 kilometres of hiking trails that lead over the Manitoba Escarpment, around picturesque lakes and through colourful forest and scrubland. Plan your hike for early evening and watch the sky light up with a blazing prairie sunset.

 

 Photo by Enviro Foto

2. To explore the park by horseback

Whether you prefer to spend a full day trotting across the rolling countryside—enjoying expert coaching and a trail lunch—or would rather book a short ride that doesn’t stray too far from the stables, Trailhead Ranch will make sure your horseback riding experience is one for the books. You can even try a covered wagon tour through forests and meadows, and extend it into an overnight camping adventure if one day just isn’t enough. Elkhorn Riding Adventures, conveniently located on the grounds of Elkhorn Resort, also offers trail rides throughout the summer months.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

3. To get out on the open water

Swing by the Clear Lake Marina to rent a motor boat, pedal boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board and push off into the crystal waters. There’s no place like the lake to reset and reflect, especially during a calming morning ride through the rippling waves. The Marina also offers boat cruises during the afternoon, dinner hour (meal included) and at sunset if you’d rather leave all the work to the pros.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

4. To indulge in wood-fired pizzas, ice cream sandwiches and cinnamon buns

Wasagaming, Riding Mountain’s townsite, has all the comfort food you need as the days begin to cool off. Nosh on wood-fired pizza and paninis on house-made focaccia at Foxtail Café and savour a hearty breakfast at Whitehouse Bakery and Restaurant (famous for their sweet, sticky cinnamon buns). If you’re in the mood for ice cream, Lakehouse Ice Cream, Coffee & Smoothie Bar features custom ice cream sandwiches. You choose the ice cream flavour, cookie type and toppings!

Photo by Wildhouse Media

5. To find all of the red chairs

In 2015, Parks Canada placed several pairs of red Adirondack chairs in the most beautiful, photo-worthy areas of the park. Find them all, perhaps by fat bike rented from Friends of Riding Mountain National Park Learning Centre, and photograph each scenic vista to prove your navigation skills.

 

Photo Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

6. To track the local wildlife

Take the 50-minute drive from Wasagaming to Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, where a herd of approximately 40 plains bison have been reintroduced to the prairie ecosystem thanks to conservation efforts that started in the 1930s. You might see bison grazing in the 500-hectare space, or spot elk, deer, bears, coyotes or foxes if you’re lucky.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

7. To stay in unique accommodations

Try your hand at luxury camping (a.k.a. glamping) in Wasagaming Campground, where you can book an oTENTik (a cross between an A-frame cabin and a tent) or a micrOcube (a 10-metre x 2-metre box with one glass wall for an immersive forest experience). But if traditional comfort is more your style, stay at the Elkhorn Resort­—which boasts a spa, water park, golf course, restaurant and bar—or the trendy Lakehouse, home of modern-meets-rustic guest rooms and the aforementioned ice cream sandwiches.

For even more inspiration and information for planning a fall vacation at Riding Mountain National Park, visit travelmanitoba.com.