Hiking trails closed in all Manitoba provincial parks, camping restricted as wildfires spread

As of Friday, hiking trails in all 93 of Manitoba's provincial parks are closed, the province says, as part of travel restrictions imposed as fire danger remains high and human activity continues to "significantly contribute" to the current wildfire situation in the province. 

Similar travel and fire restrictions were already in place for parks in Manitoba's east, where wildfires burned out of control through Whitshell and Nopiming provincial parks.

The measures are now being extended to parks throughout the province, a spokesperson for the province said.

Manigotagan River, Nopiming, South Atikaki and Wallace Lake provincial parks are now closed entirely, while Bakers Narrows and Whiteshell are partially open, the province said in its Thursday fire bulletin.

In all provincial parks that are open, camping is restricted to developed campgrounds, meaning no backcountry camping.

Watercraft activity, including canoes and kayaks, is restricted to front-country lakes, meaning any that are road-accessible, the provincial spokesperson said. Launching at shorelines and portaging to backcountry lakes is no longer allowed.

Lodge access is permitted at main lodges, but access to outcamps, outfitters and commercial operations in backcountry areas is limited to those with a permit.

A permit is also required to access industrial operations through any non-designated or unrecognized road. The province said those will be issued at the discretion of the local conservation officer. 

Aircraft use is permitted on lakes that have developed docks or shorelines.

Commercial fishing can continue, the province said.

All burn permits are cancelled and no new ones will be issued at this time, the province said. Burning exceptions for industry and agricultural purposes can be made with inspections from an officer. 

More information on Manitoba's wildfire related restrictions is available at the province's website.