Riding Mountain National Park

An 'island' of wilderness in Manitoba, Riding Mountain protects a diverse array of ecosystems, from boreal forest to fescue prairie. It's home to a...

Riding Mountain National Park at a Glance

Location
Prairie & Boreal Plains, Canada, North America
Coordinates
50.764250, -100.316536
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Riding Mountain National Park

Nearest airport: Shoal Lake Airport, 40 km away.

Nearest international airport: International Peace Garden Airfield, 198 km away.

Weather & Climate in Riding Mountain National Park

The warmest temperatures in Riding Mountain National Park occur in July, averaging 19.0°C (up to 24.5°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -13.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 20.4mm. Average humidity: 77.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -13.0°C (rainfall: 28.1mm)
  • February: -13.6°C (rainfall: 20.4mm)
  • March: -7.0°C (rainfall: 23.1mm)
  • April: 0.4°C (rainfall: 53.6mm)
  • May: 9.4°C (rainfall: 77.8mm)
  • June: 16.2°C (rainfall: 105.3mm)
  • July: 19.0°C (rainfall: 69.9mm)
  • August: 17.8°C (rainfall: 71.0mm)
  • September: 14.1°C (rainfall: 29.7mm)
  • October: 4.8°C (rainfall: 33.1mm)
  • November: -4.1°C (rainfall: 47.0mm)
  • December: -11.2°C (rainfall: 29.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Riding Mountain National Park

The best months to visit Riding Mountain National Park are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -13°C, rainfall 28.1mm, sunshine 4.5 hrs, humidity 81%
  • February: Good, temperature -13.61°C, rainfall 20.4mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 77.2%
  • March: Good, temperature -7.03°C, rainfall 23.1mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • April: Good, temperature 0.36°C, rainfall 53.6mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 67.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 9.45°C, rainfall 77.8mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.19°C, rainfall 105.3mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 69.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 19.01°C, rainfall 69.9mm, sunshine 13.2 hrs, humidity 73.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 17.79°C, rainfall 71mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 74.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.08°C, rainfall 29.7mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • October: Good, temperature 4.83°C, rainfall 33.1mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 73.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature -4.06°C, rainfall 47mm, sunshine 4.9 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • December: Poor, temperature -11.19°C, rainfall 29.2mm, sunshine 4.1 hrs, humidity 81%

Wildlife in Riding Mountain National Park

Home to 15 recorded species including 4 birds of prey, 3 predators, 3 big herbivores, 3 iconic birds, 1 small mammals, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Riding Mountain National Park

Based on average temperature of 2.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 74%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 3°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Riding Mountain National Park

7 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Prairie & Boreal Plains

Visitor Tips - Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain offers a unique blend of boreal forest, aspen parkland, and fescue prairie, making for incredibly diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. We particularly love the chance to spot plains bison at the Lake Audy enclosure and the serene beauty of Clear Lake, which feels like a hidden gem in the heart of the prairies. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Canada's wild heart.

Gate Times

We recommend checking the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information on gate times and facility access, as these can vary significantly by season. Generally, Riding Mountain National Park is accessible year-round, but many roads and services, including some campgrounds, are closed from mid-October to mid-May. A valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass or daily admission pass is required for entry, which can be purchased online or at park gates.

Tipping

For private guided tours or outfitters within Riding Mountain, we recommend tipping your guide around 15-20% of the tour cost, or a flat rate of $10-20 per person per day for exceptional service. For any lodge or restaurant staff within the park, standard Canadian tipping practices apply, typically 15-20% of the bill. Park rangers, as government employees, do not expect tips.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Riding Mountain National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Riding Mountain National Park for prime wildlife viewing, especially the bison herd?

The shoulder seasons, late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October), offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the park's iconic bison herd and elk. During these times, animals are often more active, and the park experiences fewer crowds than peak summer.

How can visitors best experience and view the thriving bison herd within Riding Mountain National Park?

The best way to see the bison herd is by driving the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure loop, a dedicated area where the plains bison roam freely. While viewing, remember to stay in your vehicle and maintain a safe distance for both your safety and the animals' well-being.

What specific safety precautions should I take when exploring Riding Mountain National Park, particularly regarding wildlife and health?

While black bears are present, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is recommended, along with storing food properly to avoid encounters. Regarding health, it's important to note that malaria is not a risk in Riding Mountain National Park or anywhere in Canada, so no specific malaria prophylaxis is needed.

Given Riding Mountain's low crowding level, what kind of visitor experience and facilities can I expect, and should I book accommodations in advance?

With a crowding level of 1/5, you can expect a tranquil wilderness experience with ample space to explore trails and viewpoints without feeling overwhelmed. While less crowded, it's still advisable to book popular accommodations like those in Wasagaming well in advance, especially for summer and shoulder seasons, as options can be limited.

What are the typical entry fees and permit requirements for visiting Riding Mountain National Park?

Visitors are required to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a daily admission pass to enter Riding Mountain National Park. These passes cover entry to all national parks in Canada, with options for individual, family/group, or annual access, and can be purchased online or at park gates upon arrival.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.