Flora and fauna
Riding Mountain is a vibrant wilderness oasis, set high above a sea of prairie agricultural lands. Located in the centre of North America, the Boreal Forest, Aspen Woodland, Prairie and Eastern Hardwood Biomes come together. These Biomes, occur on a hilly, 'Pot-and Kettle' glacial moraine with fertile soils and an abundance of wetlands, streams and lakes. This biogeophysical phenomenon creates a mosaic of flourishing ecosystems with an incredible diversity of plant and animal species.
Moose, elk, deer, beaver, River otter, porcupine, Grey wolf, lynx, cougar, Common Loon, White Pelican, Great Grey Owl and Canada Goose are just a few of the animal and bird inhabitants of Riding Mountain National Park. The park boasts one of the largest populations of Black bears in North America. There is also a wild bison range located near Lake Audy, where you can view the Prairie Bison on native fescue grasslands.
Riding Mountain National Park is also well known for its wildflowers and wide range of unique vegetation, most of which is not seen anywhere else in the prairie regions of Canada.
Understand
The only community located within the national park is Wasagaming often referred to as Clear Lake.
Park offices are open from 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM during from May - September.
History
Much of the park's public infrastructure was created during the 1930s by labourers participating in Canada's great depression relief programs. Illustration of this early construction survives to this day in the park. During World War II the park was home to a Prisoner of War camp which has since been dismantled. In 1986, Riding Mountain National Park and its surrounding municipalities were designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Until 1996, Riding Mountain was the only national park located in the province of Manitoba.