Friday, January 6, 2012 - Blog on a Log

Manitoba Reinstates Park Fees For 2012

Manitobans will be getting a bit of a shock this year at provincial parks.  After three years of free entry, park fees are being reinstated across the province starting May 1st.

The waived park fees in past years were meant to encourage Manitobans to get out in province.  “We want more people to have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and experience the beauty of our provincial parks,” Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie said in a 2011 press release. “The province will continue to offer free park entry to provide affordable options for tourism and recreation at home and encourage Manitobans to explore their own backyard.”

Unfortunately 2012 brings a return to fee-based park entry.  Though not large, the fees may well affect some people's travel plans--a shame, as Manitoba's 50+ provincial parks are areas worth exploring!

Park permits are sold per vehicle at a price of $4/day, $8/3 consecutive days, or $30/year.  For more information on provincial park fees you can visit the Manitoba Parks website.

How will the fee reinstatement affect your 2012 plans?  Will you do less when faced with paying a fee to enter provincial parks?  Join us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know!