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junmy3's avatar
junmy3
Explorer
Dec 06, 2016

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

We are once again working on our big trip for 2017. Besides a few places in the US we are planning on visiting Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Our plan is to visit as many National Parks and Historic sites as we have time for. The plan is to be in Canada for the month of August and maybe the first week of September. We know we want to camp in Riding Mountain and Prince Albert National Parks and several provincial parks in both provinces.

We really don't want to make reservations far in advance, but we also want to ensure that we have a campsite especially at the national parks. So my question is will reservations be required or can you usually get a spot at the last moment? If reservations are required how far in advance and does it just apply to weekends. I know we can almost always get in our state parks during the week, but may need reservations for the weekend.

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  • trailerbikecamp's avatar
    trailerbikecamp
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2016
    Don't forget to Moose Jaw. This is the official home to the Snowbird Air Force Demonstration team. They are usually busy tarvelling yhe country performing. It may be worth checking if they will be around.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Dec 06, 2016
    There is lots to see and do. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a fascinating place and a welcome break from the flat lands. Batoche National Historic Site and Fort Walsh provide an interesting glimpse into western Canadian history and don't forget the RCMP museum in Regina.
  • MACHZER's avatar
    MACHZER
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2016
    QIUCK BOOK IN WHITESHELL REGION!
    This is a great area with multiple lakes and campsites. This is a rocky region with crystal lakes, lots of trails ect.
    I am highly recommending it if you are going this far. About 1.5 hrs out of Winnipeg East. Might as well go to Kenora also for a few days, Short drive. Must do on your list!
    Falcon Lake and West Hawk lake ate more of a commercial locations. If you stay there make sure you tour the other ring of lakes, They are far better in my opinion. wont matter which one.

    Take a On-line Tour , search Google
  • almcc's avatar
    almcc
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2016
    Not sure about August but we have camped in Riding Mountain earlier (June), we tried to get on-line reservations for July at mid day on the first day the reservation window opened (forgot the exact date, but it was in the spring) and most/all the sites were gone. I suggest reservations are needed and you need to get on line first thing to get them. Same may apply for the other NPs.
  • junmy3's avatar
    junmy3
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2016
    mayo30 wrote:
    Well as you may or may not know 2017 is Canada's 150th.birthday and all National Parks entry fees have been waived so expect a huge rush and crush for sites.While in Saskatchewan don't over look or pass up visiting the Grassland Park at Val Marie right on the Border with Montana.The passes are available on line now but good luck the demand has been so heavy the site has been over whelmed and usually not responsive.Just got to Canadian national park pass on Goggle.Good luck and see you there.


    DW loved our visit to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas, so the Grassland Park at Val Marie was already on our list of places to go. It looks like it will be the last Canadian Park on our visit, but also one of the main reasons for or trip.

    Thanks for the info on the park pass. I didn't know you could order them on line. Will be looking at it today.
  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2016
    Well as you may or may not know 2017 is Canada's 150th.birthday and all National Parks entry fees have been waived so expect a huge rush and crush for sites.While in Saskatchewan don't over look or pass up visiting the Grassland Park at Val Marie right on the Border with Montana.The passes are available on line now but good luck the demand has been so heavy the site has been over whelmed and usually not responsive.Just got to Canadian national park pass on Goggle.Good luck and see you there.

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