Almost 375 thousand people are expected to head down to Riding Mountain National Park this year.
That’s down from last year’s 420 thousand, thanks to the Canada 150 free park passes.
Even with the numbers dropping, Cal Martin, the Visitor Experience Manager, tells us that’s still more than pre-2017 attendance.
“Not only did it increase visitation overall but I think a number of people that haven’t been to the park in a long time came back to check it out, to see what’s new. And I think a lot of those people are coming back again this year. Other people that came last year were ones who had never been to the park and wanted to check it out. I think for those two groups specifically, it’s really made an impact. Because we are definitely seeing an increase compared to a normal year.”
All services in the park are officially open with the visitor centre, all restrooms, shops, and restaurants opening for the Victoria Day long weekend.