The Manitoba government is again offering free park entry for the entire month of February so Manitobans and visitors can take advantage of the many winter activities available in provincial parks at no cost, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced Friday.

“The beauty of our provincial parks does not disappear in winter, so why not take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Guillemard in a press release. “It’s a great chance to get the family together and leave the hustle and bustle of our busy lives behind to soak up all that our provincial parks have to offer.”

Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park in February, but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the parks, and entrance fees still apply in national parks. There are groomed trails in 13 provincial parks across the province for a variety of activities including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking. Paint Lake, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills.

Trail grooming reports are updated online every Thursday throughout the winter. Manitobans are encouraged to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before visiting parks to properly plan their outdoor adventure. Maps of winter trails and updated reports can be found at www.manitobaparks.com.

Park interpreters are offering several guided experiences this winter. Interpretive programs are free and offered year round in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks. Highlights for the month of February include:

– a skijoring workshop in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 8;

– a wolf howl in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 15;

– guided snowshoe treks in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Sunday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 23;

– learn to ice fish session in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Monday, Feb. 17;

– a nature detectives program for families with preschool aged children in Birds Hill Provincial Park on Wednesday, Feb. 26;

– a winter family fun day at the winter recreation area in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 22; and

– a variety of drop-in family activities at the Spruce Woods Visitor Centre throughout the month.