Accessibility in Manitoba’s Provincial Parks

Posted August 28, 2024

Manitoba’s provincial parks, with their stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offer a retreat into nature for everyone. Accessing these natural wonders can be a challenge for park visitors with different needs and abilities. Recognizing this, Manitoba Parks is making strides to enhance accessibility in provincial parks, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Accessibility is complex as every park visitor has different needs and abilities. Accommodations for someone with mobility challenges are different than those for someone with vision impairments or sensory needs. Not only that, but many park facilities are located within varied and challenging landscapes that can be difficult to modify.

The introduction of accessible amenities, such as fully equipped washrooms and accessible beaches, campsites and picnic areas, ensures that everyone has a comfortable park experience. Newer facilities are being designed with inclusive design principles in mind, which means they cater to a wide range of needs and abilities.

Campgrounds

Most campgrounds have designated accessible campsites, which feature flat, level sites, picnic tables that are customized to accommodate wheelchairs, and access to nearby accessible washrooms. Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park features a fully-accessible campground with hard surfaced sites and trails and accessible washroom and shower buildings.

All comfort camping locations have a select number of accessible cabins and yurts, which feature large decks and ramps for easy access, close to parking areas and nearby accessible washrooms.

To reserve an accessible campsite or yurt, use the Parks Reservation Service. Accessible campsites in most campgrounds can only be reserved over the phone, whereas accessible yurts and cabins can be reserved both online and by phone.

Beaches

Mobility mats make it easier for people in wheelchairs, those who are using mobility aids and parents with strollers and wagons to enjoy the beach. Nearly 20 beaches in provincial parks across the province have mobility mats in place. Mats are strategically placed in locations that allow easy access across the sand, to parking and accessible washrooms. Some mats allow access into the water on beaches that have minimal wave action. Find a list of locations here.

Manitoba Parks is committed to improving accessibility and ensuring that every Manitoban, regardless of ability, can experience and enjoy the great outdoors.

If you’re planning to visit a provincial park, contact the local park office to discuss any accessibility accommodations you may need. Park staff can discuss options with you and recommend sites and facilities that will best serve your needs to help make your visit an enjoyable one.

Find more information on provincial parks online at manitobaparks.com, and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X for program updates and highlights.