Wasagaming - Riding Mountain

In 1741 the plains around Riding Mountain were explored and a post was established on Lake Dauphin. Soon thereafter the Hudson’s Bay Company came to the area. By the 1800’s the mountain was surrounded by posts and recognized for its fur trading business. Horseback riding was the easiest way to explore the rugged highlands. The original name of Fort Dauphin Hill was changed to Riding Mountain. After 150 years of exploiting certain species such as the otter, marten, fisher, and wolverine they have all but disappeared completely.

As early as 1919 a proposal was but forward to establish a national park in eastern Manitoba. In 1929, the Riding Mountain Forest Reserve was set aside as National Park. On May 30 1930, the Forest Reserve became Riding Mountain National Park.
Riding Mountain National Park
• 2,978 square km (297,591 hectares) or 1,150 square miles
• the Manitoba Escarpment rises 427 metres or 1,400 feet above the lowland plains
• the highest point in the park is 756.1 metres or 2,480 feet above sea level
• Clear Lake is the largest covering 25 square kms or 9.5 square miles
• Clear Lake is also the deepest lake dropping to a depth of 34.7 metres or 114 feet
• there are more than 60 species of mammals and 260 species of birds in the park


The visitors center happens to be in the Town of Wasagaming which is a short walk from our campsite.

We were camped on site #3 with full hook-ups. We could even get WiFi from the check-in booth. How great is that. The pathway into town was so quiet and peaceful. 

A Magpie

Clear Lake

Clear Lake

Before calling it a day I decided to take a short drive down the causeway. It's getting close to dusk and animals seem to come out at that time. I didn't have to go far. I was rewarded with Momma bear and her three cubs. What a treat.