Riding Mountain Biosphere Region
Traditional Territory of the Keeseekoowenin Ojibway (Treaty 2), Rolling River, Waywayseecappo (Treaty 4) First Nations and Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve
At the heart of the Riding Mountain Biosphere Region lies a forested national park, surrounded by prairie grasslands interspersed with lakes and wetlands. This unique arrangement of ecological landscapes offers a breathtaking mix of habitats and an abundant diversity of species.
Statistics
Country: Canada
Province: Manitoba
Established: 1986
Geographical Features: Boreal Forest, Prairie and Fescue Grasslands, Aspen Parkland, Marshes, Wetlands, and Lakes, Mixed Wood Forests
Best Ways to Explore: Hiking, Running, Paddling, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Geocaching, Kayaking
Best Time to Visit: September - when the leaves are changing colours and the park is quiet
Closest City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Watch this short clip on the Riding Mountain Biosphere
A map of the Riding Mountain Biosphere
Biodiversity Conservation
“Biosphere Reserves were created with the intent to reconcile the relationship between people and the ecosystems in which they live. To recognise that we don’t exist separately from these ecosystems - we are intrinsically linked to them. OECMs are fantastic because they don’t separate people from nature”
Achieving 30% of protected lands by 2030
The Riding Mountain Biosphere Region (RMBR), and every other Biosphere Region (BR) in Canada, have a big task at hand: working to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
At COP15, The Canadian government announced their new initiative to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. In 2022, as part of this initiative, the federal government announced $11m in funding to go to Canadian Biosphere Regions to advance the efforts of this initiative.
The RMBR got straight to work, hiring an OECM project coordinator (Kirsten Harms) and partnering up with Nature Conservancy Canada, Brad Kennedy, to identify potential areas to be protected. These areas would be classified as ‘OECM’s’ or ‘Other Effective area based Conservation Measures’. The name itself doesn’t do well to explain what this is and so we sat down with Kirsten and Brad to understand what OECM’s are and why they’re important for conservation.
A wetland in the Riding Mountain Biosphere
An OECM isn’t strictly for conservation like a protected area. Instead, it’s land used for things like farming or recreation that also happens to protect wildlife and natural ecosystems as a result of its management. It's a way to have sustainable industry and conservation live together. This concept aligns perfectly with the mission of Biosphere Regions—one of the key goals of BR’s is to demonstrate how sustainable development can work in harmony with nature. An OECM embodies this idea by balancing human use with biodiversity conservation.
Within the RMBR, the OECM’s currently in development will encompass rare habitats such as Oak Savannah, Native Prairie, Marsh-type Wetlands, Aspen Forest and Poplar Lakes with recreation being the main use in most cases, offering public access to explore and appreciate these incredible ecosystems.
You can read more about OECM’s and our Interview with Kirsten and Brad in our upcoming blog post. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to get notified when this is released.
Zebra Mussels: Preventing the Spread
Zebra mussels have been wreaking havoc in Canadian waters since the 1980’s and unfortunately were just recently discovered in Clear Lake in the Riding Mountain National Park. Because of this, efforts to prevent the spread into other lakes have been ramped up. The RMBR is working in partnership with the Sandy Lake Water Protection Group to prevent zebra mussel infestation in Sandy Lake, on the western edge of the park.
Zebra mussels are a highly invasive species that cause significant harm to aquatic ecosystems in a short time. They may be small but they are highly destructive, outcompeting native species for food and dramatically altering food webs by consuming critical resources like plankton. Their rapid reproduction allows them to dominate water bodies quickly, often causing irreversible ecological damage.
One of the primary ways zebra mussels spread is by hitching a ride on boats. They attach easily to propellers, hulls, and even within engine compartments, often without boat owners noticing. To protect local waters, Sandy Lake has strict inspection protocols for all boats before they enter the water. Inspectors check for any remaining water in boats, which is a common way zebra mussels are transported.
An invasion of Zebra Mussels
If your boat requires decontamination, you’ll need to Clean, Drain, and Dry it thoroughly at the designated boat decontamination station in Minnedosa.
A video on the impact of Zebra Mussels
Regenerative Tourism
Contribute to Citizen Science
with iNaturalist
Get involved in citizen science and explore nature in a whole new way with iNaturalist! The app lets you record and share your observations of plants, animals, and fungi, contributing to global biodiversity research. Every photo you upload helps scientists track species and monitor ecosystems. It's a fun, interactive way to volunteer for conservation efforts while discovering the natural world around you.
Some of the species we saw in the Riding Mountain Biosphere include: Trembling Aspen, Rough Horsetail, Jerusalem Artichoke, Wood’s Rose, Fireberry Hawthorn, Bur Oak, Ostrich Fern, Broadleaf Cattail, Coral Tooth Fungus, and many other types of fungi!
Follow Biosphere Bathing on iNaturalist to get live updates on species we see in Biosphere Regions across Canada.
Documenting fungi on the Northgate Trails
A Taste of the Riding Mountain Biosphere Region
with the Riding Mountain Biosphere Region
The Riding Mountain Biosphere Region hosts many events through-out the year, some in partnership with Friends of Riding Mountain. The most prominent event is their ‘At the Farm Gate’ market which happens twice yearly, in May and September. With the goal of building a stronger rural community, the At the Farm Gate market connects visitors and locals to the heart of the region’s rural economy, showcasing an array of local products from small family farms and talented artisans.
Visitors can find farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed and free-range meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, baked goods, and more—all grown or crafted with care in the region. Through events like ‘At the Farm Gate,’ the region celebrates its agricultural roots and inspires people to know their farmers, learn where their food comes from, and support local creators. It’s more than a market; it’s a celebration of community and sustainability.
The next market will be held on Saturday May 17, from 10-3 at the Onanole Recreation Centre.
Attend an Event with Friends of Riding Mountain
Nestled in the heart of Wasagaming, the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park store is a charming spot that offers more than just shopping. This welcoming shop features a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, books, maps, and keepsakes that celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Riding Mountain. It’s a must-visit destination for visitors looking to learn more about the park or bring home a special memento of their trip.
Beyond its retail offerings, the store serves as a hub for outdoor adventure and community activities. You can rent bikes and snowshoes to explore the park’s trails, try your hand at geocaching, or participate in one of their many seasonal events. These events, which change throughout the year, bring the community together and include highlights like Christmas markets, snow adventure weekends, Easter activities, and Halloween scavenger hunts.
Friends of Riding Mountain National Park is more than just a store—it’s a place where visitors can deepen their connection to the park and experience its wonders in new ways, no matter the season. Don’t forget to check their event calendar or chat with the friendly staff for recommendations on making the most of your visit!
Outdoor Recreation
Mountain Biking the Northgate Trails
September is the perfect time of year to mountain bike on the Northgate Trails. As you meander high above the river, surrounded by the stark white bark of trembling aspens, you will be overpowered by the saturated colours around you. The bright greens of the shrubs with just a hint of yellow as the leaves start to change, the vibrant red berries, the smooth blue aster flowers all pass you by as the trail curves this way and that.
The trails have been set up to benefit both beginners and families with small children. I was appreciative of the slight dips and curves that were relatively easy to navigate for a first time mountain biker. The trails are not just for beginners though, there are 26km of trails to explore, with varying degrees of difficulty. After your ride, gather around the large fire pit and make some new friends within the community. There are even micro cabins on location here where you can spend the night. Check it out on the Northgate Trails website.
Mountain Biking the Northgate Trails
Paddle Through the Biosphere
Riding Mountain Biosphere Region is interspersed with many lakes so you can try your hand at any number of watersports! For some peace and serenity, try paddling at Lake Audy, a remote lake on the west side of the park with very little wind and the perfect location to float for the day.
Zebra Mussels, a highly devastating aquatic invasive species, have recently been found in Clear Lake, right in the centre of the park. Because of this, all watercraft now need to be inspected before being placed in the water. This is an easy process, simply take your board down to the inspection station in Wasagaming (call first to book a time) and have it looked over for any evidence of zebra mussels. Once inspected you will receive a certificate which allows you to paddle on any of the lakes (except Clear Lake).
The Trans Canada Trail runs through 10 Biosphere Regions across Canada. Through the Riding Mountain Biosphere you can follow the trail from the town of Sandy Lake to the town of Erikson. Along this route you might be lucky enough to see Trumpeter Swans in any of the wetlands you pass through. As well as a variety of other waterfowl and wetland flora.
The Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, is the longest recreational trail in the world, connecting every province and territory in Canada. Stretching over 28,000 km, it offers a wide variety of landscapes, from urban pathways to wilderness routes. You can take any form of human-powered transport along the trail, from hiking, biking and paddling to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Within the Riding Mountain Biosphere the trail takes the form of a dirt trail and is perfect for either walking or biking, although because of the short distance, it is great for runners.
Trail Running the Trans Canada Trail
Hike the North, East, South, and West Trails of Riding Mountain
With Riding Mountain National Park sitting in the centre of the Biosphere, there are many hiking trails to explore. Each section of the park holds different landscapes and ecosystems - explore them all by hiking the North, East, South and West corners of the park!
At the North end of the park you will find Northgate Trails - a forest made up of trembling aspen and colourful wildflowers. This is also the perfect location for hunting for fungi - particularly in the fall!
On the East side you can hike to the Bald Hill Summit - aptly named as you can see from the photo, it’s made mostly of shale rock, protruding out in the centre of the valley and surrounded by forest. On this hike we saw many signs of beaver activity and were greeted on the trail by a Black Bear! Please keep in mind safety around black bears while hiking.
Explore a unique ecosystem at the Ominnik Marsh at the South end of the park where you may get the chance to see Trumpeter Swans. While walking the boardwalks we were greeted by many curious dragonflies and saw many different types of birds.
On the West side of the park you can hike around Lake Audy where you will have the lake to one side and a mixed wood forest on the other. This is your chance to see wildflowers blooming bison grazing in their natural habitat, creating a truly unforgettable prairie-meets-forest experience.
The Trembling Aspen at Northgate Trails
The 'Bald Hill'
Views of Lake Audy
Ominek Marsh
with Friends of Riding Mountain National Park
Grab a group of friends and learn about the local biodiversity by Geocaching with Friends of Riding Mountain!
Geocaching with the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park is a fun way to combine outdoor adventure with education about local biodiversity. Through their geocaching program, you can follow GPS coordinates to discover hidden caches while exploring the stunning landscapes of Riding Mountain. Each cache is thoughtfully placed to highlight unique ecological features or points of interest, making the activity both fun and informative.
Geocaching around Wasagaming
Geocaching in Riding Mountain
Participants will learn about the region's flora, fauna, and ecosystems, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse wildlife and natural habitats within the park. It's an engaging way for all ages to connect with nature, blending problem-solving and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned geocacher or new to the activity, this experience is a memorable way to enjoy the outdoors and expand your understanding of the park's rich biodiversity.
For more details on their programs and to start your adventure, visit the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park website.
Discover a new way to explore
Make a meaningful contribution next time you travel by participating in local volunteer activities such as:
Documenting species in iNaturalist
Attending the ‘At the Farm Gate’ Market with Riding Mountain Biosphere
Attend a seasonal event with Friends of Riding Mountain
Can’t travel right now but still want to contribute? Consider donating to any of the above organisations to support their ongoing work!
We hope you feel inspired to visit the Riding Mountain Biosphere!
Already been to the Riding Mountain Biosphere? Tag us in your photos on Instagram @biospherebathing for a chance to be featured!
