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Turtle Mountain Provincial Park: Manitoba's Southwestern Oasis

Discover Manitoba's southwestern gem: a natural playground with forests, lakes, trails, and abundant wildlife in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.

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Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, located in southwestern Manitoba, offers a unique blend of deciduous forests, rolling hills, and over 200 lakes and wetlands. This 186-square-kilometer park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a rich history and diverse recreational activities. From hiking and biking to fishing and canoeing, the park provides a natural escape with stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

A brief summary to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

Local tips

  • Explore the Turtle's Back Tower trail for panoramic views of the park and surrounding farmlands.
  • Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially to spot the park's namesake, the western painted turtle.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic picnic areas located throughout the park.
  • Check trail conditions before heading out, especially during winter months, as some trails may be groomed for specific activities.
  • Be aware that Snopasses are required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the park.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Boissevain, head south on Highway 10 for approximately 15 kilometers. The entrance to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park will be on your left. Parking is available in the campground areas near the larger lakes. There are no park entry fees in 2025. Be aware that some smaller lakes and ponds are accessible only by foot, bike, or cross-country skis from the many trails within the park. There are no toll roads on the final approach.

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Discover more about Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, established in 1961, is a natural oasis rising 245 meters above the surrounding prairies in southwestern Manitoba. The park's unique topography, characterized by rolling hills and numerous water-filled depressions, is a result of irregular glacial melting. As the first dry land to appear after the glacial period, the area holds historical significance as the oldest inhabited part of the province. The park's diverse landscape features a large block of deciduous forest with aspen, Manitoba maple, elm, black poplar, ash, and birch trees. This creates a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, beavers, raccoons, waterfowl, songbirds, and the park's namesake, the western painted turtle. The shallow lakes and wetlands provide ideal conditions for turtles and fish, while also serving as a stopover for migrating waterfowl. Visitors can explore the park's extensive trail system, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The 19-kilometer canoe route, linking Oskar, Max, and James Lakes, offers a scenic backcountry experience. Fishing is a popular activity on the park's stocked and unstocked lakes. In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground with groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Historically, the area was used by nomadic hunters following the last ice age and later by Métis from the Red River Colony for annual hunting trips. Today, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park continues to be a place for recreation and appreciation of the natural environment.

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