Manitoba Government Announces Free Provincial Park Access and Recreational Fishing, June 12 Through June 14

Press Release

June 8, 2026

From June 12 through June 14, Manitobans can visit provincial parks for free and fish without a licence, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes and Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie announced today.

“Making life more affordable for families is a priority for our government, and free park entry and licence‑free fishing are simple ways we can help Manitobans enjoy time together without added costs,” said Moyes. “We want every family to be able to experience the beauty and adventure our parks offer.”

Vehicle permits are not required to visit provincial parks the weekend of June 12 through June 14, but regular camping fees will still apply at provincial campgrounds.

“Manitoba’s world-class provincial parks offer unique opportunities to experience stunning nature, uncover stories of the land and deepen your understanding of our province’s natural and cultural history,” said Moyes. “Come embark on a journey of discovery this weekend.”

Park interpreters lead guided hikes, living history demonstrations, kayak outings, historic site tours, special events, campfire talks and more at select parks throughout the summer. As part of Family Fishing Weekend, visitors can also experience the Whiteshell Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 13, where Manitoba Parks and Manitoba Fisheries are offering free tours. Operating since 1942, the hatchery supports recreational angling across Manitoba by raising and stocking a variety of fish species. Visitors will discover how fish are raised and stocked across the province, see over half a million trout in action and take part in releasing 250 trout into the Whiteshell River.

For information on visiting the Whiteshell Fish Hatchery and interpretive programming in provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Visitors are encouraged to check the Manitoba Parks website for the latest provincial park conditions as there may be temporary closures or advisories. Campers should also check for the latest fire restrictions and only make fires in approved pits, the minister noted.

Anglers can fish without a licence provincewide June 12 through June 14, except for national parks where a federal licence is still required.

“Recreational fishing is a wonderful way for families and friends to come together and enjoy our great outdoors,” said Bushie. “I invite everyone to enjoy the many benefits that a day of fishing in Manitoba has to offer.”

All other angling regulations, including possession limits and size restrictions, still apply. For more information, refer to the 2026 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide, available at https://www.manitoba.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/fish/angling-guide.pdf.

Manitobans are reminded to remain vigilant and do their part to protect the province’s water bodies from aquatic invasive species (AIS). To prevent the spread of AIS, all water users leaving a Manitoba AIS Control Zone must decontaminate and are required to clean, drain and dry watercraft and water-related equipment when removing them from a waterbody.

For more information on how to stop the spread of AIS, visit www.manitoba.ca/stopais/spread/index.html.

Manitoba Wildfire Services reminds everyone to enjoy this weekend with fire prevention in mind. To do your part, remember to:

Keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions.
Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes.
Do not burn if it is windy, as wind can blow embers and ash.
If operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), use only designated trails in provincial parks and regularly check for debris in areas around the engine and exhaust system, disposing of any materials safely.
Prevent sparks by checking and maintaining all equipment, including vehicle tires, trailers and off-road vehicles, and any other equipment traveling along roadways. Also check safety chains on trailers and make sure they are well off the ground before driving.
Be prepared to safely extinguish small fires by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel when travelling in the backcountry.

For more information, visit www.firesmartcanada.ca.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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