Most of the fire and travel restrictions have been lifted as the province received much-needed rain over the May long weekend.

On May 14, 2021, the province announced closures of campgrounds and most of the hiking trails all across Southern Manitoba, including in the Whiteshell Provincial Park and Birds Hill Provincial Park. 

This was due to the extremely dry conditions and wildfires that were blazing through some of the forest area. 

On May 22 the Manitoba government announced, "Conditions have improved across southern Manitoba as a result of recent rainfall and cooler weather.  Most travel and fire restrictions have been removed."

The north interlake and west-central areas of Manitoba remain dry. Therefore those areas do have some restrictions with fires, camping, and hiking trails. 

Level two restrictions are in place for the following provincial parks: Beaver Creek, Hecla/Grindstone, Kettle Stones, Lake St. Andrew, Lake St. George, Primrose, Springwater.

  • No motorized backcountry travel.
  • No backcountry camping permitted. 
  • Campfires must be in approved fire pits. 
  • Landing and launching of watercraft and aircraft restricted to developed shorelines only (docks and shoreline improvements made to safely secure aircraft and boats). 
  • Remote cottage access under approved travel permit only issued at the discretion of the local Conservation Officer.
  • Industry and outfitters should contact their local Conservation and Climate office for more information.

Additional closures include:

  • Black Wolf Trail in Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park.
  • Mantario Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

According to the website, there is still an active wildfire along the western edge of the Whiteshell Provincial Park. From Seven Sisters Falls to Betula Lake, travellers can expect smoke at times depending on wind conditions.

Spruce Woods, Riding Mountain National Park, and Birds Hill are all open once again.