PROVINCIAL PARK CLOSURES AND FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT

Eastern Manitoba is experiencing extreme wildfire activity. Several eastern region provincial parks are closed due to out-of-control wildfires including Nopiming and areas within Whiteshell provincial parks.

Manitoba Parks is working closely with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Conservation Officer Service and other partners continuously evaluating the situation. Phased re-opening approaches will be implemented as conditions improve.

Manitobans are urged to carefully consider their plans for outdoor activities, avoid closed areas and follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.


Important News and Program Updates

Updated May 21, 2025

PARKS CLOSED DUE TO WILDFIRE: Manigotagan River, Nopiming, Pinawa Dam, Poplar Bay, South Atikaki, Wallace Lake, and areas in Whiteshell.

Whiteshell Provincial Park: Closure Area Updated May 21, 2025
While the wildfire along the Ontario border and inside the park remains out-of-control, the Manitoba Wildfire Service is advising of progress being made that will permit a phased reopening of select areas along the western and southern lakes in the park that are a safe distance away from the wildfire.  Permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators will be welcome to return first, while campgrounds will remain closed to limit traffic volumes as staff resources are committed to the wildfire response. 

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, Provincial Road (PR) 307 reopened for local traffic from Seven Sisters east to Betula Lake. Traffic is restricted to the following areas: Sylvia Lake, Eleanor Lake, Dorothy Lake, Otter Falls, Barrier Bay, Nutimik Lake, and Betula Lake.  Access to these lakes is only through Seven Sisters, as PR 307 remains closed at Rennie to Betula Lake.

Falcon Lake and Barren Lake will also reopen to local traffic.

All seasonal and nightly campsites across the Whiteshell remain closed.  Campsite reservations have been cancelled up to and including May 29 including Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk, and White Lake. Campground closures may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves.  The Parks Reservation Service will contact all affected reservation holders and refunds will be issued. Seasonal campers will be contacted when it is safe to return and pro-rated refunds will be issued for the length of the closure.

All hiking trails and water routes remain closed and all backcountry travel is prohibited.  A full fire ban also remains in effect.

Nopiming Provincial Park: Park is closed and evacuation orders remain in place.  The wildfire remains out of control and has burned a large area of the park.  The closure includes all public and private developed areas including cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group use, day use and all recreational areas including trails, beaches, backcountry areas, canoe routes and campsites. 

Camping reservations have been cancelled until May 30 including Bird Lake, Beresford Lake, Black Lake, Shoe Lake, and Tulabi Falls. Campground closures may be extended.  The Parks Reservation Service will contact all affected reservation holders and refunds will be issued. Seasonal campers will be contacted when it is safe to return and pro-rated refunds will be issued for the length of the closure.

The state of local emergency for Nopiming and Whiteshell provincial parks remains in place.  Manitoba Parks is continuously evaluating the situation alongside the Manitoba Wildfire Service and will continue to reopen additional areas as conditions improve.

Additional Information:

Fire Restrictions and Closures

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