Fire & Travel Restrictions

Return to Parks home page

Updated: June 6, 2025


A Provincial State of Emergency has been declared due to high wildfire danger and ongoing human-caused wildfires across Manitoba.  Fire bans and backcountry travel restrictions are in effect in all provincial parks.


Park Closures

PARKS CLOSED DUE TO WILDFIRE: Bakers Narrows, Grass River, Manigotagan River, Nopiming, South Atikaki, Wallace Lake, Wekusko Falls. Partial closures in Whiteshell.

Check the Manitoba Parks homepage manitobaparks.com for updates on closure areas.

Campfire Restrictions

Campfires are prohibited at all times in all provincial parks.  A full burn ban is in effect.

  • The burning use of solid fuels is prohibited (including charcoal briquettes and wood pellets).
  • Gas appliances are permitted (such as propane barbeques, fire bowls, stoves).

Travel Restrictions

Backcountry travel is prohibited in all provincial parks without a travel permit.

  • All hiking trails and water routes are closed.
  • All watercraft (canoes, kayaks, boats) are restricted to developed front-country lakes only (road accessible) and landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only.  No travel or portaging to backcountry lakes permitted.  Shore lunches are prohibited.
  • Travel permits are required for remote cottage access, commercial and lodge/outfitter operations, and industrial operations.  Conditions may apply.  For travel permit information call 204-345-1489.  Travel permits will not be issued for public access to hiking trails or water routes.

Additional Advisories/Closures:

Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited in provincial parks.

The use of drones near wildfires is prohibited by Transport Canada and is subject to fines and jail. Drones can interfere with aircraft working on the emergency response and a collision could have serious consequences or even lead to a crash. Water bombers and helicopters are unable to work on a wildfire if a drone or other aircraft is in the area, which could put firefighters on the ground at risk without air support.

What is Backcountry? Backcountry refers to any area within a provincial park that is less developed, not regularly maintained or actively supervised. It includes trails (regardless of length or duration), water routes (canoe routes), and off-trail areas.

When backcountry travel is prohibited, only front-country areas remain open. These are developed zones with maintained road access, such as supervised campgrounds, designated beaches, picnic areas, townsites, and cottage subdivisions. Some walking paths within these developed areas may remain open; however, any trails that extend beyond them into the backcountry are closed for both day use and overnight travel. Signs will be posted at areas that are closed. Always respect closures, never hike or travel on closed trails.

For restriction information outside of provincial parks, please see Provincial Fire & Travel Restrictions.


Report Wildfires
1-800-782-0076


More Information: