Description: Together, Manitoba’s provincial parks form the provincial park system. The purposes of this system are defined in The Provincial Parks Act. The system is intended to: a) conserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity b) preserve unique and representative natural, cultural and heritage resources c) provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities and experiences in a natural setting.All provincial parks in Manitoba are classified according to the purpose and management of the park. There are five classifications defined under The Provincial Parks Act.WILDERNESS PARKSWilderness parks contribute to the provincial network of protected areas by preserving representative areas of an ecoregion. Discussions with and support from local communities are crucial in the establishment of new wilderness parks and in ensuring that these remote areas continue to be protected into the future.NATURAL PARKSThe main purpose of a natural park is both to preserve areas of an ecoregion and to accommodate a diversity of recreational opportunities and resource uses. Natural parks minimize land available for resource extraction and, to the greatest extent possible, contribute to the provincial network of protected areas and provide outdoor recreational and educational experiences in a natural setting.INDIGENOUS TRADITIONAL USE PARKSThe main purpose of an Indigenous traditional use park is to preserve land that has been traditionally used by Indigenous Peoples and that is significant to Indigenous Peoples because of its natural features or cultural importance. The establishment of new Indigenous traditional use parks is based upon proposals put forward by Indigenous Peoples and the significance of these sites as traditional use areas. RECREATION PARKS Recreation parks provide outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural setting. The establishment of new recreation parks is based on an assessment of recreational needs, economic viability and existing community services. HERITAGE PARKS Heritage parks preserve unique and representative cultural and heritage resources of outstanding provincial significance. Partnerships with heritage groups and communities are essential to the creation of heritage parks.The Manitoba Provincial Parks (outline) digital boundary layer was first created in 1997. The boundaries of this layer are delineated using best available maps, data, and Director of Survey Plans. However, this layer is not to be used as a legal definition. Please obtain a Director of Surveys plan from GeoManitoba, Director of Surveys Office for defining legal boundaries.The Manitoba Parks dataset is current to June 16, 2017. There are 92 parks and one park reserve.
Copyright Text: Parks and Protected Spaces Branch, Manitoba Sustainable Development June 2017.