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THE BRANDON SUN • LAKE LIFE • SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023
Diverse landscapes and stunning vistas create an unforgettable hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. (Shane Robins) Hiking in Riding Mountain National Park
BY JILLIAN AUSTIN
Friends of RMNP for the past 24 years. It is a non-profit organization that operates year-round, offering edu- cational and research pro- grams, summer camps and special events. Every year outdoor enthu- siasts flock to the national park to explore all it has to offer. “Hiking is a very popular activity and … there’s plenty of space for all users,” said Jennifer Gustafson, RMNP visitor experience product development officer. Trails can be used for day hiking, multi-day hiking, to access the backcountry campsites, wildlife watching, wildlife photography, bird watching, fitness, connect- ing with friends and family, and exploration. Trails can also be used for cycling and horseback riding. “Trails engage visitors and connect them to our place,”
Gustafson said. “Trails are part of the Indigenous com- munity’s history and cul- ture, they protect the envi- ronment by bringing visitors to the right places, inspiring them to protect nature and offering them active trans- portation options.” Gustafson added hiking helps improve mental health as well as physical and social well-being. It is important to do your research before embarking on a hiking trek. Parks Can- ada has a rating system for its trails: Easy (green circle) is suitable for all visitors in- cluding those with no trail experience. There is little or no elevation gain or loss. Hard packed surface with no major obstacles and mini- mal stairs. Estimated time to complete the trail is no lon- ger than two hours. (0-5 km) Gustafson said these trails have a good quality of mark-
ing, parking lots, sometimes benches and bridges. They are usually closer to the townsite and easy to access for park staff if assistance is required. They are inspected on a regular basis. Moderate (blue square) is suitable for most visitors who have some basic trail experience, basic experi- ence in their chosen activity and are generally prepared. Hikers may experience moderate elevation gain with some short steep sec- tions. (0-15 km) Difficult (black diamond) is suitable for visitors who have trail experience, expe- rience in their chosen activ- ity and are prepared. Hikers may experience major ele- vation gain with long steep sections and a variety of ter- rain including wet areas and loose soil. (0-15 km +) » Continued on Page 18
With more than 350 ki- lometres of trails, Riding Mountain National Park’s diverse landscape and stun- ning views are sure to create an unforgettable hiking ex- perience. Whether you are an expe- rienced hiker or just starting out, the park has options ranging from short and easy walks to challenging multi- day hikes. George Hartlen, chief ad- ministrative officer with Friends of RMNP, is an avid hiker and says while the trails all offer a different ex- perience, views and terrain, it all comes back to one thing: “Getting out, con- necting with nature again and just having that experi- ence of having this wonder- ful location in our province to experience and enjoy.” Hartlen has been with
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