Whirlpool Lake area of Riding Mountain National Park is open for public use this summer. Parks Canada has monitored the lake diligently over the last year and all the test results over that period have come back negative for the presence of zebra mussels (eDNA, veligers, mussels).
As a result, Parks Canada has deemed the area available for public use. The campground is now open for self-registration. The water levels are low due to a combination of the following factors: the management of the lake depth to minimize the risk area identified by eDNA test results, to optimize the ability to effectively monitor the lake, and due to very little precipitation during the summer of 2018. Safe access to the water for paddling will be made available as the season unfolds.
All users of park waters must remain vigilant and ensure they take appropriate action by having all watercraft (including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and flotation devices) inspected through Parks Canada’s mandatory inspection for aquatic invasive species. The service is free of charge and watercraft passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada watercraft inspectors.
Parks Canada is committed to the protection of healthy aquatic ecosystems in Canada’s national parks and will continue to monitor and test Whirlpool Lake for aquatic invasive species in Riding Mountain National Park.
For more information, visit our Boating and Paddling webpage at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mb/riding/visit/moto-boat
