By Katie, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Heading outside is one of the best ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect—but ouradventures can leave a lasting impact on the places we love. That’s where Leave No Trace comes in.
Leave No Trace is a set of simple guidelines that help us explore nature responsibly. From packing out trash to sticking to the trails, these small actions make a big difference in keeping our parks, forests, and wild spaces healthy and beautiful—for wildlife and for future visitors.
Whether you’re going for a hike, having a picnic, or camping under the stars, following these 7 principles of Leave No Trace helps ensure nature stays wild.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before you head out, make sure you have the proper park permit or reservation. Visit the park’s website to find up-to-date information on trails, fire bans, and other important details. The Manitoba Parks Visitors Guide is also a valuable resource to review before your trip.
Travel and Camp in Designated Areas
Whether you’re in a established campground or venturing into the backcountry, always set up camp in designated sites. Staying on marked trails and camping in approved areas keeps our impact small and allows the natural environment to thrive.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out everything you bring in and use the designated waste bins found throughout the parks. Always close bin lids securely to prevent animals from rummaging through the garbage. Leaving anything behind—even food scraps—can harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem.
Leave What You Find
Help preserve the natural beauty of Manitoba’s parks by leaving rocks, plants, wood, and other natural objects where you find them. In places like the Whiteshell, avoid moving rocks near sacred petroforms to respect their cultural and historical significance.
Minimize Fire Impacts
Fire safety is critical. Check fire regulations before your visit and keep fires contained within approved pits. Keep your fire small, never leave it unattended, and fully extinguish it when you’re done by pouring water and stirring the ashes.
Use only local firewood—many campgrounds sell it on-site or in nearby communities—to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Buy locally and burn locally.
Respect Wildlife
Keep anything with a scent—like food, dish soap, toothpaste, garbage, and even citronella candles—securely stored to avoid attracting black bears and other curious critters. Never feed wildlife, as human food can make animals sick and teach them to seek out people instead of their natural diet. Pets must remain leashed, and if you spot a bear, report it to the park office.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Everyone visits parks to enjoy nature, so be mindful of noise levels and shared spaces. In provincial parks, quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. Keep dogs leashed and, if you use a generator, avoid running it all day and never during the night.
Planning ahead, respecting wildlife, and minimizing your impact ensures that Manitoba’s parks remain pristine and welcoming for all. By leaving no trace, we share the responsibility of protecting these beautiful places and safeguarding an outdoor legacy for ourselves and future generations.
Learn More:
Take the pledge to leave no trace, and plant a tree
Dont move firewood from winnipeg! Learn more about the issue here