Home to the desert-like area knows as the Spirit Sands, which is a 4-square km tract of sand dunes that rise above the prairie that surrounds them, Spruce Woods Provincial Park in Manitoba offers gorgeous scenery along with plenty of recreation opportunity.
There is quite a bit to see at the park. Take the pincushion cactus, for example. Keep your eyes out for the hognose snake and the northern prairie skink and explore the Devil’s Punch Bowl, which is a blue-green oasis that includes spruce trees and a spring-fed pond. During your visit you can enjoy rolling hills of prairie with white spruce and deciduous forests.
The park offers more than just beautiful surroundings. You will find plenty to do during your visit; hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing and snowshoeing. You will even have the opportunity to explore the park while taking a ride in a horse-drawn covered wagon. Modern campgrounds are available within Spruce Woods Provincial Park and there are also opportunities for equestrian camping.
Looking for an opportunity to relax and enjoy nature? Look no further than Spruce Woods Provincial Park, a perfect place for your next RV adventure!
Spruce Woods Provincial Park is located 180 km (111.84 km) from Winnipeg. You can take Rte 42-S from Winnipeg for 4.1 km (2.54 miles), turning right onto McGillivray Blvd/Rte 155 W. Take Rte 155 W for 14 km (8.69 miles) continuing onto Hwy 3/MB-3 W for 1 km (.62 km). You will then make a slight right, following the signs for Treherne. Then, continue straight onto MB-2 W, proceeding for 146 km (90.72 miles) before turning right onto MB-5 N. After driving for 11.4 km (7.08 miles) you will arrive at the park.
Parking is available throughout Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Public transportation is not available to Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
Spruce Woods Provincial park is the home of Kiche Manitou campground, a large campground that offers a number of campsites, both with basic and with electric hook-ups. Campsites at the campground can accommodate equipment of all sizes, with each site offering a fire pit and picnic table. With sites located near Kiche Manitou Lake as well as the Assiniboine River, you will have easy access to the water from your campsite. Restrooms are available at the campground, as well as pay showers. Firewood is available at the campground so that you can keep warm and enjoy a treat of S’mores. Kiche Manitou Campground also offers group and family use sites; 21 of the sites include electric hook-ups and there are six basic group use sites. The campground is a perfect home base to explore all that the park has to offer!
Planning to canoe down the historic Assiniboine River? You can plan an overnight canoeing adventure when visiting Spruce Woods Provincial Park, spending the night at Canoe Campground #1 or Canoe Campground #2. Canoe Campground #1 is located 1 km (.62 miles) east and 1 km (.62 miles) north of Kiche Manitou Campground, while Canoe Campground #2 can be found 13 km (8.07 miles) north of Cypress River. Enjoy the beauty of the park from your quiet campsite as you rest up for another day on the river!
Looking to have an overnight adventure on horseback while visiting Spruce Woods Provincial Park? Fortunately, equestrian camping is available within the park. There are electrical and non electrical sites available that can be found by following the equestrian signs east from Kiche Manitou Day Use Area. Sites include fire pits and firewood is provided. A barn is available with multiple pens and standing stalls inside so that your horse can be comfortable while you pitch your tent and relax, enjoying the amazing surroundings. There are even showers available so that you can clean up! Campsites are first come first serve.
Spruce Woods Provincial Park includes a winter recreation area that offers a variety of things to do during the cooler months of the year. There is an outdoor, lighted skating oval, a full-size hockey rink and even jam pail curling. Enjoy gliding along the ice while taking in the beauty of the park. Right near the recreation area are two toboggan hills; bring along your sled and get your adrenaline pumping as you cruise down the hills. With so many opportunities for fun in one place, the park is an ideal destination for a winter vacation!
It turns out that Spruce Woods Provincial Park is a great place to bring your cross-country skis. With 51 km (31.68 miles) of trails in the park groomed for the activity, you will appreciate smooth travels as you explore the park on skis. There are three different trail networks for you to explore; Epinette, Seton and Yellow Quill. Backcountry trails are available and if you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can embark on an overnight adventure on the Epinette network that offers a backcountry cabin at the farthest point from the trailhead. You can get a great workout on skis while taking in the beauty of the park during the winter.
Just because the weather is cold and there is snow on the ground does not mean you can’t have an amazing experience at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. In fact, winter is an excellent time to visit the park to go snowmobiling. Enjoy an exhilarating ride while taking in the park’s winter scenery. Snowmobile trails in the park go one way to ensure each rider’s safety. Speaking of safety, be sure to use caution at the river crossing during late fall and winter as the condition of the ice may not be safe. The park’s trails are designated SnoFund Trails, so make sure the snowmobile you are driving has a valid SnoPass.
Looking for a unique experience while visiting Spruce Woods Provincial Park that will allow you to take in the beautiful and unique scenery? The park includes horseback riding trails for those who prefer to explore while on a horse. A guide to these trails is available at the park offices and staging areas are located at the equestrian campground, which is located 9km (5.59 miles) east of Kiche Manitou campground and at Canoe Campground #2. Camping is also possible for trips by horseback lasting more than one day. Reservations are required for equestrian camping and the campground offers corrals, water, firepits, fuelwood and primitive toilets.
Spruce Woods happens to be on the historic Assiniboine River canoe route. The route begins in Brandon and ends on PTH 34, north of Holland and the park offers boat rentals. You can choose to explore the river by canoe for an hour or so or even make it an overnight adventure; you can camp at Canoe Campground #1, which is 1 km (.62 miles) east and 1 km (.62 miles) north of Kiche Manitou campground, as well as Canoe Campground #2, which is 13 km (8 miles) north of Cypress River. Pick up a copy of the Assiniboine River Canoe Route Map, which is sold at the park’s bookshop and experience the park from the perspective of the river!
Spruce Woods Provincial Park offers some excellent hiking opportunities, including hiking trails perfect for day hikes, as well as the Newfoundland Trail, which is ideal for an overnight adventure in the park. Also running through the park is the Trans Canada Trail, which is a part of the Epinette Creek Trail System; a visit to Spruce Woods Provincial Park means you can hike a section of the popular trail. During your hike, you can explore the wilderness that the park has to offer. Spirit Sands, also known as the Carberry Sandhills, are the home for many rare plants and animals. Cycling along the park’s trails is also a great way to spend the day and explore what the park offers.
