On Dec. 10, 2025, Parks Canada posted a bulletin announcing new restrictions on over‑snow vehicles (OSVs) in the northern sector of Riding Mountain National Park near the North Gate, roughly 13–15 km south of Dauphin, Manitoba. Parks Canada says the bulletin tightens winter access for snowmobilers along the park boundary and could affect local businesses that cater to sledders.
According to Parks Canada and the Research Dossier, the directive limits snowmobiling to designated zones along the park boundary and introduces stricter permit requirements for boundary access. Parks Canada indicates these measures typically align with the winter season (Dec. 15–Mar. 31). The agency also notes that park wardens have the authority, under the Canada National Parks Act, to seize vehicles or other articles in cases of non‑compliance.
The changes could disrupt the Dauphin & District Snowmobile Club’s 300+ km trail network, which is maintained in partnership with Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba). It has not yet been confirmed whether the Dec. 10 restricted zones overlap the Parkline Trail or the Edwards Creek loop; the Research Dossier recommends checking the bulletin’s GPS coordinates and maps to determine any specific trail impacts. If those boundary corridors are affected, riders could be forced to use municipal roads instead of scenic boundary routes.
Tourism Dauphin says reduced sledder access threatens hotels, gas stations and restaurants that rely on winter sport tourism. Parks Canada cites protecting elk and moose habitat and preserving the park’s ecological integrity as the rationale for the measures. The move follows Parks Canada’s 2024 suspension of boating on Clear Lake to limit the spread of invasive zebra mussels.
Next steps for reporting: obtain the Dec. 10 bulletin’s restricted‑zone maps or GPS coordinates from Parks Canada to confirm whether named trails (Parkline, Edwards Creek) are within the new restrictions, and seek direct comment from Tourism Dauphin and the Dauphin & District Snowmobile Club.
