Pets now welcome at cabins, yurts in Manitoba provincial parks

The dog days of summer are taking on new meaning this camping season in Manitoba.

Dogs and cats will be allowed at no extra charge in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts in several provincial parks, while dog-friendly swimming and off-leash areas will also be provided,Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced on Wednesday.

Yellow Quill Provincial Park in Portage la Prairie has been established as an off-leash dog area, while 17 other parks, such as Winnipeg Beach and Hecla Island, have special dog-friendly swimming areas.

Pet-friendly cabins are located at:

• Hecla: 5cabins.
• Camp Morton: 4cabins.

Pet-friendly yurts are availableat:

• Camp Morton:2.
• Stephenfield: 2.
• Nutimik: 4.
• Asessippi: 2.
• Spruce Woods: 4.
• Childs Lake: 2.
• Bakers Narrows: 2.
• Campers Cove: 2.

Pet owners are reminded to keep control of their animals at all times and to clean up after them or face a fine of$203.80.

Reservations for cabins, yurts, group-use sites and Birds Hill Provincial Park campsites will beginMarch 23. Bookingsfor all other provincial campgrounds begin April 6.