Camping experience with Indigenous touch: Turtle Village in Manitoba's Riding Mountain National Park

Turtle Village is a new and unique camping experience with an Indigenous touch in the heart of Wasagaming Campground in Riding Mountain National Park. The name Turtle Village is inspired by the idea that a turtle always carries its home on its back. The Turtle Shell units are weatherproof indestructible accommodations in tiny home style that have little impact on the environment while allowing visitors to have the comforts of home. The cozy units keep guests safe from the year-round weather as well as safe and secure from wildlife.

To reduce environmental impact and consume less energy, Turtle Village was built with quality materials that require less maintenance and repairs for the long term. Building material waste related to the exterior shell, like the pre-engineered metal panel system for exterior walls, roof, and floor was also minimal. The Turtle Shell units are slightly elevated off the ground and 100% self-contained, each with its own electrical and heating.

Each of the eight Turtle Shell units sleeps two people and offers an off-grid experience using solar panels and a battery bank as the power source for interior lighting and charging devices. Each site has a private plot surrounded by beautiful wilderness as well as a complimentary bench and fire pit for cooking. Parks Canada’s washrooms with hot showers and kitchen shelters – both heated year-round – are nearby. The units are open year-round and heated by a propane heater when needed.

Turtle Village is the first-of-its-kind, Indigenous-owned and operated tourist accommodation within Treaty 2 Territory, which includes Riding Mountain National Park and the seven Anishinaabe First Nations surrounding the park. Turtle Village is a 5-minute walk to Clear Lake Beach and restaurants and shops in Wasagaming.

Whether visitors of Riding Mountain National Park are staying with Turtle Village or not, they can book Indigenous experiences as an add-on. In a guided storytelling program, for instance, participants can explore the deep cultural ties of The Fearless Falcon Bloodline to Clear Lake while enjoying traditional fire-roasted Bannock and tea.