May first marked the opening of Lake Minnewasta Campground registrations. Campground Director Brian Thiessen said those wanting a long weekend site may need to act fast. 

"The starting bookings of the season have been really good. The usuals are filling up our long weekend is almost full. July-long has one site left, technically, and then as the calls keep coming in, we'll just keep plugging people in as they are."  

Thiessen says things seem to be slowly returning to the way they were, although he is still seeing people book for the season, like they did during the pandemic, but not as much as before.  

"I don't know if we really call this post-COVID or not, but we see people calling in from outside of the province looking to book campsites, which is a little bit more pre-COVID because people are actually able to travel, which is kind of a nice thing. That's one of the great things about working at the campground is getting to meet people from outside of your normal area and sharing stories with them and telling them about all the great things that the Pembina Valley has to offer." 

He shared what people can look forward to at the lake this summer.  

"I think the highlight is going to be we have water. I think that's a great thing. I mean, although having so much beach last year was kind of fun as a novelty, having water is crucial to enjoy lake life. Splish Splash is back this coming year, so we're excited that that's happening, swimming lessons are happening again, and there arealready plans to make Canada Day much like what we're used to with fireworks."  

Thiessen is looking forward to seeing people enjoy their time at the lake. 

"Sometimes it's as simple as seeing a couple sitting under their awning on their lawn chairs, reading a book, in the sunshine, just enjoying the quiet. It can also be the whole family all packaged up in wagons, carts, and lawn chairs, and the giggles and the laughter and the screeches, as they're making their way down to the beach. All of that, from one end of the spectrum to the other, is what I see when I'm up there all summer, and it's wonderful."  

For more information on campsite bookings, day and season passes and recreational resources and opportunities you can find it here on the City of Morden website.