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Your First Trip to Riding Mountain: 10 Places to Check Out
Many people know Riding Mountain Park for it’s great camping, gorgeous hikes, stunning lakes, watchable wildlife and breathtaking views. But today, we’re going to dig a little deeper and share some of those gems only most locals know about. And the best part, a lot of what you’ll find is within walking distance of the Wasagaming townsite.
1. Deep Bay
Deep Bay is an easy stop just a short distance from downtown Wasagaming. In fall, the shoreline takes on a quieter feel as the colours change around Clear Lake. As the name suggests, the water drops off quickly from shallow shoreline to much deeper water, making it one of the more distinctive spots to see in the area.
2. Clear Lake Golf Course Boat Launch
Only a five-minute drive from Wasagaming, this is our favourite spot to watch a sunset and do some stargazing. With no lights to get in the way, the sky becomes a blanket of stars come nightfall. To get there, head towards the entrance of the Clear Lake Golf Course and look to your left hand side where two docks provide the perfect vantage point.
3. Bald Hill
If you’re up for a real challenge, then look no further than Bald Hill. The roughly 11 km return hike to the viewpoint includes steep sections, but the payoff is one of the best views in Riding Mountain National Park.
Take your time on the climb and check current trail conditions before heading out. Once you reach Bald Hill, you’ll understand why this hike has earned its reputation.
4. Clear Lake Boat Cove
During the day, the Clear Lake Boat Cove is packed with boaters out exploring the water. However, the best time to visit the shores of the cove is a few hours after sunset when the northern lights begin to dance. This shore faces due north where you can see the aurora borealis in full effect on clear nights.
5. Klar So Nordic Spa
If slowing down after a day of exploring sounds like your kind of plan, Klar So Nordic Spa is worth adding to the list. Located at Elkhorn Resort, the spa features a Nordic thermal experience where you can move between hot, cold and relaxing spaces at your own pace.
Give yourself a few hours here and embrace doing absolutely nothing for a while. After all, you’re on vacation.
6. The Ominnik Marsh
Take a walk along the paths that make up the marsh, located right outside the large parking lot in town. A variety of fish, birds, floating island, cattails and other wildlife call this peaceful spot home. The marsh makes for a wonderful place to go for an evening stroll, especially while the sun sets. And we have it on good authority that you might even spot a moose while meandering along the floating boardwalk.
7. Crooked Mountain Cabins
This unique cabin destination is almost completely off the grid. A ‘no cellphone service’ kind of off the grid. Yes, they provide free wifi, but if you don’t tell your significant other or family, they probably won’t notice (right away at least.) This spot is so lovely it hurts. Every cabin sports a unique name and interior. Their most popular one even has a mystical personal sauna attached to it. Each cabin also has its own hiking trail for you to explore.
8. Grayling Lake at Sunrise
This little lake is located about 30 minutes from the townsite down highway 10 towards Dauphin. The lake has a picnic table, fire pit, and a dock that faces directly east making it the perfect spot for a breakfast picnic (if you’re the ambitious type).
9. Lake Audy
If you want to trade the busy townsite for something a little quieter, make the drive out to Lake Audy. The area is known for its bison enclosure, peaceful scenery and the kind of wide-open views across the grasslands.
Pack a picnic and keep your camera nearby. You never know what you might spot along the way.
10. Wishing Well
Follow the Lakeshore Trail from Deep Bay and you’ll eventually reach one of Clear Lake’s more charming little stops. The Wishing Well sits among gardens along the shoreline, with lake views and plenty of room to stop for a snack before heading back.
The walk itself is part of the fun, especially if you want something easy that still gets you away from the busier areas.
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About The Author
Hello! My name is Jonah. Born and raised in Winnipeg, I’ve realized there’s still so much of this amazing province I have yet to see. I am on a mission to explore it all, so stay tuned for more stories from my adventures!
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