Driving From Winnipeg to Elkhorn Resort

On a sunny July weekend, my friend and I made the drive from Winnipeg to Onanole, for a relaxing and restful getaway near Riding Mountain National Park at Elkhorn Resort. The resort is about a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Wasagaming, the main townsite on the shores of Clear Lake, complete with boutique shops, restaurants and rentals for exploring on the water.

When we arrived at the resort, the front desk team was incredibly helpful. They welcomed us, shared our check-in information and gave us a property map with directions to our chalet, which was located a short walk from the main resort and tucked against a picturesque backdrop of towering trees.

During our check-in, I noticed the monthly activity calendar displayed near the front desk was full of ideas and events planned for the summer, including a mix of resort activities, kids’ programming, live music and other events, along with Tiki Bar hours. Activities can change throughout the season, so it is worth checking the calendar when you arrive to make the most of your visit.

Settle Into Your Chalet

Our chalet was the part of the weekend I was most excited to see, and the exterior made a strong first impression! Dark finishes, a modern design and large windows gave it a polished look while still fitting naturally into the surrounding forest.

Inside, the mix of brown and black finishes made the space feel warm rather than stark. The large windows brought plenty of light into the living room and there was enough space that I could easily picture the chalet working well for a family or group of friends.

The kitchen was fully equipped with cookware, dishes, cutlery and a full-sized fridge, so you can bring groceries and prepare meals instead of eating out for every meal. There were three stools at the kitchen counter, a large dining table and plenty of seating in the living room.

The chalet was also stocked with some of the practical things that make a longer stay easier, including towels, toiletries, extra pillows and blankets, plus a washer and dryer. But the feature that got the biggest reaction from me and my friend was outside.

A private hot tub on the deck behind the chalet, alongside an outdoor dining area, extra chairs and a barbecue. That setup gives you another place to spend time together when the weather cooperates, whether you are having dinner outside or winding down in the hot tub at the end of the day.

Once we had unpacked, the chalet quickly became our home base for the weekend.

Dinner at Housekeeping, Elkhorn Resort’s Hidden Speakeasy

Housekeeping was one of the most unexpected experiences of our stay.

The speakeasy-style cocktail bar starts with the hidden entrance experience. During our visit, we opened a door marked with a housekeeping sign and were first met with cleaning equipment, including a broom and other supplies. For a moment, it genuinely looked like we had gone through the wrong door.

Then, when we opened the curtains, we were greeted with a completely different space.

Rich green finishes, warm lighting and a fireplace gave Housekeeping an intimate feel, while the room still had enough energy to feel social. People were chatting between tables and laughing, but it never became so loud that we couldn't enjoy our own conversation.

Our bartender added to the experience. He was welcoming from the moment we arrived and seemed genuinely happy to have people there.

We shared the Korean chicken wings, seafood skewers and wagyu beef dumplings, along with a Cucumber Citrus Fizz and Blackberry Ginger Smash from the zero-proof drink menu.

After dinner, we moved closer to the fireplace and lingered a little longer before heading back to our chalet. If Housekeeping is open during your visit, give yourself enough time to enjoy the room rather than treating it as a quick dinner stop.

A Slow Morning at Klar So Nordic Spa

The next morning, we visited Klar So Nordic Spa, and when I say this spa morning was needed, I mean it.

The calming atmosphere started as soon as we entered. The scent, music and quiet surroundings made me feel as though I could leave all my worries at the door.

Klar So Nordic Spa is an adults-only facility built around the Nordic thermal cycle of heat, cool and rest. Its amenities include a steam sauna, dry sauna, two hot tubs, a temperate pool, a cold plunge, outdoor seating areas, fireplaces and a relaxation pavilion.

We began in the relaxation pavilion. Tea and books were available, so my friend and I each picked a book, made a warm drink and settled onto the heated loungers.

It was such a simple part of the experience, but also one of my favourites. We didn't feel the need to rush into the next activity. We could sit quietly, read and let the morning unfold at its own pace.

From there, we explored the aroma steam sauna. The scent of lavender and eucalyptus met me as soon as I entered, and I felt an immediate sense of calm. There was also a self-serve body scrub area with showers available. My friend tried the scrub before we spent time decompressing in the steam.

After, we visited the dry sauna and explored the pool areas. My friend entered the water without hesitation. I started by dipping in one leg and testing the temperature before deciding how brave I wanted to be.

Even though I didn’t finish every part of the hot-cold cycle, the spa allowed us to choose our own pace, and I left feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Lunch at the Spa Bistro

We stayed inside Klar So for lunch at the spa bistro. I ordered a chicken flatbread, while my friend chose the burger. We enjoyed two mocktails and continued our slow morning without having to change or leave the spa.

The bistro was a convenient part of the experience because Klar So doesn't permit re-entry once you leave. Visitors can remain for as long as they would like during their visit, but a spa pass is only valid for one entry.

Klar So also has a separate treatment area offering services such as massage therapy, hand and foot care and facial treatments. We didn’t book treatments during this trip, which gives me a good reason to return.

There is also a gift shop near the spa entrance. Outdoor footwear is required in the Nordic spa, so bring suitable sandals or slippers. Some are available to purchase if you forget yours.

Build in Some Downtime at the Chalet

After a relaxing morning at the spa and lunch at the bistro, we were happy to keep the rest of the day low-key. I grabbed one of the extra blankets, settled onto the couch with my book and enjoyed some downtime in the chalet.

While looking through the Elkhorn Resort guestbook, we discovered that board games were available to borrow from the front desk. The selection included Clue, Guess Who, Monopoly, Scrabble, Scattergories, Battleship, Cranium, Connect Four and Trivial Pursuit, along with cards and jigsaw puzzles. We chose Connect Four and Trivial Pursuit, then made a quick grocery run for snacks and a few things for an evening of games and movies.

Once we were back at the chalet, we put the groceries away and started with a few rounds of games. Having the full kitchen made it easy to bring everything back, make ourselves comfortable and stay in for the rest of the night.

Before settling in for a movie, we decided to stretch our legs and headed outside to explore more of the resort grounds. We found shared seating areas and communal firepits tucked among the trees, with families enjoying them late into the evening. If you plan to spend time outside in summer, I would pack bug spray, sunscreen, comfortable footwear and after-bite gel.

The resort’s location next to Riding Mountain National Park also means wildlife is part of the surroundings. I spotted a black bear while driving through the park during our trip, which was an exciting reminder that this is bear country. Remember to give wildlife plenty of space and follow Parks Canada guidelines when exploring the area. Back at the chalet, we finished the evening with snacks and a movie on the large TV in the living room.

Breakfast in Wasagaming

The next morning, we drove into Wasagaming for breakfast at Whitehouse Bakery & Restaurant, a popular spot known for their cinnamon buns and pastries.

Whitehouse operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is often busy during the summer with lineups out the door. The restaurant is open seasonally, usually from early May until late September.

I ordered a chicken panini, while my friend chose a turkey panini. She took one bite, paused and said, “Whoa.” That reaction summed it up. The food was delicious, filling and one of the highlights of our trip.

We also ordered a tray of cinnamon buns to go. The bakery offers several varieties and buns are available at the bakery counter while quantities last.

Exploring Clear Lake

After breakfast, we spent some time in Clear Lake. We visited the marina and watched the boats while taking in the breeze coming off the water. There was no complicated itinerary. We simply wandered and let ourselves take in the beautiful views.

We eventually made our way toward The Boardwalk and stopped for ice cream. Sitting near the lake with dessert felt like the right way to finish our time in town.

One Last E-Bike Ride

When we returned to Elkhorn Resort, we decided to rent e-bikes for one last adventure. The resort offers e-bike rentals through the front desk for two-hour, three-hour and 24-hour periods.

You can use the bikes to explore beyond the immediate property, but we kept our ride around the resort. We followed the roads, looked at more of the grounds and enjoyed one last breath of fresh air before heading indoors.

By then, we were nearing the end of the trip. Riding around the property gave us a chance to take everything in one more time instead of immediately packing the car and leaving.

Our weekend was well spent eating good food, reading, talking, relaxing at the spa and exploring Clear Lake.

Tips for Planning a Weekend at Elkhorn Resort

A few things helped make our stay more comfortable:

• Allow close to three hours for the drive from Winnipeg.
• Check your chalet’s listed amenities before packing.
• Reserve your Klar So Nordic Spa passes or treatments in advance.
• Bring sandals or suitable outdoor footwear for the Nordic spa.
• Remember that Klar So is an adults-only facility and does not allow re-entry.
• Check whether Housekeeping will be open during your stay.
• Arrive early at Whitehouse Bakery, especially on busy summer mornings.
• Bring bug spray, after-bite gel, sunscreen and comfortable footwear.
• Follow Parks Canada guidance and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Plan Your Elkhorn Resort Getaway

I arrived hoping for a relaxing weekend, but it was the smaller moments that stayed with me: drinking tea with a book at the spa, watching my friend react to her first bite of panini at Whitehouse, laughing over dinner at Housekeeping and taking one last e-bike ride before heading home.

Elkhorn Resort gave us room to unwind without making us choose between staying in or exploring. We could spend the morning at the spa, the afternoon in Wasagaming and the evening tucked into our chalet.

Choose the accommodation that works for your group, reserve time at Klar So Nordic Spa and leave room in your itinerary for an unhurried visit to Clear Lake.