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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Clear Lake in Summer 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

With measures in place to decrease the spread of zebra mussels, Riding Mountain National Park is still a vibrant hub of activity and adventure.

Dive into our guide on how to make the most of your visit to Clear Lake Country this summer. Adventure still awaits - the heart of the park beats stronger than ever!

For more information on Clear Lake and to get answers to FAQs on the zebra mussel related regulations and restrictions, click here.

Get on the Water

Clear Lake is still the bustling heart of the park this summer. Even though you can’t put your motorized boat in the water on Clear Lake or outlying waterbodies this summer, you can still enjoy a day in the water swimming, kayaking, canoeing or relaxing on a floatie. Non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear needs to be inspected and decontaminated before use. You will receive one annual permit per watercraft, choosing either a permit for use on Clear Lake only, or a permit for use on other park lakes, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine. Or, head to the Clear Lake Marina to find canoes and kayaks for rent!

Other ways to spend time on the beach includes building sandcastles, sunbathing, picnicking and strolling the pier. If fishing is your pastime of choice, visitors are still allowed to fish the waters of Clear Lake off-shore or off the main pier.

Around Town

Whether you're grabbing something for your picnic, grabbing a beer on a patio or settling down for a family meal - Wasagaming is a foodie town! TR McKoys is a favourite for visitors and locals alike, known for its pizza, pasta and cozy, dimly lit atmosphere.

Sit outside and enjoy the sunshine with patio drinks and food at Lakehouse or 1929 Dining & Lounge. Nearby in Onanole, Sporty’s is a hidden gem for burgers and pizza while Poor Michael’s Emporium pairs eclectic shopping finds with a delicious cafe breakfast or lunch.

In the morning, follow the scent of fresh cinnamon buns to the beloved Whitehouse Bakery - a must-try during any visit to Clear Lake.

As for grabbing food for your hike or picnic - Camp Cantina is the place to go! You’ll find upscale grocery items as well as some of the yummiest sandwiches in town.

New this year is the Dragonfly Delights Tea Room, where you'll find a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu and even the opportunity to have afternoon tea in a gorgeous setting.

Take time to explore the town shops for unique gifts, local goods and exclusive Clear Lake Country merchandise. Add the Chocolate Fox, The Cove Fashion, The Sugar Shoppe and The Spinning Wheel to your list - you're sure to come home with a new treasure.

Cap off your evening with a classic Clear Lake stroll, indulging in ice cream from The Boardwalk or The Velvet Dip as you watch the sunset over the horizon. Or, plan to catch a flick at The Park Theatre - the largest log cabin theatre in North America.

One of the best ways to get around the park is by bike. Hit a cycling trail or just plan a tour to see the sites - be sure to add the fairytale-esque Wishing Well to your route! Rentals (two wheel or four) are available from Beavertails Bike Rentals, Friends of Riding Mountain National Park or Clear Lake Gas & Bike Rentals. If you need something with a bit more speed, try an e-bike rental from Clear Lake Marina.

Cool Stays

Cabins, motels, hotels, lodges, chalets or campsites - it’s truly choose your own adventure in Clear Lake Country. For kid-friendly locations with pools, check out Smokey Hollow in Onanole or Mooswa Resort, Thunderbird Bungalows, Cottages at Clear Lake and Manigaming Resort in the Wasagaming townsite. On the edge of Riding Mountain National Park, you’ll find Elkhorn Resort - home to Klar So Nordic Spa and the ever-popular indoor waterpark.

Accommodations within Wasagaming include Lakehouse, Arrowhead Resort, Arbutus Cabins and the brand new Stowaway Inn. Further afield in the park, plan to stay at the idyllic Riding Mountain House or the perfectly rustic Crooked Mountain Cabins.

If you’re looking for an elevated camping experience this summer, consider a night at permanent ‘glamping’ structures like the Parks Canada oTENTiks, Micro-cube, yurt and Turtle Village.

Hit the Trails

Riding Mountain National Parks has an astonishing array of views, ecosystems, plants and wildlife, as well as fascinating natural and cultural history. Trails are the best way to take in all this richness! During summer you can leisurely walk, jog, cycle or ride along nearly 370 km of trails spread throughout the park, each offering its own distinct experience and required skill level. Choose your own trail adventure here or visit the Parks Canada Visitor Information Centre or Friends of Riding Mountain Learning Centre in Wasagaming to ask staff about trail conditions and their recommendations.

For the best of land and water, hike the Brûlé Trail to Kinosao Lake. Make your way through the forest and over a series of boardwalks to find the lake and a first-come-first-serve canoe.

Set amongst rolling hills, 9 Finger Ranch is the place to go for a scenic horseback ride through a peaceful corner of Riding Mountain National Park.

Wildlife Wonders

Of course, there is more to watch than just people in Riding Mountain National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers are drawn to the backroads and quiet corners of Riding Mountain’s nearly 3,000 square kilometers for a lucky encounter with black bears, deer, moose, elk and maybe a lynx (if you’re patient enough). The park’s gentle prairie giants - a herd of protected plains bison - can be viewed at Lake Audy Bison Enclosure on a self-guided driving safari. Your chances for viewing any wildlife are best in the early morning or around dusk.

Say Fore!

Built in 1928, Clear Lake Golf Course is often considered the most scenic and well-designed courses in Manitoba. It is 18 holes full of challenges; the undulating landscapes of some of the greens make you feel like you’re not even in Manitoba. Renowned architect Stanley Thompson designed the front 9, while the back 9 was constructed by Vic Creed. After a game, be sure to enjoy views over the 9th green from the patio with a pint in hand at Nine restaurant and lounge. For mini-golfers, putt your way around a course with your little ones at these locations. Clear Lake Adventure Mini Golf is located right beside the main beach between Parks Canada Visitor Information Centre and the tennis clubhouse. Big Putts Mini Golf is located outside the park in Onanole and has a full menu of treats like smoothies and ice cream to enjoy after a round in the sun.

FAQ: Visiting Clear Lake Country in 2025

Are motorized boats allowed on Clear Lake this summer?

No. Parks Canada announced on May 16 motorized boats are not permitted on Clear Lake or outlying bodies of water in Riding Mountain National Park. You can use your non-motorized watercraft, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, on Clear Lake or outlying waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine after passing an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection with Parks Canada.

How do I get a permit?

Permits are issued after your non-motorized watercraft and water-related items have been inspected by Parks Canada. The AIS inspection station is located at the Boat Cove in Wasagaming. Inspections are free and take about ten to 30 minutes. The station is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM and you can schedule an appointment by calling the AIS inspectors at 431-351-0774.

This year, Parks Canada is issuing only one annual permit per watercraft, and you’ll need to choose between: A permit for use on Clear Lake only, or a permit for use on other park lakes, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine.

For more information, visit the Parks Canada AIS program webpage about Riding Mountain National Park.

What are non-motorized watercraft?

Non-motorized watercraft are boats or other types of water transportation that don’t use a motor to move. Instead, they rely on human power—like paddling or rowing—or natural forces like wind. In 2025, only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Clear Lake and other lakes within Riding Mountain National Park.

What about other items like fishing equipment, wetsuits and inflatables?

All watercraft, fishing equipment, wetsuits and inflatables must complete a Parks Canada AIS inspection and comply with Clean, Drain, Dry protocol.These items are subject to the same two-permit system and visitors must choose between an annual permit for Clear Lake or one for other waterbodies in the park including Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine.

Is it safe to swim in the water? Are zebra mussels harmful to humans?

Zebra mussels are not harmful to humans, however, they are detrimental to ecosystems like lakes and bodies of water. The measures introduced by Parks Canada are to decrease the risk of spread and to better ensure the future health of the lake. You can learn more about zebra mussels and these preventative measures from Parks Canada’s website.

Is the Clear Lake Marina going to have canoes and kayaks for rent?

Yes, Clear Lake Marina will have canoes and kayaks for rent this year! The Martese, the cruise vessel, will not operate this summer.

Are there other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park or in nearby communities where I can take my boat?

Outside of Riding Mountain National Park, there are a number of lakes for recreational boating. These lakes are located in the western and parkland regions of Manitoba and include Dauphin Lake, Minnedosa Lake and Lake of the Prairies. You can learn more from Tourism Dauphin’s website, Parkland Tourism’s website or from Tourism Westman’s kayaking and canoeing and beach webpages.

Are there other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park or in nearby communities where I can go fishing?

While fishing from a motorized boat is prohibited this year in Riding Mountain National Park, shore fishing is permitted.

Outside of Riding Mountain National Park, there are a number of lakes for fishing. These lakes are located in the western and parkland regions of Manitoba and include Dauphin Lake, Minnedosa Lake and Lake of the Prairies. You can learn more from Tourism Dauphin’s website, Parkland Tourism’s website or from Tourism Westman’s fishing webpage.

HuntFishManitoba.com also has robust resources for fishing in Manitoba.

Where else in Manitoba can I bring my boat?

Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes and waterways! Visit our webpage on Beaches & Boating to find out more. Or visit HuntFishManitoba.com for all things fishing in Manitoba.

What other activities can I enjoy in Riding Mountain National Park if I can’t boat on Clear Lake?

In addition to using non-motorized watercraft, there are a wide variety of outdoor activities available including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, tennis, golfing, shopping, dining, camping, glamping and a wide variety of accommodations. Visit our Clear Lake Country webpage to find out more.