Just three hours west of Winnipeg, Riding Mountain National Park is the place to be for a good swim, an afternoon of kayaking or just marvelling at the beautiful nature and wildlife on the dozens of trails for any level of a hiker.

Keep reading to explore spots for your summer trip and if you plan on bringing a boat, make sure to check out the latest updates on zebra mussel-related regulations and the mandatory motorized watercraft tagging program.

Top Things to Do in Clear Lake

• Relax on the beach, swim, kayak, paddleboard or go fishing
• Explore the views and wildlife on hikes along the park’s 30+ trails
• Grab a pizza, burger or ice cream at one of the park’s dining hot spots
• Make your visit more memorable with a stay at lodges, cabins, campgrounds and unique accommodations like Turtle Village across the park
• Play a round of golf on the park’s historic Clear Lake Golf Course or one of the two minigolf courses nearby

Get on the Water in Clear Lake

Clear Lake is the bustling heart of Riding Mountain National Park—spend the day on the water or enjoy a day swimming, building sandcastles, sunbathing, picnicking or relaxing on a floatie.

The lake is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, so bring and register your own or book a rental with Clear Lake Marina. To savour the views and good food, book a cruise around the lake on The Martese. Learn about the lake’s biology, local history and even the vessel itself on your trip across Clear Lake.

For the passionate anglers, Riding Mountain National Park offers plenty of recreational fishing locations that you can explore with the park’s fishing permit. Learn about the fishing opportunities and restrictions in the park here.

Note that in 2026, all watercraft needs to be inspected prior to going into the water. And starting June 8th, 2026, all motorized watercraft will require a 45-day quarantine before launching in the lake.

Hike Riding Mountain National Park’s Magnificent Trails

Riding Mountain National Park has a rich natural and cultural history, and its trails are the best way to take it all in! Explore the beautiful nature and wildlife at the park on a leisurely walk, jog, bike ride or horseback ride.

Almost 370 km of trails spread throughout the park, each offering its own distinct experience and fit for all skill levels. 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.

Ask about trail conditions and options at the Parks Canada Visitor Information Centre or Friends of Riding Mountain Learning Centre in Wasagaming or choose your own trail adventure online.

Take a scenic horseback ride through a beautiful corner of Riding Mountain National Park with ride packages at the 9 Finger Ranch.

If you are looking for the best hidden spots around Riding Mountain, check out our blog post on 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Riding Mountain Only the Locals Know About.

Watch Majestic Wildlife Up Close

There is more to watch than just people in Riding Mountain National Park.

Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers have been drawn to the backroads and quiet corners of Riding Mountain’s nearly 3,000 square kilometres for years. If you are patient enough, you can spot black bears, deer, moose, elk and maybe even a lynx.

A herd of protected plains bison lives at Lake Audy Bison Enclosure. You can drive through the area to watch the bison without leaving your vehicle on a self-guided safari.

As you are planning your trip, keep in mind that your chances for viewing any wildlife are best in the early morning or around dusk. Review wildlife safety recommendations before you leave and do not approach or interact with wild animals.

Dine in Style by the Lake

Whether you are looking for tasty snacks for your picnic, grabbing coffee on a patio or settling down for a family meal—Wasagaming is a foodie town!

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

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.

For pizza, pasta and cozy atmosphere, check out TR McKoys, a favourite for visitors and locals alike.

Camp Cantina is the place to go if you are looking to pick up food for your hike or a picnic! You’ll find upscale grocery items as well as some of the yummiest sandwiches in town.

New on the scene is the Dragonfly Delights Tea Room—a perfect breakfast and lunch spot that also fits a calming afternoon tea outing.

During the day, take time to explore the town shops for memorable gifts, unique local goods and exclusive Clear Lake Country merchandise. Bring home a little treat or a new hoodie to remember the trip by!

Cap off your evening with a stroll along the pier for those beautiful sunset shots and indulge in delicious ice cream from The Boardwalk while watching the sun set over the horizon.

And if you are staying for a few nights, make sure to catch a 7:30 pm movie at the largest log cabin theatre in North America—The Park Theatre.

Find the right itinerary for your trip by browsing must-visit places around Clear Lake.

Find a Cool Place to Stay

Cabins, motels, hotels, lodges, chalets or campsites—it truly is choose your own adventure in Clear Lake Country.

For kid-friendly locations with pools, check out Smokey Hollow in Onanole or 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 boutique Lakehouse, custom cottages at the 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 craving an elevated camping experience, consider a night at permanent glamping structures in the park—the Parks Canada MicrOcube, yurt or Turtle Village off-the-grid shells.

One of the best ways to get around Riding Mountain is by bike. There are plenty of options at the park, including fat bikes from Friends of Riding Mountain National Park and e-bikes from Clear Lake Marina.

Hit a cycling trail or bike around the sites with your own gear or rentals—be sure to add the fairytale-esque Wishing Well to your route!

Spend the Afternoon Golfing

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, set amidst a stunning landscape.

After a game, be sure to enjoy the views at Nine Restaurant and Lounge.

Minigolfers will enjoy a round at Clear Lake Adventure Mini Golf right beside the main beach or head over to Big Putts Mini Golf, located outside the park in Onanole and boasts a full menu of treats, including smoothies and ice cream.

Planning to travel to Riding Mountain in the fall? Check out our best recommendations for a cozy autumn getaway to Riding Mountain National Park.

Make Your Summer at Clear Lake One to Remember

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a summer full of adventure—plan a picturesque hike, spend the time on the beach with your friends and family, grab a bite at Clear Lake’s plentiful dining spots and extend your stay for a night or several at the Riding Mountain National Park’s many accommodation options for all tastes. Don’t forget to pack plenty of hats, sunscreen and mosquito repellent!

Stay safe on your trip with Know Before You Go—our guide on everything you need to know for your Manitoba travels.