That's not to say that Wasagaming isn't also a bustling area in winter - it is - but there's something undeniable about the energy that summertime brings. Add in an abundance of activities and events and you've got yourself one heck of weekend. Let the FOMO begin: here's what you don't want to miss this May Long in Clear Lake Country!

Picnic lunches + ice cream dreams

Arrive early Saturday morning (or Friday night, if you can swing it) and get ready for a full day of adventure in Wasagaming, the lively townsite of Riding Mountain National Park. Check in at the lovely Lakehouse Boutique Hotel and order a picnic lunch to-go to eat at Deep Bay - a short 7-10 minute drive from the main area of town.

The Lakehouse Lounge is always switching up their menu, and you'll love the selection and sophistication of the food. Our favourites: a vegetarian sandwich with chips and salsa, and a brie and apple sandwich with fries. Really, I can't think of a better start to the summer than noshing down on some delicious (FRESH) food while listening to the lake water lap against the shoreline. Heavenly.

Deep Bay has a dock in the summer for jumping off into the crystal clear waters, and there's also a pretty neat staircase that's PERFECT for photo-ops.

After taking in the area, head back to Lakehouse for a taste of their famous ice cream treats. The parlour at Lakehouse is not only adorable, it's also nearly impossible to choose from the delicious and creative menu (which includes items like french toast sundaes).

Any hard ice cream can be made into a milkshake, so I recommend you try the salted caramel milkshake, Or, if you're a creature of habit like me, go straight for the ice cream I became addicted to on my last visit: funky monkey, a banana-chocolate-deliciousness.

Marshy trails + latte breaks

Take your treats and head just outside of town (~5 minute walk) to the Ominik Marsh Trail. This marsh makes for an easy walk, and it's also very pretty. Be sure to check out the interpretive signs along the way and keep your eyes peeled for marsh critters.

After walking back to town, stop again for a little pick-me-up at the Lakehouse Coffee Bar.

Town hopping

You can't go to Clear Lake without visiting some of the quaint shops in town: from the colourful candies of The Sugar Shop to the hip clothing of Prairie Supply Co and the secondhand gems of The Beach Club Exchange.

Spring sun (fingers crossed) will mean working up quite a sweat AND an appetite, so head back to explore more of the Lakehouse menu for dinner.

Summer igloos + dance moves

As it happens, a special event is set for the weekend: the annual Snow Pants or No Pants May long party (tickets available at the door)!

Snow Pants or No Pants: it's up to you, as the weather over the May long is notoriously hard to predict in Manitoba. Located in a provincial heritage building, Danceland is the perfect venue for this retro-fun event, where guests are invited to dress up in retro ski gear OR retro beach gear (think Baywatch).

The space will be outfitted with an awesome blow-up igloo (which first made an appearance at the annual New Years Eve bash) with a colour-changing interior. It is also the site of the shotski bar.

The party mimics a traditional Manitoba social - complete with a table of cheese, meat and rye bread, and all the classic dance songs.

To ensure you get to join into the fun, book your stay at Lakehouse now!

Travel Manitoba staff was hosted by partner Lakehouse, who did not review or approve this story.