Riding Mountain National Park
There is lots to do and see during your stay in Clear Lake!
Below we have listed a few popular activities.
HIKING
With more than 400 km (250 miles) of trails, Riding Mountain offers a variety of walking and hiking opportunities. Choose from a short walk on one of the self-guided trails, a longer day hike into Grey Owl's cabin or around Moon Lake, or take a multi-day trip into the back country. To ensure that you have a pleasant stay, be sure to boil all water before use (water sources in Wasagaming are potable). You must obtain a permit for camping in the back country of Riding Mountain. For permits call: 1-800-707-8480 or (204) 848-7275 or by visiting the Visitor Centre in person.
BOATING
Manitoba is the land of 100,000 lakes and the Parkland area has many large lakes for boating, skiing, wakeboarding or tubing - as well as many smaller lakes for canoeing and kayaking. Ski, sail, pontoon, fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle boats can be rented on Clear Lake at the Marina on Clear Lake - located in the Wasagaming townsite, on the Main Pier.
Motorized boats are allowed on Clear Lake, Lake Audy and Moon Lake. Boat launches are found on Clear Lake and Lake Audy, while boats and motors must be carried 300 metres (1000 feet) at Moon Lake. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Deep Lake, Lake Katherine and Whirlpool Lake, and all back country lakes.
GOLFING
• Clear Lake Golf Course, with lush fareways, manicured greens, natural landscape, challenging holes and a spectacular setting - it is one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in North America. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phoning (204) 848-GOLF.
• The newer 18 hole course at Poplar Ridge Golf Course is minutes away in Onanole.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is growing in popularity in the park due to the partially gravelled patrol roads found in the western and eastern portions of the Park. Trails vary in difficulty from the easy gentle rolling trails of the Central, Baldy Lake and Strathclair trails to the rugged and extremely hilly Packhorse, Jet and Baldy Hill trails. Other back country trails are acceptable for biking, but most day-use trails are off-limits to biking.
FISHING
The lakes of Riding Mountain National Park are open for fishing. Clear Lake, Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Whirlpool Lake offer great northern pike fishing. Other fish species include walleye, white fish and perch in Clear Lake, while Lake Katherine and Deep Lake have a limited number of rainbow and brook trout. Winter or ice fishing is allowed on Clear lake for most of the winter. A national park fishing licence is required, and may be picked up in Wasagaming or in surrounding towns. Information on locations for purchasing fishing licences, fees and limits are available by calling 1-800-727-8480 or (204) 848-7275, or by visiting the Visitor Centre.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horse use is allowed on most back country trails, allowing for an experience you won't likely forget. If you do not have your own horse and equipment, contact one of our many local outfitters for numerous choices of riding experiences. If you have your own horses check out information on trails to see where you can go riding for a day trip or even overnight. The main trails used by horseback riders include the South Escarpment trail, North Escarpment trail, Ochre River trail and Central trail area.
DINING
SHOPPING
The Wasagaming townsite offers many different shopping opportunities including, arts and crafts, an art gallery, men's, women's and childrens sport and casual clothing, souveniers, groceries and deli products. Just outside of the townsite, the town of Onanole has a liquor store and beer vendor, gift stores and groceries. Check out a list of retailers at discoverclearlake.com
Within the Wasagaming area there are many different types of dining experiences, from fine dining to deli food. Enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the beautiful Clear Lake Golf Course, a great appetizer and a glass of wine before a daily special at the historic 1929 Restaurant, or a delicious Italian dinner at TR McKoys. In the morning, stop by the Whitehouse Bakery for one of their famous cinnamon buns or grab a coffee at Upper Cup for a walk down to the pier - there is something for everyone. Check out a list of restaurants at discoverclearlake.com
SWIMMING
Clear Lake, with its sandy beaches and clear water, is the most popular spot for swimming. The main beach area in Wasagaming has change rooms and washrooms, as well as outdoor showers. There are numerous other spots for swimming around the lake as well. Other lakes used for swimming include Lake Katherine, Lake Audy and Moon lake. Most other Park lakes have muddy bottoms, but swimming is possible. Please remember that all swimming areas are unsupervised.
SCUBA DIVING
For those who prefer the underwater view, the crystal spring waters of Clear Lake provide ample opportunity for scuba diving. The deepest point in the lake is approximately 34 m (112 feet) deep. Divers are asked to register for their dives by contacting the Park prior to using the facilities set up for divers at Glen Beag day-use area.
NIGHT LIFE
Whether your looking for a cold beer overlooking the beach, a live band or some dance music, there is something for everyone in the Wasagaming area. The 1929 Lounge offers inside and screened patio seating with live music and DJ's throughout the summer. The Elkhorn Resort has a nice lounge with a great outdoor patio. The Southgate, just outside the park in Onanole, has a lively bar/club scene. The World Famous Danceland has dances on weekends throughout the Summer. If you're looking for something a little more laid back, catch a flick at the Park Theatre, the largest log cabin theatre in North America!
Check out a list of entertainment at discoverclearlake.com
For more ideas, visit discoverclearlake.com