Clear Lake Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the crystal-clear waters, boreal forests, and vibrant summer culture of Manitoba's premier national park destination.
Nestled in the heart of the Manitoba Escarpment, Clear Lake is a stunning anomaly, a deep, cold, crystal-clear body of water surrounded by the lush boreal forest of Riding Mountain National Park. As you drive up from the flat prairies, the elevation rises and the landscape transforms into a dense woodland that feels worlds away from the surrounding farmland. It is a place where the air smells of pine and campfire smoke, and the water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom even at significant depths.
For generations, families have gathered in the charming townsite of Wasagaming, where the architecture reflects a rustic, Tudor-revival style unique to Canada’s national parks. Whether you are seeking the solitude of a backcountry trail, the thrill of spotting a black bear or moose in the wild, or simply the nostalgia of an ice cream cone on a busy summer boardwalk, Clear Lake offers a quintessential Canadian summer experience that rivals any cottage country in the nation.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
Where Prairie Meets Boreal
Riding Mountain National Park is an “island” of wilderness in a sea of agriculture. This unique geography creates a diverse ecosystem where eastern deciduous forests, boreal forests, and rough fescue grasslands converge. This biodiversity makes it a premier spot for wildlife viewing; it is one of the few places in Manitoba where you can easily spot bison, elk, moose, and black bears all within a single weekend trip. The history here is deep, ranging from Indigenous usage dating back 6,000 years to the prisoner-of-war logging camps of WWII.
The townsite of Wasagaming serves as the heartbeat of the park. Unlike many remote parks, Wasagaming is a fully serviced resort town with boutique shopping, high-end dining, and manicured gardens, allowing you to experience the rugged outdoors without sacrificing comfort. The juxtaposition of wild nature and civilized leisure is what keeps visitors returning year after year.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Cruise on The Martese
Take a relaxing tour of the lake on this iconic 95-passenger vessel, offering dinner cruises and afternoon sightseeing trips.
Hiking the Gorge Creek Trail
A challenging but rewarding 12.8 km trail featuring steep drops, shale slopes, and incredible views of the Manitoba Escarpment.
Stroll the Ominnik Marsh
Walk the famous floating boardwalk through the reeds to spot beavers, birds, and aquatic life right near the townsite.
Visit the Wishing Well
Located at the end of a scenic drive, this historic manicured garden and water feature has been a park landmark since the 1930s.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
The Main Pier and Beach - This is the focal point of summer life in Wasagaming. The long wooden pier is perfect for jumping into the refreshing water or watching the sunset. Access is free with park entry, located right at the end of Wasagaming Drive.
Ominnik Marsh Boardwalk - A gentle 1.9 km floating trail that takes you through the wetlands. It is a fantastic spot for photography and birdwatching, located just a 5-minute walk from the Visitor Centre. Free access.
The Wishing Well - A historic site featuring lush flower gardens and a rustic stone wishing well. It is located about 5 km from the townsite via a scenic winding road. It is a quiet spot for a picnic away from the beach crowds.
Deep Bay - Located at the north end of Clear Lake, this spot is famous for its steep drop-off and intense blue colour. It is accessible via a hiking trail or by boat (approx. 5 km paddle from the main beach).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Clear Lake is a straightforward drive, located approximately 3 hours (270 km) northwest of Winnipeg via Highway 1 and Highway 10. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass or daily entry fee is required to enter the park; buying this online in advance saves time at the gate. The town is very walkable, so once you park your car at your hotel or campsite, you can often leave it there for the duration of your stay.
Pack layers, regardless of the season. Even hot summer days can lead to cool evenings once the sun dips below the tree line. If you plan on hiking, bring bear spray and know how to use it, this is wild country. Finally, accommodations book up incredibly fast. If you are eyeing a July or August weekend, try to book your campsite or cabin as soon as reservations open in January or February.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (July - August)
Pros
- All shops and restaurants are open
- Lake temperature is perfect for swimming
- Vibrant nightlife and events in Wasagaming
Cons
- Accommodation prices are highest
- Heavy traffic on weekends
- Mosquitoes and horseflies can be intense
Shoulder Season: Early Fall (September)
Pros
- Stunning fall foliage
- No bugs
- Wildlife is more active and visible
Cons
- Water is too cold for swimming
- Some seasonal businesses close after Labour Day
- Evenings get quite chilly
Off-Peak: Winter (December - March)
Pros
- Incredible Northern Lights viewing opportunities
- Peaceful atmosphere with few crowds
- Unique ice fishing experiences
Cons
- Extreme cold requires heavy gear
- Very limited dining options
- Many roads in the park are unplowed
Clear Lake is a destination that changes dramatically with the seasons, offering a distinct charm whether you visit during the bustling heat of July or the silent, snow-covered serenity of January. While summer brings the energy, the shoulder seasons offer a peaceful retreat into nature that many locals argue is the park’s true best-kept secret.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Clear Lake Weekend
A relaxing mix of beach time, iconic food, and light nature walks perfect for first-timers.
Day 1: Arrival and Townsite Treasures
- Morning: Start your trip with a legendary cinnamon bun at the Whitehouse Bakery, which costs about $6 CAD and is large enough to share. Afterward, take a leisurely 2 km walk along the lakeshore path toward the main pier to soak in the view.
- Afternoon: Rent a pedal boat or kayak from the marina for approximately $40 CAD per hour to explore the crystal clear water. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the main beach or shopping at the local boutiques on Wasagaming Drive.
- Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner at T.R. McKoys, budgeting around $90 CAD for two people for pasta and wine. End the night with a sunset stroll on the breakwater to watch the colours reflect off the calm lake.
Day 2: Nature and Nourishment
- Morning: Walk the Ominnik Marsh floating boardwalk, which is free to access and offers great birdwatching opportunities. Follow this up with a visit to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre to see the wildlife exhibits.
- Afternoon: Drive 10 minutes to the majestic Wishing Well gardens for a picnic lunch. Afterward, play a round of mini-golf near the tennis courts for roughly $10 CAD per person.
- Evening: Treat yourself to a modern dinner at The Lakehouse, expecting to pay around $100 CAD for a full meal. Finish your trip with a lineup-worthy ice cream cone from the Velvet Dip before heading home.
The Adventure Seeker's Escape
A higher-intensity itinerary focusing on hiking, biking, and exploring the wilderness of Riding Mountain.
Day 1: High Elevation Hiking
- Morning: Drive to the Gorge Creek Trailhead and tackle the 6 km loop, which is free but requires good hiking boots. The trail offers some of the best views of the Manitoba Escarpment.
- Afternoon: Head to the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, a 45-minute drive from town, to see the captive bison herd roaming the prairie. Pack a lunch as there are no food services out this way.
- Evening: Return to Wasagaming for a hearty burger and beer at the Wigwam Restaurant, costing about $50 CAD for two. If you have energy left, rent a fat bike or mountain bike to hit the trails near the townsite.
Day 2: Water and Wildlife
- Morning: Rent a canoe for the morning, costing approximately $50 CAD, and paddle toward Deep Bay. The water here is incredibly clear and deep, offering a different perspective of the park.
- Afternoon: Drive to the Moon Lake trail, located 25 km north on Highway 10, for a 9 km hike that loops around a beautiful inland lake. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and black bears in this area.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual pizza dinner at Foxtail Cafe, budgeting around $40 CAD. Drive slowly up Highway 10 toward the north gate at dusk to safely spot wildlife on the roadside before concluding your adventure.
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