Swim Crisp Clear Water with Family Near Wasagaming
Why Rent On Clear Lake
Clear Lake sits at the heart of Riding Mountain National Park in central Manitoba, about 260 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, and the lakeside town of Wasagaming is one of the finest small resort communities in the Canadian prairie provinces: a walkable main street with Tudor-style architecture from the 1930s, independent restaurants, the Lakehouse Boutique Motel’s celebrated scratch-kitchen patio, a historic Park Theatre screening family films through summer, and the Klar So Nordic Spa that opened adjacent to Elkhorn Resort to immediate acclaim. The clear, cold lake itself has a beautiful sandy beach, a marina with canoe and kayak rentals, and a pier that becomes the social centre of every Wasagaming summer evening. Riding Mountain Luxury Cabins, Thunderbird Bungalows, and Mooswa Resort offer cabin rentals directly in the townsite, with Riding Mountain Luxury Cabins providing modern three-bedroom, two-bath units sleeping six to eight guests with indoor fireplaces and large decks.
Bison at Lake Audy, the Boreal Trail, and the Riding Mountain Ranch
The Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, a 40-minute drive into the park, is one of the finest accessible free-roaming bison viewing experiences in Canada, and the sight of the herd moving across the prairie section of the park is something children genuinely do not forget. The Boreal Trail, a 1.1-kilometre boardwalk loop with interpretive signs through marshland and tall forest, is the park’s most family-friendly introduction and accessible to strollers and younger walkers. Riding Mountain Ranch offers guided horseback trail rides through the forest for families who want to experience the park at an unhurried pace on horseback. The Ominik Marsh and Gorge Creek trails add longer hiking options for older children and adults. Clear Lake Golf Course provides an 18-hole parkland course that genuinely challenges while surrounding golfers with boreal forest.
Why a Rental Beats a Hotel Here
Wasagaming has Elkhorn Resort as its full-service hotel anchor, but the resort’s room inventory is limited and fills far in advance for July and August. A vacation cabin in the townsite gives your family multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, a private BBQ deck, and the ability to walk to the beach, the restaurant strip, and the marina without loading into a vehicle. Families with dogs will find pet-friendly cabin options through Thunderbird Bungalows and several private rental properties. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for vehicle entry and well worth purchasing for week-long stays.
What To Know Before Travelling
Wasagaming is extremely popular in late July and early August, and parking near the main beach fills quickly in the middle of the day. The great advantage of a rental cabin in the townsite is that you can walk to everything and never need to think about parking at all.
- Surface area (km)
- 29.37
- Max depth (m)
- 34.7
- Elevation (m)
- 615.275
- Shoreline length (km)
- 12.095
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Cross-country Skiing
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Clear Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, the swimming areas at Clear Lake in Wasagaming are not supervised. Swimmers should be aware of the presence of swimmer’s itch, a small parasite that causes itching and irritation, found in most park waters. Simple precautions can help prevent complications.
-
Clear Lake in Wasagaming is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beach and various outdoor activities. The beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and sandy areas for kids to play, while the surrounding area provides hiking, biking, and golfing opportunities within Riding Mountain National Park.
-
The daily catch and possession limit for walleye in Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park, is 2 walleye. Anglers must adhere to this limit to help conserve the fish population. This rule is part of the broader fishing regulations in the park.
-
The main beach at Clear Lake in Wasagaming is best for families. It has a sandy beach with gradual access to the clear, fresh lake water, which is great for young kids and sun bathers. The area is also close to amenities like ice cream shops.
-
The closest town to Clear Lake with amenities like shops, restaurants, and hotels is Wasagaming. Wasagaming is located in Riding Mountain National Park and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and different types of accommodations. It is easily accessible by car and has amenities such as a campground, boutique hotel, and family resorts.
