Things to do in Clear Lake

We’re so excited to invite you to Clear Lake, one of the most beautiful and surprising areas of Canada.


It’s truly nature at its finest! There’s plenty for everyone to do between our wedding festivities, whether it be exploring the wilderness, shopping in town, or enjoying a few marshmallows by the bonfire.

Elkhorn

Our ‘home base’ for the wedding festivities, Elkhorn is filled with plenty of things to do for guests of all ages! Whether you relax at the spa, play a round of golf, or hang out in the chalet, you’ll have a lovely time.

Klar So Nordic Spa: A new and beautiful Nordic-style spa with saunas, steam rooms, outdoor relaxation pools, and relaxation rooms - plus a bistro serving drinks and food. An absolute must-visit. Treatments can be booked at the existing Solstice Spa, which gives access to a private mineral pool - do call ahead, as they can go fast. For guests 18 and over. Swimsuits and flip-flops/sandals are required; towels and bathrobes are provided.

Golfing: We couldn’t not mention the Clear Lake Golf Course, especially as it’s where our wedding will be! Whether playing 9 or 18 holes, the course offers picturesque views of the lake as you play.

Pool: The Elkhorn also offers a great, family-friendly indoor pool, complete with water slides and a water park.

Elkhorn also has many activities on-site, from movie rentals, a games room, an outdoor campfire area, and an exercise room.

What to do in Riding Mountain National Park

  • Hiking

    There are more than 370 kilometres of trails in Riding Mountain National Park, which means there is a trail for everyone. A full list of trail maps, routes, and difficulties can be found here, at the Elkhorn front desk, or the RMNP Visitor Centre.

    parks.canada.ca

  • Wildlife

    The park is known for sightings of moose, deer, coyotes, foxes, bears, cougars, elks, and if you’re looking to see some Manitoba bison, there is a bison enclosure located near Lake Audy. It’s a truly special site! For directions to the enclosure:

    parks.canada.ca

  • Clear Lake Marina

    Late May/early June may still be too cold for proper swimming, but you can still get out and kayak, canoe, or paddle. The marina has non-motorized vehicles available for rent or you can also bring your own water equipment 

    clearlakemarina.ca

Wasagaming

Wasagaming, the central town in Riding Mountain National Park, is a short walk (15 minutes) from the Elkhorn Resort.

Here you can find restaurants, shops, a visitor centre - and of course, the lake itself! Take a walk along the beach, head out to the marina for a nice viewpoint off the lake, or just stroll through town.

Keep your eyes out for wood carvings of black bears - they’re all over town (our wedding venue included)!

Where to eat:

  • Whitehouse Bakery: A true town staple. If you don’t have a cinnamon bun (or three), it’s not a trip to Clear Lake. Our favourites are the glazed ones, or toasted with butter. They also have great Canadian-style pastries, diner breakfasts (the breakfast combo is Kady’s fave), sandwiches, and burgers. Help us weigh in on whether Tall Grass Prairie or Whitehouse is the ultimate cinnamon bun.  

  • T.R. Mckoy’s: A true Italian-style restaurant in the heart of Clear Lake. Reservations are a must. To do so, check out the following link: https://www.trmckoys.ca/      

  • Lakehouse Restaurant: A lovely restaurant/coffee shop serving lunch and dinner both indoors and on their patio. Karly, the owner, is so lovely. They make a great London Fog! 

  • 1929 Dining and Lounge: Originally ‘the Wigwam’. It’s a classic for drinks (caesars, extra spicy, naturally!) and nachos. Many family memories here!

Where to shop:

  • Poor Michael’s Emporium: Okay, this is technically cheating, as Poor Michael’s is actually located in Onanole (about 5 minutes drive from Wasagaming) - however, it’s one of the best shops in the world, and definitely worth a drive. A used book store that also has a fine collection of vinyl, local Manitoban art, and treasures from Asia – and on top of it all, they have a cafe that serves fresh baked goods. It’s so easy to lose an afternoon here in a newfound book or over a cup of fair trade coffee.

  • The Park Bench: Kady has a lot of memories of getting toys here when she was little - but that’s not all they have. There are also lots of gifts, home decor and souvenirs for purchase. 

  • The Boardwalk on Clear Lake: Candy, ice cream, and snacks galore! If you haven’t tried some of Canada’s craziest ice cream flavours (Tiger Tiger being perhaps the strangest), here’s where to go!  

  • Chocolate Fox: Half artisanal gelato store, half quality clothing and shoes (think Blundstones, Fjallraven, and Clear Lake merch…), this little shop is worth a visit. 

Supplies & Services:

  • Groceries: The closest grocery store is the Clear Lake Trading Post, located in downtown Wasagaming. For other simple groceries (eggs, bacon, chips, etc.) the Home Hardware in Onanole, MB has a small selection. For anything else, the nearest large grocery store is the Co-Op in Erickson, MB.

  • Alcohol: The closest liquor store is the Home Hardware in Onanole, MB. You can also buy beer at Sporty’s RV Park.

  • Gas: From closest to farthest, the nearest gas stations are:

    • TEMPO, 120 Wasagaming Dr, Wasagaming, MB

    • Fas Gas Plus, 100 Wapiti Drive, Onanole, MB

    • Co-Op, 48 Main Street, Erickson, MB