4 Reasons To Take Your Teen To Clear Lake, Manitoba

Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba

Families looking to experience a quintessential Canadian beach town need look no further than Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba. As soon as you enter the log cabin-looking gates of the provincial park, you will be transported to a place that’s packed with adventure, wildlife, amazing food and scenery that will leave an imprint on your memory for years to come.

Surrounded by lush forest, Wasagaming, otherwise known as Clear Lake, is located about three hours northwest of Winnipeg. During the summer, the hotspot is bustling with vacationers — young and old. If you’re looking to impress your tween and teen with a family getaway they won’t soon forget, don’t miss out on these four things to do and see in Clear Lake.

Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba

The Lakehouse

Before you begin exploring the area, stake your basecamp at The Lakehouse. Located in the heart of the main stretch of Wasagaming, just steps away from the beach, this boutique hotel is not only the perfect place to stay, but it also serves as a hotbed for entertainment. Whether they are staying there or not, the main lobby is bustling with vacationers lined up at the ice cream, coffee and smoothie bar. The adjoining lounge, fitted with sink-into chocolate leather lounge chairs, a cozy fireplace and reclaimed wood bar and tables, is the ideal setting for the lodge’s trivia, boozy bingo and live music nights. In the back of the resort, where you access the hotel rooms, is two hot tubs, barbecue stations, and sitting/lounging areas, all underneath a canopy of twinkle lights, that look nothing less than magical on a warm summer’s night. The rooms are comfortable and contemporary with reclaimed wood headboards, brightly coloured furniture and convenient amenities every family needs, such as a microwave and fridge. Don’t leave without picking up a Lakehouse souvenir — the stylish logo is printed on everything from candles and coffee cups to T-shirts and sweaters.

Clear Lake Marina. Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba

Clear Lake Marina

You can’t help but be drawn to the crystal clear waters of Clear Lake. It’s the perfect place to swim, water ski, wake-board, canoe, and paddleboard. To soak in the scenery from a whole new perspective, head to the Clear Lake Marina where you can rent everything from a motorboat to a paddle boat or take the family on a dinner or sunset cruise on the Martese. Not only will your teen capture some insta-worthy shots (no filter necessary) but they will also learn about the area’s rich history and wildlife.

Wasagaming townsite. Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba.

The Town

After a day of fun at the beach, there’s no shortage of things to do in the town of Wasagaming. The main strip, lined with brightly coloured Adirondack chairs, is dotted with fun shops from the kitschy to the sophisticated. Whether you want a funky souvenir to take home or a cozy sweatshirt for those cooler summer nights, Wasagaming offers something for everyone.

Clear Lake is also home to some seriously good eats —from casual grub to fine cuisine.

For the best buns in town, head early in the morning to the Whitehouse Bakery and Restaurant. Resort-goers and campers, alike, line up for the freshly baked cinnamon buns that come in a variety of flavours from original and maple to cream cheese.

After a day on the lake, treat yourself to some of the best wood-fired pizza in Manitoba at the Foxtail Café. One of its specialties is the 204 — an indulgent slice of potato, bacon, caramelized onions, sour cream, cheddar, dill, and mozzarella.

If you’re in the mood for a little pasta, stop in at TR McKoys. If the aroma of roasted garlic spilling onto the street isn’t enough to get you drooling, surely the fresh-made pasta will. With other mains including baby back ribs, chicken parmigiana and AAA Certified Angus Striploin, this hotspot serves up something for everyone. Don’t leave it up to chance with this resto — make a reservation.

After dinner, catch a flick at the Park Theatre, “the largest log cabin movie theatre in North America.” A Wasagaming institution, the movie theatre holds over 500 people and plays current movies that change on a weekly basis.

Lake Audy Bison Enclosure. Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba

The Wildlife

For the animal-loving teen, Clear Lake offers its own Canadian safari — meaning an early morning stroll can offer up glimpses of white-tailed deer, moose and even bears. Take a guided hike to spot some animals in their natural habitat and even follow in the tracks of predators, including lynx, coyotes, and wolves. If you’d rather see from afar, drive to the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure where a herd of 30 bison is maintained in Riding Mountain National Park.

Whether you spend your days eating ice cream on the strip, basking at the beach, chasing wildlife or playing in the lake, any one of these activities will guarantee your family has a wild time in Clear Lake, Manitoba.

To book an excursion or to learn more, be sure to stop in at the Visitor Centre where park interpreters and experts will help you plan your stay. http://pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/riding

For more info, visit https://discoverclearlake.com/

By Rachel Naud