Bites are Best Shared

After leaving Winnipeg after work on a Friday evening, my husband and I couldn't opt out of our 5-year Friday night pizza night tradition, even if that meant waiting and having pizza late into the evening once we arrived in Clear Lake. It's something my parents and I did growing up, and it's something my husband and I have continued to do throughout our years together. I have to say, postponing our eats later into the evening.. it was meant to be. Thirty minutes out from arriving in Wasagaming, I gave TR McKoy's a ring for a pick-up order, and we're so glad that we did. We placed an order for their calamari, a caeser salad, and their Bartleby The Scrivener pizza on 10" gluten-free pizza crust! The pizza... was divine. I've been gluten-free going on two years now and it's always a treat to find a real delicious GF dish. This pizza had pesto, chorizo, sundried tomato, arugula, mozzarella, chèvre and balsamic drizzle! After arriving to our home away from home for the weekend at Arrowhead Resort, we enjoyed a 9PM romantic dinner for two. With cute patio lights strung from above, a cozy patio setup, twinkling lights in the background and the sun setting, we couldn't have asked for a better start to our weekend.

Slow Mornings

There's something about having a slower morning and sleeping in. Rolling around in bed, waking up in summer's light and how can we forget that first sip of coffee. We had a sound night's sleep in Arrowhead's newly renovated suite. Their modern yet rustically designed spaces pay homage to the Arrowhead family brand with thoughtful touches to provide the creature comforts of home. As we trudged out of bed to get ready for the day, a full timeline of adventure and events were yet to unfold. We were ready!

The Marina is a Must

The first adventure of the day and it's only 10am? You bet! We knew the day ahead was going to be a toasty one, so we decided to head out for an hour of kayaking at the Clear Lake Marina in the morning. With a double kayak available for rent, we opted in for two singles for independent fun. Or should we say... paddling rivalry. The Clear Lake Marina also offers canoes and other types of watercraft available for rent such as pontoons and paddle boats!

Whitehouse on the Water

Does food taste better out on the water? We say... yes! We took our breakfast to-go and snagged treats for out on the water. We love food with a great view. It was a no-brainer to do a pick up at the famous Whitehouse Bakery in Wasagaming. A cinnamon bun and coffee for him, and a gluten free chocolate chip banana muffin and tea for me. I have to say, this is the best chocolate chip gluten free banana muffin I have ever had. I was impressed to discover that they had quite the expansive gluten free and vegan menu offering. We paddled across the lake and tucked ourselves close to shore while we floated and finished off our bites. A race to the bouy and back makes for great bragging rights.

Can You Score A Hole In One?

It's all fun and games until someone... loses the game. After cooling off with some fun in the sun on the water, we headed to Bigg Putts Mini Golf in Onanole to begin quite the heated game of mini golf... and I'm not only talking about the temperature! We started off by being able to choose our own golf balls and that was neat. It was a competitive game of 18 holes that consisted of windmills, loop-de-loops, jumps, distractions, humorous banter and an assortment of obstacles. Who doesn't love a little friendly competition of mini golf? I think it's safe to say that the winner gets treated to free ice cream.

Dip into Deep Bay

After working up an appetite, head on over to Deep Bay! Located along the shores of Clear Lake and tucked past cottages and private residences, this local spot is an absolute gem, and you'll see why. There you'll find a small parking lot with washroom amenities. Travel down the picturesque wooden stairs (which make for an iconic photo op), and meander around the bend through the trees. With glimpses of blue and sounds of waves you know you are near. Cross paths with historical Riding Mountain National Park buildings and the lush overgrowth of the season. Your feet transition from the crunching of gravel to the smooth and subtle shuffling of sand. You're at the beach! Welcome to Deep Bay.

Lunch To-Go

Call ahead to Lakehouse and order lunch to-go for a romantic picnic for two. We ordered a burger and fries along with bahn-mi and toasted chips. The fire roasted salsa and toasted chips was shore side savoury. Oh, and don't forget your picnic blanket!

Make a Splash

A trip to the beach isn't complete without summer essentials. Enjoy a little bit of light reading to plan your next adventure with the Travel Manitoba 2024 Inspiration Guide or catch up on your current novel obsession. Travel in style with the adventure friendly Travel Manitoba merchandise line. Psst... we just launched a fresh summer collection.

Beauty Aplenty

I hadn't been to the Wishing Well since I was young and my husband had never been. It was time for a re-visit and it was more bountiful and beautiful than I had remembered. The sheer amount and variety of flowers was astonishing. We made our away around the site to the Wishing Well. As with any popular trickling water spot, there were coins. Money thrown into the wishing well is collected by and given to the Riding Mountain Historical Society's Pinewood Museum, which can be found at 154 Wasagaming Drive. If you're looking to continue the adventure, check out one of the many hiking trails in Riding Mountain and if you'd like to learn more about this historical spot, check out the Visitor Centre in Wasagaming.

One Wishing Well, Please

The Foxtail Cafe in Onanole is a tasty tucked away eatery just off the highway where Onanole meets Riding Mountain National Park. All dressed up and with somewhere to go, we found our way to Foxtail. We couldn't have found their beverages named more suitably after our days adventure. We started off with their Black Bear and Wishing Well cocktails. All we can say is that the Wishing Well beverage came with a surprise... how charming. For eats, we kept it light and tapas style. After all, we are on a romantic weekend. We ordered up their 204 chips and dip, the dry ribs, the tacos, and the beet root and goat cheese salad. Needless to say, we had no room for dessert! The cool and casual atmosphere is fun for summer and has that chefs kiss atmosphere.

Sights on the Water

I knew I wanted to see and capture a Clear Lake Sunset while here and what better place to do so than right on the water with The Martese! See beautiful Clear Lake from a different view with one of their cruises, chartering in both the afternoon and evening. We hopped aboard for their sunset cruise. Beverages and eats are available off their in-boat menu. Enjoy light appetizers or treat yourself to their charcuterie board if you're feeling snacky.

It's Dan, Captain Dan

A ship is just as powerful as it's captain, and we had the honour of being taken care of by a great crew. With Captain Dan at the helm, we chartered out onto Clear Lake. As the shores began to fade, the colour in beautiful Clear Lake did not. The water's deep navy blue turned into a beautiful turquoise and robin's egg blue, by the rotations of the ships engines off the stern. The swirling and churning of waves were enough to keep you mesmerized. Much like trying to follow a flame in the fire.

A Custom Canvas

Taking it back to grade school, we all remember our primary colours, right? Blue, yellow, red, yes you remember! Three foundational colours that make up the colour wheel, but when blended together create a much grander colour palette. A sunset in Manitoba is Mother Nature's colour wheel and the sky is her canvas. The colour on this particular evening was a bounty. To watch a sunset in full with a clear calm sky is like watching different colours come together to create a custom canvas. Just like a snowflake, no Manitoba sunset is the same. When you're in the prairies and overlooking a field, lake, tree scape, or road trip highway, that sunset is yours. There's truly no other like it!

A Bike For Two

Nothing says the power of bonding like sharing the load, literally. Joint peddling efforts to get your vessel up and around the Wasagaming townsite will not only test your patience but your passion for fun and teamwork. We woke up on Sunday morning, grabbed iced coffees from Lakehouse and were desperate to squeeze in one more activity on our weekend excursion. Nothing will wake you up in the morning like willpower! Rent bicycles in the town of Wasagaming and see the town from two wheels or four! Choose from Clear Lake E-Bike Rentals, Beavertails Bike Rentals, or Clear Lake Gas & Bike Rentals.

Double Bubble or Fuzzy Peaches?

What will it be? Enjoy a sweet send off to your magical weekend by stopping by the sweetest place in Wasagaming with a touch of charm... the Sugar Shop! Take a trip to Riding Mountain's very own candy land and curate and create the perfect a-la-carte sweet treat candy bag for your other half. Do they like gummy worms, bottle caps, blue whales, or sour cherries? No pressure... it all ends with a sweet tooth! Create goody bags to-go and surprise each other with fun sweet talk for the ride home.