When asked about visiting Clear Lake Country, folks regale with stories of lazy summer days at the cabin, exploring hiking trails throughout Riding Mountain, beach days, and clinking glasses with friends on one of Clear Lake Country's gorgeous patios in the height of summer.

Not so long ago, the little town of Wasagaming all but shuttered its doors for the winter months; closing mid-fall and reopening in May. The park remained accessible to adventurers and still served as a main route through the region, but had very limited services for visitors. Over the past several years, Parks Canada, Clear Lake Country, and several local businesses have been working to improve the visitor experience in the winter months. The roads, trailheads, and sidewalks through the park are exceptionally well-maintained; in town and beyond. While services within the park are limited, the essentials are available. Coffee, food, and accommodations. Gas and necessities can be secured just outside of RMNP in Onanole!

Love For Lakehouse

A favourite of Hike Manitoba, Lakehouse, underwent a change of ownership and a brilliant change in appearance. Lakehouse has quickly become Wasagaming’s darling year ‘round; especially in the winter months. Under one roof lives a boutique hotel, charming cafe, and the most dreamy and romantic little restaurant.

Arriving at Arbutus Cabins

With Lakehouse open throughout the year, other businesses have been emboldened to stay open. Arbutus Cabins - sister resort to Mooswa - was our host during our weekend stay. We were greeted by a freshly plowed parking pad and shoveled walkways (which is absolutely lovely when you’re arriving after dark on a Friday evening). We appreciated the care and tiniest of details that go into maintaining Arbutus. The cabins are spotless, comfortably decorated, and very well appointed.

During our stay in Riding Mountain National Park, we explored seven trails. We were delighted to find that Parks Canada staff have been speedy and diligent about clearing trailheads and parking lots for easy access.

1. South Lake Trail

While the Ominnik Marsh Trail is closed, check out this alternative instead. The 3 km loop South Lake is groomed - but not track set - for hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and fat biking. This is NOT a ski trail and foot travel is welcome.

2. Arrowhead Trail

Arrowhead is a quick jaunt from Wasagaming townsite. This 3.2km loop trail is an ungroomed wilderness trail and open to hiking, snowshoeing, and fat biking. This is a REALLY fun trail to snowshoe… and we were super lucky to be first on the trail after a fresh and fluffy snowfall!

3. Kinosao Trail

If you’re looking for wild and beautiful, start with Kinosao. During the winter months, this 3.8km trail (linear, out-and-back) is a wilderness, ungroomed trail. Hike it. Bike it. Snowshoe it. It’s tough not to fall hopelessly in love with this little darling of a trail during any season… but it’s particularly magical in the winter!

4. Brule Trail

We love Brule trail for its accessibility feature and gorgeous viewpoints. The trail is groomed for hiking, fat biking, and snowshoeing. With a short loop (2.2km) and a long loop (4.1km) it’s a great adventure for all abilities. This trail leads out to a beautiful bridge that skirts the edge of Kinosao Lake. Sunrise is THE time to visit.

5. Bead Lakes Trail

And lastly is the oft-overlooked Bead Lakes trail. This little gem is tucked away, deep in the woods… most folks speed past on the way to more exciting adventures. While not overly challenging, this 3.9km loop trail is PERFECT for those who want a quiet adventure on the trails. Designated as a wilderness trail, this is an ungroomed trail.

6. Moon Lake Trail

Have you ever explored Moon Lake trail in the winter? This 9.5km loop trail is designated as a wilderness ungroomed trail through the winter months. Lace up your boots, buckle up your snowshoes, or hop on your fat bike. This trail is WILD during the winter. This is a tough trail with limited cell service so be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back!

7. North Escarpment Trail

We chose the North Escarpment trail as our last trail of the weekend. This 6+km trail is a slight but steady incline along the East Escarpment. The views along the trail during the melty months would be marshes, dense forest, and gorgeous ridge lines. During the winter, with the treeline a bit more open, we were able to appreciate the escarpment ridges and elevation changes in the area. The trail had not been traveled before us, so we snowshoed our way along the trail following along what looked like wolf tracks. It was wildly peaceful on the trail and while it’s not the most exciting trail, it’s certainly beautiful and challenging.