Outdoor Winter Activities

Visitors to Riding Mountain National Park in the winter are not the type who prefer to hibernate. Winter in the park is a peaceful time of year to hit the trails and be active. Friends of Riding Mountain Learning Centre has fat bike, kickspark, sled, tube and snowshoe rentals so you can turn any trail or hill in the park into a winter adventure. Cross-country ski trails maps are also available here (no equipment rentals) to help you safely find your way around kilometres of trails around Clear Lake and the Wasagaming campground. In town, an ice skating trail through the forest is located behind the Parks Canada offices and a sledding hill is near the Anishinaabe Sharing Lodge.

Book time at the Ice Fishing Village huts, which provide a warm and inviting space for up to six people, complete with predrilled fishing holes, a wood stove and hot beverages like tea and hot chocolate. Fishing gear rentals are available on-site, with RMNP fishing permits required. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, this is the ideal way to embrace winter on the ice. There are add-ons available like a bannock-making kit, a guided “Learn to Fish” session or the Feast Bag for a delicious camping-inspired meal.

Where to Stay in Riding Mountain National Park

Winter camping is available in Clear Lake Country with Park Canada’s rentable, winterized oTENTiks in Wasagaming campground. These spacious, insulated a-frame structures can sleep up to six people and are equipped with electric heat and a wood stove. Another option for glamping is Turtle Village, which offers cozy year-round glamping accommodations with a Murphy bed, solar-powered lighting, a USB charging port and propane heating.

Elkhorn Resort and Conference Centre is a top option for families with kids needing to burn off energy. The waterpark features a waterslide, obstacle course and outdoor hot tub. The resort offers various styles of hotel room and suites, as well as stand-alone chalets to rent in winter. For adults, the outdoor Klar So Spa will have you relaxed in no time as you embrace the hot-cold thermal cycle.

At the heart of Wasagaming, Lakehouse boutique hotel offers stylish guest suites with a trendy but homey cabin feel while Arrowhead is ideal for families or groups, with new cottage rentals to choose from.

Where to Eat in Wasagaming in the Winter

Nothing is more welcome on a cold day of biking, skiing and snowshoeing than heaping plates of comfort food. Dine your way around Clear Lake Country starting at the Lakehouse for pub options like their popular nachos, burgers and wings, which can be ordered takeout or dine-in on a heated patio. For something extra special, book the idyllic Spruce Hut for a unique gourmet experience - plus it's dog-friendly! Over at Elkhorn Resort, The Buffalo Bar is open daily for serving family favourites like fluffy pancakes and homemade pizza.