Sitting atop the Manitoba Escarpment, Riding Mountain National Park consists of three distinct ecosystems – grasslands, upland boreal and eastern deciduous forests. For anyone who thinks that Manitoba is only prairie farmland, we’d urge you to come here and smash that misconception. We Explore Canada contributor Ron Pradinuk is here to tell you how to make the most of your visit to Riding Mountain National Park, as well as the surrounding area.
A transitory visitor stops in Wasagaming, a small community in Riding Mountain National Park, to ask if he might see bears on his trip. My brother-in-law answers, “just keep driving further up Number 10, and you will likely spot a number of them. At this time of the year, you have a good chance of seeing a moose or two as well.”
For those who look forward to spotting wildlife on their vacations, this is the park in Manitoba to do it. You may not always find them easily, but there is also a wolf population that roams this large three-thousand square kilometre park, along with coyotes, lynx and an abundance of foxes.
Riding Mountain National Park is also one of the most popular destinations for a wide array of family fun options—as well as for spotting the widest array of birds in the Province of Manitoba.
While the area’s prime tourist centre is more broadly defined as “Clear Lake,” its major accommodations and retail community is the town of Wasagaming (which borders on the village of Onanole, whose main street leads directly to the park entrance only minutes away).
For millennia, the region has been inhabited by First Nations Peoples. Over time, it has been home to the Cree, the Assiniboines, and eventually became home to the Ojibwe as well, who continue to reside there today.
Make Time for Hiking at Riding Mountain National Park
It is also where many Manitobans and Saskatchewanians have cottages, and where it’s wide array of outdoor and indoor options has made it a must stop for tourists who choose Manitoba for vacations.
While the park is large, its commercial tourism community is relatively small and compact. The food and accommodation sectors are more than sufficient, but you won’t be driving past huge signs leading you to the major brand outlets like McDonalds or Burger King. Perhaps because of its size, visitors often comment about how helpful the people are–underscoring the provinces motto of “Friendly Manitoba.”
There are a number of excellent restaurants in Wasagaming–but it is its outdoor opportunities, with its 70 designated walking trails, totalling more than 400 kilometres, which excite enthusiasts. Many of these trails go over and around swamps, marshland and border on Clear Lake itself.
One of the more fascinating hikes is the Ominnik Marsh Trail. It shepherds you through and above the marsh, the home of plants and animals you won’t find in other areas. As you move forward on the wide boardwalk through the trail It is often completely surrounded by water, wildlife and fauna.
If you’re here first and foremost to do some hiking, then you’ll want to consider other hikes in and around Riding Mountain National Park such as the Brûlé Trail (relatively easy), the Kinosao Lake Trail (moderate), or if you’re looking for more of a challenge, consider the roughly 10 kilometre Bald Hill hike.
Get Out on the Water in This Pristine National Park in Manitoba
The main beach at Clear Lake consists of nice fine sand, and is cordoned off to prevent boats from coming too close. There are a couple of other beaches just a kilometre or two away, which the locals view as theirs, but are nevertheless happy to direct you to entrance points where they can be easily accessed.
Personal water craft are no longer allowed on Clear Lake, but boating is extremely popular—as is canoeing, sailing and all the other new water fun options.
You don’t need a boat of your own to explore the lake. Just sign on to one of the afternoon or sunset interpretive cruises on The Martese tour boat, which operates during the prime summer months.
You will learn much about the history, the founding peoples of the region, and its role in the past and present development of the park–and its importance in the Province of Manitoba.
Dive Into the Shopping and Culture In and Around Riding Mountain
The shops in Wasagaming and Onanole are owned mostly my Manitobans, or people from neighbouring Saskatchewan. The merchants work hard to find products you won’t find in the city — and the service is always superb. As often as we have visited Clear Lake, my wife makes it a point each trip to visit as many stores as she can “to see what they have that’s new”.
By mid-summer, a weekly farmer’s market is set up in Onanole — with a broad range of fresh and canned, including everything from hot sauces to homemade breads and cinnamon buns.
After shopping, enjoy a movie at the historic Park Theatre. Opened in 1937, it is the largest log cabin theatre in North America. The movies may be the latest releases, but the personality of the original build has been kept intact, providing an experience that blends the past, present and future together as one.
A trip to the Visitor Centre should be a must for all first-time visitors. Exceptional displays provide an overview of all aspects of the people and the wildlife of the area. Plan enough time to follow one of the centre’ s interpreters—who will bring to life all you see in a knowledgeable spellbinding fashion.
Teeing Off at Clear Lake Golf Course
Because of its many high and steep hills, which often overlook Clear Lake, enthusiasts may choose to take a cart, instead of walking this track. Designed by Stanley Thompson, Canada’s pre-eminent golf course creator of the first half of the last century, Clear Lake Golf Course is one of his best.
And it truly is a genuine nature trail as well, which showcases how seamlessly the course fits into the natural surroundings. Spotting the occasional bear or dear, or any variety of smaller animals is not uncommon — and the view from the tee box of the ninth hole over the lake is breathtaking and spectacular.
At only 6309 yards, it is not a long track—and is very playable for golfers of all skillsets. But clear thinking and strategical placements are necessary to reach those target goals–and not be forced to trample through dense bush to retrieve your ball. Note to the wise — book early, especially for weekend tee times.
A second course, Poplar Ridge in nearby Onanole, is a relatively new course. It has not been PGA rated, but It’s an inexpensive, yet well-maintained, course to play.
Where to Stay When You’re Visiting This National Park
The Elkhorn Resort and Conference Centre, with its modern new spa, is likely the most luxurious place to stay in the area. It has a pool and just about everything you would expect from a quality property. It was the first place we stayed many years ago—and it was, and still is very impressive. It is located just outside the borders of the park.
With our grandchildren, we have also have stayed at the Arrowhead Family Resort right on Wasagaming Drive, in the heart of everything. It has its own outdoor pool and, other than for going on driving tours, our car stayed parked most of the time.
There are also bed and breakfasts available in and around Onanole, most of which are well reviewed.
As in most national parks, there are plenty of campground options to choose from. Don’t like the idea of taking the time and frustration of setting up a tent? The increasing popularity of oTENTic accommodations has really found a place in offering a more convenient wilderness adventure.
They are essentially A-Frame prebuilt tent-like structures–with roughhewn sleeping platforms, a stove and many of the other camping essentials which allow visitors to check in without the burden of a trunk full of equipment, such pegs, poles and the other usual requirements. oTentics can accommodate up to six people.
A number of two person Yurts are also available.
Don’t Discount the Park in Winter
Cottage owners are not allowed overnight access to their cottages during the winter. While most of the stores will be shuttered, a number of the accommodation properties are available with a few restaurants remaining open as well.
Many will argue it is the most beautiful season to visit Riding Mountain National Park.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or major calorie burning exercise on a fat tire bike will take up your days—while a spa at Elkhorn Resort, or a fine dinner at one of restaurants can easily pass an evening with new or old friends.
What Else is Worth Knowing?
- Regardless of which direction you are travelling from, the final road into Riding Mountain National Park is the Number 10 highway. It connects to the Trans-Canada Highway for those coming from the US, as well as southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Wasagaming, often referred to as the gateway to Riding Mountain National Park, is the south entrance. From the north, most will connect to Number 10 through the city of Dauphin.
- One of the drive excursions worth taking is to the Park’s Bison enclosure — about 30 minutes away. On our most recent trip this summer, we had the fortunate experience of seeing a bear cub near the top of some tree shrubs–enjoying a meal of leaves as it entertained us.
- Horseback riding is also available at the Trailhead Ranch, a few kilometres from Clear Lake.
Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba stands out as a special destination due to its diverse landscape, abundant wildlife, conservation efforts and extensive recreational activities. This unique blend makes it remarkable place to visit, offering memorable experiences for all who explore its wonders.
Ron is a dedicated traveller, having explored the width and breadth of Canada many times, and has visited 65 countries around the world as well. He is a long-time writer, broadcaster and podcaster, focusing most of his time in the travel and hospitality sectors. As a previous owner of a marketing agency creating campaigns for three Canadian provinces, he understands what travellers are wanting to learn as they finalize their travel decisions. And subsequently owning a larger travel goods store, he knows which products work best for travellers.