Riding Mountain National Park is one of two Canadian National Parks located in Manitoba. This stunning Park offers a variety of activities that keep visitors coming back in any season. RMNP is 1,146 square miles of boreal forest, large lakes, and a ton of wildlife.
We were lucky to visit Riding Mountain National Park in February and were treated with a snowy adventure in the forest. Our trip was for two nights and one full day; we were based out of Wasagaming, which is the most popular area of the park.
Before you Go
Accommodation
Clear Lake and Riding Mountain National Park are one of Manitoba’s most popular attractions. If you’re planning on visiting during peak season (summer or fall) I suggest planning your trip in advance and booking camping or accommodation early.
What to Bring
There are a few things that you can’t forget for your winter trip to Riding Mountain National Park. If you’re planning on spending time outdoors you’ll want to bring layers and equipment that suit your travel plan. Given that we spent the majority of our time outdoors here are a few things we were happy to have:
- Winter Coat
- Snow Pants
- Warm Boots
- Hat, Neck warmer, Mittens
- Thermal Layers (including wool socks)
- Backpack for on the Trails
- Hand and Foot Warmers
- Snacks
- Camera/Photography Equipment
- Snowshoes
CLICK HERE to shop my winter gear.
Where to Rent Equipment
There are plenty of places to winter hike within Riding Mountain National Park. If hiking isn’t up your alley or you want to switch things up, there are several places to rent winter equipment in (and around) Wasagaming.
Friends of Riding Mountain National Park
Friends of Riding Mountain National Park is a volunteer driven, non-profit organization working to “increase the awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Riding Mountain National Park.” In addition to putting on many great local events (like the maple syrup rolling we were able to experience), Friends of RMNP have a variety of rentals.
Rental equipment available during the winter includes: fat bikes, snowshoes, snow tubes & sleds, and kicksparks. Rentals are first come first serve, for more information CLICK HERE.
When we were returning our snowshoes Friends of RMNP had a maple syrup rolling event. We were able to enjoy this Canadian delicacy of maple syrup poured and cooled on fresh packed snow. For more information click on the EVENTS tab on the Friends of RMNP website.
Elkhorn Resort
Elkhorn Resort offers cross-country ski rentals throughout the winter months. Skis can be rented in single or four hour increments and are first come-first serve. If you are not staying at the resort you will be asked to pay an additional $200 security fee which will be refunded upon returning the skis. If interested inquire at the front desk.
Maps
The Parks Canada website has awesome information regarding the conditions of each trail on their website. However, I highly suggest picking up a map at the Parks Canada Visitors Center. The seasonal maps available are easy to read, and we had fun using it to plan our day over breakfast.
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Where to Stay
Cabin in the Clearing
While we were visiting Riding Mountain National Park we stayed at Cabin in the Clearing by Bowerbird Stays. The cabin was a short (< 10 minute) drive from the town of Clear Lake and a great base for our adventures.
Cabin in the Clearing is a roomy stay that has 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 people. There is a full kitchen, spacious living room, and cute bathroom.
While I enjoyed our time at this cabin I believe that it would serve as better accommodation in the summer. The door did not fit properly (partially due to the cold weather I imagine), and the cabin was very drafty. It also has a large, beautiful, enclosed (but seasonal) porch that I think would be fun to enjoy in the summer months.
For more information on Cabin in the Clearing CLICK HERE.
Bowerbird Stays also has a variety of other cabins available to rent within a short drive of Wasagaming. There are cabins in a variety of sizes and styles; be sure to check them out while planning your getaway!
- Cabin in Riding Mountain (Clear Lake)
- Modern Clear Lake Getaway
- Modern Cabin in the Woods
- Mod Bungalow
- Bright and Airy Onanole Country House
Other options for Accommodation
For other Clear Lake Lodging Ideas CLICK HERE!
Camping in Clear Lake Area
Reservations for camping in Wasagaming can be made on the Parks Canada Website. Parks Canada offers a variety of campsites and has several tent cabins available for rent throughout the park. Serviced, unserviced, and accommodation camping is only available May through October.
Parks Canada offers cute oTENTik “cabins” for rent all year round. These A-Frame style camping cabins sleep 5-6 people, have lighting, and are accessible by car ($96+/night). 6 are available in Wasagaming year round, for more information CLICK HERE!
Winter trails to explore in Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park is a great place to explore any time of year. Even in the winter there are multiple options no matter your interests. Many trails can be used for cross country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and/or winter hiking.
CLICK HERE for the full trail guide on the Government of Canada Website.
Go Snowshoeing on Kinosao Trail (Moderate)
Kinosao Trail originates at the Grey Owl Trailhead (Lake Katherine section of the park map). The Kinosao Trail is a one-way trail that is 1.9 km (1.2 miles) in length. The trail is considered moderate due to the mild hilly landscape. The trail has great payoff with beautiful views of Katherine Lake.
Go Winter Hiking on Brûlé Trail (Easy)
Brûlé and Kinosao Trails both originate at the Grey Owl Trailhead. The Brûlé trail consists of a short loop and a long loop; the short loop is 2.2 km (1.4 miles) and the long loop is 4.1 km (2.5 miles). The long loop of Brûlé leads to Kinosao Lake. The trail is wide and if you make it out Kinosao Lake there is a beautiful boardwalk.
Skate on the Trails at the Parks Canada Visitors Center
There are a few options for skating in Wasagaming, one of which is the Parks Canada Skating Trails. Several trails wind in and out of the trees surrounded by beautiful twinkly lights. A small skating rink is perfect for a game of pickup. A warming hut sits just next to the rink and is perfect for thawing out your toes and having a drink!
While we were visiting there were tons of kids and families enjoying the skating trails. When I popped my head into the warming hut groups were laughing, eating, and roasting marshmallows in the wood burning stoves.
Go Fat Tire Biking on South Lake Trail (Easy)
There are several trails throughout the park that can be used for fat tire biking. We chose South Lake Trail because it was easy to get to from Friends of Riding Mountain where we rented our bikes. South Lake Trail is an easy 3.0 km (1.9 mile) loop that was perfect for a couple of first-timers on fat tire bikes.
We got on the trail at the Parks Canada Visitors Center and spent about 45 minutes biking the trail. South Lake Trail is on the Wasagaming Trail Map.
Enjoy the Sunset at Ominnik Marsh Trail (Easy)
Ominnik Marsh Trail was the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. A .5 km (.3 mile) boardwalk meanders through the marsh and is an easy and enjoyable walk.
I have heard this is an incredible spot to see wildlife in the summer. There are several informational plaques throughout the boardwalk that describe the marsh life that may be visible in the summer. I look forward to visiting again and experiencing it!
Snowshoe on Clear Lake
A great place to access the lake for snowshoeing is at Deep Bay Beach. From the parking area is a set of stairs that has become recognizable to Riding Mountain National Park. To access Deep Bay Beach and the staircase drive to East end of Wasagaming Drive.
I have heard Deep Bay Beach is beautiful (and popular) in the summer. There is a drop off at the beach that goes from two feet to 20 feet deep within a few paces.
Where to eat in Riding Mountain National Park
Very few of the restaurants in Wasagaming are open in the winter. We were there for a short time, and were able to sample the offerings of one great restaurant in particular.
Lakehouse
Lakehouse in Wasagaming hits many bases when it comes to a small town restaurant. They have a full coffee bar, sit down restaurant, and adventure goods for purchase. Menu items include appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and more.
During the winter months, dining at the Spruce Hut is also available. By reservations guests are able to dine in private in a cute heated hut just outside.
While we were there we enjoyed a coffee and chocolate chip muffin for breakfast. We were back for lunch and each had a Caesar (10/10 recommend) and enjoyed the Manitoba Charcuterie.
For dinner we were lucky enough to dine in the Spruce Hut. We were able try some of the awesome cocktails; the cocktails menu was on a piece of printer paper and I am unable to find it online. We started with the Ricotta + Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia and each ordered a pizza as our main. I had “Under the Tuscan Sun” and it was delicious!
Riding Mountain National Park captured my heart after our short snowy visit. We had so much fun making the most of winter with great trails, great views, and great food. I’ve been bit by the RMNP bug and I know I need to explore in the summer too!
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