Travel Manitoba: Clear Lake Weekend
Blog post sponsored by Travel Manitoba. All thoughts, opinions and experiences are my own.
We had the pleasure of visiting Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park last weekend and we had the best time ever. Jason and I had visited in the past when Everly and Rosie were little, but they didn't remember any of it. We went from a Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon and it was the perfect amount of time to fit in all of the activities we wanted to do. We went in fall, so it was a lot quieter than if we went in summer. I believe most stores close up for the season soon, so depending on when you go plan accordingly. You do have to show your QR code for proof of vaccination and ID everywhere you go (hotels, restaurants, etc) and wear masks, but everything felt very clean and safe. I'll share where we stayed, where we ate and the activities we did below! Leave a comment at the end or send me a message on Instagram @staceykasdorf if you have any questions!
Accommodation
Jason and I had been here for breakfast before, but we had never spent the weekend. It definitely surpassed our expectations. The Elkhorn has a main hotel with rooms, as well as detached chalets. The chalets are a close walk to the hotel, and provide more privacy and space. We opted for a chalet so that we could get two bedrooms. It was nestled in the trees with a huge wrap around deck, table and barbeque outside. Inside was a beautiful sitting area, fireplace (which they provide logs for), dining table, kitchen with breakfast bar, two bedrooms and a bathroom. It was so much space for us, and honestly would be the perfect place to stay for an extended vacation. You could get groceries, make meals, bbq and have lots of room to relax and have downtime. It was the perfect setup for us, as we could put the girls down for bed and Jason and I could stay up in the main living space. It was also really convenient for putting Zara down for a nap.
Restaurant
They also have a restaurant at the hotel, The Buffalo Bar, where we got breakfast one morning. They have an amazing brunch on the weekends that had a huge variety of food. They also allowed kids to order off of a kids menu so they didn't get charged the buffet price which was nice.
Solstice Spa
I got to sneak away for some me time Saturday afternoon to get a facial at the Solstice Spa. They use Eminence products, which I use at home, so that was a nice surprise! It was so relaxing and exactly what I needed to recharge. Unfortunately due to COVID the mineral pool was closed, but usually you would get access to that if you had a treatment at the spa.
Pool
This was definitely the highlight for the girls. They had a really great waterslide, floating logs and rope climb, tipping buckets, a swimming pool and a huge indoor and outdoor hot tub. We spent hours in here and the girls could have stayed in forever. Everyone had so much fun, ourselves included. I told Jason it would also be the perfect place for a couples getaway with the outdoor hot tub. There is also a gym right next to the pool area.
Campfires
They have campfire spots on the grounds that you can book for your group. The wood, matches and paper are supplied for you to make your own fire. We made one in the evening with the girls and they loved it. There was a huge fire pit and Adirondack chairs to relax in. They ran and grabbed sticks and leaves to help us make the fire and it was the perfect thing to do on a cool fall evening.
Horses
There are stables and horses on the resort as well, and you can even book a trail ride. The girls were too young, but we did get to go down to where they were and feed them grass. The girls absolutely loved it!
Playground
They have a brand new playground right by the horses that the girls also loved playing at. It's a perfect thing if you have some time to kill before the next activity.
On Friday evening when we first arrived we headed into Clear Lake town to take the girls mini golfing. Zara and Rosie kind of did their own thing, but Everly loved trying to get it into each hole. The course is super cute with lots of little whimsical touches. They also have tennis courts right beside that you can rent rackets for as well, and a huge playground that we went to after.
On Friday night we went for dinner at 1929 and it did not disappoint. The menu had a ton of selection, and the food was incredible. Everyone loved their food! I got the Power Protein Bowl and highly recommend it. They also treated us to their Chocolate Utopia and Turtle Cheesecake which were both incredible! Both were definitely big enough to share.
On Saturday afternoon we took the girls on the Ominnick Marsh Trail, one of the first places Jason ever took me in Clear Lake. It's such a beautiful walk through the marsh, and most of it is on boardwalks so it's fun for kids to walk along and explore. You can also get nets in town for them to try and catch bugs and other things. There are two options, one longer and one shorter, we opted for the shorter one and it was the perfect length for the girls.
This was a hidden gem for us. We forgot to make reservations Saturday night, so most of the restaurants were full. We randomly found this spot off the beaten path and were pleasantly surprised! It was such a cozy atmosphere and again an amazing menu. Jason and I both got the ribs, but then after sitting there and smelling the amazing wood fire pizza, we had to get one to go. We got the Cedar & Smoke and it was the BEST pizza I have ever had. Such a light and airy crust and so much flavor. I highly recommend getting that!
On Sunday before heading home we went to Beavertail Bike Rentals to get one of those 5 seater bikes. It was perfect because Jason and I peddled and the girls sat in the front seat and got to take in the view. It was a great way to explore the town and go down by the water. The girls loved it!
TOWN
Clear Lake town is full of little shops, clothing stores, restaurants, candy stores and other hidden gems. Jason took the girls to the candy shop Saturday afternoon, then Saturday night we grabbed icecream from The Boardwalk. Both were amazing and the girls obviously loved them both. The Marina is a beautiful spot to walk and check out the boats and the water, which is so clear. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats and boat cruises to check out the lake for yourself!
We made such great memories with the girls and I can’t wait to go back again one day soon!
Best,
Stacey