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Clear Lake Beach in Manitoba Canada. Photo By Intermedichbo –

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts About Clear Lake, Manitoba 

Clear Lake, located on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, is the largest lake in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada. Clear Lake is situated north of Octopus Creek and northwest of Ominnik Marsh.

Riding Mountain National Park has over 1900 lakes. Only 650 of these are permanent, the others are seasonal streams and countless wetlands.  

The Lake was born when a huge landslide dammed the headwaters of Cold Creek, blocking westward water flow into the Russian River.

Water filled the level valley and the rising waters eventually found an outlet in Cache Creek, then drained eastward into the Sacramento River. 

Here are unbelievable facts about Clear Lake in Manitoba, Canada. 

1. Clear Lake is a Fresh Water Lake 

The lake is oligotrophic. Oligotrophic environments are those that offer little to sustain life. Clear Lake has low amounts of nutrients and so not a lot of living things can survive in it.  

This is what gives it a clear look and makes it a suitable source of clean, fresh water. There are no visible particles in the water. It is not muddied by sediment or algae blooms. 

One can see fish swimming around at the bottom. But a clear lake might be hiding bacteria, pesticides, or toxins, like the ones produced by algae. It is important to boil or treat the water before drinking. 

2. Clear Lake is Narrow and Irregularly Shaped

Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park near Wasagaming, Manitoba, Canada. Photo By JoannaPoe –

Clear Lake has a west-east orientation meaning it is wider and shallower in the western portion while the eastern end is narrow and deep.   

The water body is approximately 12,095 meters in length along a mid-lake line and approximately 4,524 meters wide.   

3. Clear Lake’s Indigenous People Preserve and Protect it

The people of Riding Mountain Band take an active role in community development and ensure that the community is economically self-sufficient.  

The elders provide leadership and guidance to the community members. The people of the Riding Mountain Band have strong religious and spiritual beliefs.  

They have great respect for mother earth, believing that she is the keeper of all things and that they should take care of the land, lakes, and rivers and protect the sacred animals and birds.  

They believe each generation should ensure that they protect and preserve their culture, the environment, and living creatures. These people monitor the fish and their habitat in Clear Lake respectfully.   

4. The Lake is an Anglers Haven 

Clear Lake Riding Mountain National Park Manitoba Canada. Photo By Intermedichbo –

Angling is the sport or pastime of fishing with a rod and line. The waters here being so clear is a plus because one can see the fish swimming. If you plan on fishing at this lake, make sure you pay and get a fishing permit.   

Clear lake is home to a wide variety of fish, perfect for local and international anglers. The lake is used for commercial fishing during winter. Whitefish was the main marketable fish.  

Fish found at the lake include Northern pike, yellow perch, carp, tullibee, suckers, and cisco. Clear Lake is home to walleye, the biggest fish in the world. The sturgeon is also found here, growing to over 1.5 meters, and can live for more than 50 years.    

5. Clear Lake Freezes Over from Early December to Late May 

This lake is so clear you can see straight to the bottom when it’s frozen, it becomes crystal clear with a glassy appearance. For this to happen, the air has to be cold enough to freeze the lake without wind and snow.    

On the lake bed, one can see rocks, sand, and even fish in the shallow areas but it gets pretty deep as you move towards the center. It is so deep that all one can see is blue and black, but near the shoreline the frozen lake is a crystal clear, see-through ice rink. 

Authorities recommend that the ice be at least six inches thick to stand on it safely. The ice gets to over seven inches thick which is perfect for lots of people on ice skates. Visitors flock to the lake to ice skate while enjoying the views at the bottom of the lake. 

6. There is a Golf Course Near Clear Lake 

At the east end of the Lake, you will find the Clear Lake Golf Course which was built between 1928 and 1934. It is one of the most unique, picturesque, and environmentally friendly golf courses in Manitoba. 

Play the 18-hole adventure mini-golf located close to the main beach. There are also six outdoor tennis courts and a play structure for kids in the area. 

7. Wishing Well Garden is Great for Picnics 

Clear Lake Beach at Riding Mountain in, Canada. Photo by A K on

Right next to the Clear Lake Golf Course on the eastern shore of Clear Lake is the historic wishing well. It provides beautiful lake views which makes The Wishing Well a great spot for taking photos and having a picnic with your loved ones. 

This area has beautifully manicured gardens full of native plants, flowers, walkways, and bridges over Boogey Creek. There are two piers located nearby that are perfectly situated for capturing the best sunset views. 

While at the Wishing Well, relax and take in the Manitoba sunset from the Clear Lake Golf Course Pier. 

8. The Nature Trails are Great for Hiking and Bird Watching 

Riding Mountain National Park is home to over 60 hiking trails that are the most scenic and inspiring. As you hike, you will get a glance at some beautiful bird species. 

There are short hiking trails ideal for families. The common one is an easy half-mile self-guided nature trail where one can see a variety of birds and waterfowl as well as turtles, squirrels, muskrats, and minks. 

Bike riding is also allowed on paved roads in designated areas only. Hiking allows you to experience the spectacular landscape of Riding Mountain National Park. 

9. Clear Lake Has a Beach and Boats 

Clear Lake Beach in Manitoba Canada. Photo By Intermedichbo –

There is a great beach with lake access for swimming. On the beach, there are picnic tables, ramadas for shade, and restrooms as well as an outdoor shower. You may see a variety of birds and waterfowl here. Clear Lake, with its sandy beaches and clear water, is the most popular spot for swimming.  

The lake is a prime destination for boat lovers. Motorized boats are allowed, but no personal watercraft are permitted on Riding Mountain National Park waters.  

Boating and canoeing in the clear waters are a fantastic experience, and boats and canoe rentals are available locally. Residents and tourists can enjoy picnics and beautiful views of Clear Lake at the main beach area.  

10. There is a Camping Ground Near Clear Lake 

The camping ground near Clear Lake is vast with over 700 campsites. It is spacious, with washrooms and community picnic shelters. There are cottages too and the camping sites have electricity, lots of trees and privacy.