The Perfect Winter Itinerary for Riding Mountain National Park

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A 3-Day Guide to Relaxing, Fishing, and Nordic Spa Bliss at Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park

Winter in Riding Mountain hits different.

There's something about this place in the winter that people who've only visited in summer totally miss — the trees are heavy with snow, the lake freezes over and catches the light in this way that makes you stop and just stare, and everything slows down in the best way. No boat traffic. No crowds. Just quiet.

If you've been meaning to actually decompress (not just say you're going to), a winter weekend here is it. Here's how I'd do it.

Day 1: Just... arrive. That's the whole plan.

Get to the Lakehouse and time it so you catch the sunset — trust me on this one. Unload your stuff, throw on your warmest hoodie, and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for the rest of the evening. The drive here already felt like half the detox. The other half is just letting the lake do its thing.

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Dinner that first night? Fondue. It's one of those meals that just works — nobody's rushing, the conversation flows, and somehow you're still at the table an hour later than you planned. After that, the hot tub. Snow falling, steam rising, absolute silence except for whoever's still making you laugh. That's the whole evening. That's enough.

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Day 2: Get outside, then recover like it's your job.

Morning is for the ice. Clear Lake has some of the best Whitefish fishing around and winter is genuinely the best time to do it — you get these wide open views, crisp air, and that very specific kind of patience that ice fishing requires. It's peaceful right up until it isn't, and that's kind of the whole appeal.

 Photo Credit: Melissa Lindsay

After a day out there, you've earned what comes next: an evening at Klar So Nordic Spa. Hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, quiet corners to just be. It's the kind of place that makes total sense after a day in the cold — your body basically thanks you in real time.

Photo Credit: Melissa Lindsay

Day 3: A slow morning, then one last look.

Grab a coffee and wander around Wasagaming before you even think about leaving. It's a small town but it's got that charm. Stop into the visitor's centre, poke around the Friends of Riding Mountain Nature shop for souvenirs, and if you haven't tried a kicksled yet, today's the day. The groomed skating trails are genuinely fun and there's something about gliding around out there that feels a little bit like being a kid again.

Before you pack up the car, swing by the Klar So Snow Pavilion. It's one of those spots that's hard to describe but easy to appreciate, just go. Then take the East Gate out and don't skip the escarpment viewpoints on the way. You'll pull over. Everyone pulls over.

Why winter here just makes sense

It's quieter. It's slower. And somehow that makes everything feel more intentional. The meals, the mornings, the time with whoever you brought along. You come home actually rested, which isn't something every weekend trip can claim.

 Photo Credit: Melissa Lindsay

Pro tip: Pack layers, lean into the slow mornings, and don’t overschedule. Riding Mountain's winter magic works best when you give it room to breathe. ❄️✨

Pop over to Melissa Lindsay's website for more photos and Clear Lake Inspo.!

--Kylie