Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
If you're on the hunt for your next RV adventure, you won't want to miss a trip to Manitoba's Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. It's an awesome spot for a camping getaway in the heart of the Great White North.
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park takes its name from its namesake lake whose refreshing waters are as transparent as glass, offering swimmers views of the bottom from 11 m (35 feet). The lake's turquoise-hued waters are reminiscent of the tropics and are warm and inviting in the summer months. Fishing is also a popular activity at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. This body of water teems with a variety of fish including lake trout, northern pike, and whitefish.
Located near to The Pas, Clearwater Lake Provincial Park offers families the opportunity to relax and enjoy laidback, rural living coupled with the close proximity to the amenities of a city. The Pas is home to some of the province's finest shopping and restaurants.
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park consists of 595 square kilometers (or 230 square miles) of property for families to explore. The land was formerly a forest preserve and is still thick with coniferous tree growth today. A walk through the woods will reveal an abundance of wildlife including black bears, squirrels, and weasels. The area is also home to a large population of red garter snakes who hibernate in the winter months then gather to reproduce during warmer weather. Plant life is also hardy at this park with many different interesting species to be found throughout the regions of boreal forest. During the summer months, wildflowers and berries are studded across the landscape. The caves found along the hiking trail are a must-see attraction.
For a Canadian RV vacation you'll not soon forget, bring the family to spend some time at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. It's the perfect place for a relaxing camping experience!
RV Rentals in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Travel to Clearwater Lake Provincial Park from The Pas encompasses 42 km (26 miles). To begin the journey, follow Provincial Road 285 W in the direction of Hazelwood St. At the sign for Cook Avenue, make a right hand turn. Follow this street until you reach the exit for MB-10 N. Take the exit for the highway and continue along this road until you reach the right hand turn that leads to MB-287 E. After approximately 1 km (less than one mile), make a right to enter the park. The route travels along two lane highways that are kept clear and in excellent condition. Traffic moves along well. Road construction may be encountered during warm weather months, so be prepared for delays.
To reach the park from Swan Lake, MB, follow MB-10 Alt S until you reach the exit on the left hand side for MB-10 N. Continue along this highway until you reach a right hand turn for MB-287 E. Continue along this path for approximately 1 km (less than one mile) until you see your destination. The entire journey consists of 271 km (or 168 miles). The highways found along this route are mostly two lane stretches of road. The roads are kept clear of dirt, debris, and snow and are well-maintained year round. Road construction occurs occasionally; mostly during the summer. Keep an eye out for wildlife as deer and other woodland creatures sometimes use the highways as crossings.
Parking
There are six different parking lots scattered throughout the park grounds where you can safely leave your vehicle.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Clearwater Lake Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
Campsites in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay Campgrounds
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is home to two campgrounds: Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay. The campgrounds sit on opposite sides of the lake and offer 79 campsites suitable for RV and tent camping. Reservations are recommended for stays between June and October yearly.
70 of the campsites offer electric hookups with the other nine being completely unserviced. Each of the lots is quite large in size. Generator use is permitted, and dogs may join their families on the grounds but must remain on a leash at all times.
Among the amenities at these two campgrounds are modern bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and firepits. The most popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and the viewing of wildlife.
Seasonal activities in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
In-Season
Swimming
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is home to three long stretches of beach that are the perfect spot for a day of sun, sand, and surf. The waters of Clearwater Lake are renowned for their tranquil transparency, affording swimmers incredible views of the lake's bottom from as far as 11 m (35 feet) away. The swimming is fine at all three of these beaches; however, lifeguard service is not available.
The shoreline is comprised of sand, making it the ideal haven for a picnic by the coast or working on your suntan. Your dog may join you at any of Clearwater Lake Provincial Park's beaches but must remain leashed at all times.
The Caves
Along the 0.8 km (less than one mile) hiking path found at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, you will encounter a series of caves that offer a breathtaking glimpse into the park's geological history. There is a well-marked path that leads through the boreal forest. Though it is tempting to meander off on your own, do take care to stick strictly to the route that leads through the caves as there is delicate plant life found outside this path.
Be sure to bring along some drinking water and snacks. You will also need a good pair of hiking shoes to protect your feet. Your dog is welcome in the caves but should remain on a leash.
Boating
Clearwater Lake is a great place to launch your boat for the season. Bring along your pleasurecraft or paddle out in your kayak or canoe to enjoy a day on this stunning, crystal clear lake. The turquoise-hued waters are completely transparent, allowing you to see to the depths of the sea.
While you're out enjoying the lake, why not try your hand at reeling in the catch of the day? Clearwater Lake is a haven for many different species of fish including northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish.
Off-Season
Wildlife viewing
With such thick boreal forest growth in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, there is an abundance of wildlife for families to spot. Among the animals that make this park their home are black bears, squirrels, and weasels. You'll want to have your camera on hand to capture some shots of the wildlife indigenous to the region.
In the fall and spring months, you just might catch sight of a plethora of red garter snakes. Though they hibernate in the winter, they are in plain view at all other times of the year and are particularly easy to spot in the spring and summer months.
Hiking
If hiking is your cup of tea, you won't be disappointed with a trip to Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. This park and campground offers several spots where you can work up an appetite on a vigorous hike. Head out along the 0.8 km (less than one mile) hiking trail that runs the circumference of the park and traverses through areas of forest as well as the section known as "the caves." If a wooded adventure was more what you had in mind, you won't regret a trek through the boreal forest or the verdant green meadows that are alive with aspen and oak growth. Along your journey, you will encounter many different species of unusual plants and even occasionally a wildflower or berry.
Fishing
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is a haven for those who love to fish. Whether you cast your line from the banks of the shore or paddle out into the lake's depths in a kayak, canoe, or motor boat, you are sure to have a ball.
Among the many species of fish found in Clearwater Lake are northern pike, whitefish, and lake trout. Catch your fill then fillet your bounty along the shore. You can bring your haul back to your campsite to grill up a feast for your family and friends to enjoy.
