Clear Lake Temporary Watercraft Measures
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why are boats not allowed on Clear Lake?
Parks Canada has prohibited the use of motorized boats as well as canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards on Clear Lake this summer. These measures are to facilitate detection of zebra mussels and decrease the risk of spread, to better ensure the future health of the lake. Swimming is still permitted, along with fishing from shore or wharfs, the use of beach toys and personal flotation devices. For further information about Clear Lake watercraft restrictions, click here
2. Are inflatable paddle boards considered inflatable floaties or paddleboards?
Inflatable paddle boards are paddle boards and are prohibited on Clear Lake for the 2024 summer season. For a list of which water-related equipment is permitted, click here
All watercraft are subject to Parks Canada inspection for entering all other water bodies in Riding Mountain National Park. The inspection service is free of charge and watercraft passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada. For more information about the inspection program, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program on Parks Canada’s website
3. What about small inflatable boats and kayaks?
These items fall under the regulations governing boats and kayaks and are not allowed on Clear Lake. There are several lakes within Riding Mountain National Park suitable for canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, including Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine as well as streams and rivers.
Inflatable and non-inflatable boats and kayaks must be inspected by Parks Canada before entering these lakes. The inspection service is free of charge and all water-related equipment passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada. For more information about the inspection program, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program on Parks Canada’s website
4. What about inflatable ‘party islands’?
Party islands are inflatables, unless they are used as a means of conveyance within the lake, then they are watercraft and are not allowed on Clear Lake.
Inspection of party islands, toy floaties, lifejackets and personal floatation devices (PFDs) is mandatory for entering Clear Lake and other water bodies in Riding Mountain National Park. The inspection service is free of charge and all water-related equipment passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada. For more information about the inspection program, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program on Parks Canada’s website
5. Can I bring my own beach/sand toys?
Beach and sand toys as well as personal floatation devices and floaties can be used while swimming in Clear Lake. .
All water-related equipment is subject to Parks Canada inspection. The inspection service is free of charge and all water-related equipment passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada. For more information about the inspection program, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program on Parks Canada’s website.
6. How do I report prohibited watercraft activity if I see it on Clear Lake?
Call Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-877-852-3100.
7. Is it safe to swim in the water? Are zebra mussels harmful to humans? Are there zebra mussels on Clear Lake beach?
Currently, there are no zebra mussels on the beach at Clear Lake. Although not harmful to humans, zebra mussels are detrimental to ecosystems like lakes and bodies of water. The measures introduced by Parks Canada are to facilitate the detection of zebra mussels and decrease the risk of spread, to better ensure the future health of the lake. You can learn more about zebra mussels and these preventative measures from Parks Canada’s website.
8. Is the Clear Lake Marina going to have canoes and kayaks for rent?
Clear Lake Marina will not have canoes and kayaks for rent for the 2024 spring and summer season. The Martese, the cruise vessel, has ceased operations of daily tours for the remainder of the 2024 season. Clear Lake Marina will offer licensed beverage and appetizer service on the Martese while docked on Wasagaming’s main pier. Inflatable island rentals will be available from the main pier kiosk for use in the Marina Bay.
9. What other activities can I enjoy in Riding Mountain National Park if I can’t boat on Clear Lake?
A wide variety of outdoor activities are available including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, tennis, golfing, shopping, dining, camping, glamping and a wide variety of accommodations. Visit our Clear Lake Country webpage to find out more.
10. What other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park can I still use personal watercraft in?
There are several lakes within Riding Mountain National Park for canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Personal watercraft must be inspected before entering these lakes. This includes Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine as well as all streams and rivers. The inspection service is free of charge and all water-related equipment passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada. For more information about the inspection program, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program on Parks Canada’s website.
11. How do I get Parks Canada permits to launch watercraft in these other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park?
Visit the Parks Canada website for details on this year’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) program. Visitors should bring their vessel for inspection to the inspection station at Boat Cove in Wasagaming between 11:30 am and 6:30 pm.
12. Are there other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park or in nearby communities where I can take my boat?
Motorized boats are not allowed on any lakes or waterways in Riding Mountain National Park during the summer 2024 season.
Outside of Riding Mountain National Park, there are a number of lakes for recreational boating. These lakes are located in the western and parkland regions of Manitoba and include Dauphin Lake, Minnedosa Lake and Lake of the Prairies. You can learn more from Tourism Dauphin’s website, Parkland Tourism’s website or from Tourism Westman’s kayaking and canoeing and beach webpages.
13. Are there other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park or in nearby communities where I can go fishing?
Motorized boats are not allowed on any lakes or waterways in Riding Mountain National Park during the summer 2024 season.
Fishing from the shore or wharfs is permitted in Clear Lake for the 2024 season, as well as fishing from non-motorized boats on other lakes and waterways in Riding Mountain National Park. All watercraft must be inspected before entering these lakes. This includes Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine as well as all streams and rivers. The inspection service is free of charge and all watercraft and water-related equipment passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada. For more information about the inspection program, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program on Parks Canada’s website.
Outside of Riding Mountain National Park, there are a number of lakes for fishing. These lakes are located in the western and parkland regions of Manitoba and include Dauphin Lake, Minnedosa Lake and Lake of the Prairies. You can learn more from Tourism Dauphin’s website, Parkland Tourism’s website or from Tourism Westman’s fishing webpage.
HuntFishManitoba.com also has robust resources for fishing in Manitoba.
14. Where else in Manitoba can I bring my boat?
Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes and waterways! Visit our webpage on Beaches & Boating to find out more. Or visit HuntFishManitoba.com for all things fishing in Manitoba.