Explore Clear Lake, Manitoba by E-Bike: 3 Adventures from Smokey Hollow Resort
Updated: Sep 11
Looking for e-bike rentals in Clear Lake, Manitoba? Smokey Hollow Resort in Onanole offers e-bike rentals that make it easy to explore Clear Lake, Wasagaming, Riding Mountain National Park, and the surrounding countryside. Here are three of our favourite e-bike adventures, from an easy half-day ride along Clear Lake to a full-day trip through the historic Wasagaming area or south toward Erickson.
Why We love Cycling
In my mid-twenties, before marriage and kids, Eric, who is now my husband, my best friend Cori, and I spent a summer cycling from Winnipeg to Halifax. Since then, Eric and I have continued to plan trips around biking whenever we can, even after children entered the picture. It has become one of my favourite ways to experience a new place and enjoy everyday life.
There is something about cycling that feels so good. You move quickly enough to cover a lot of ground, but slowly enough to notice the details and stop whenever something catches your eye. It is exercise, but the kind I like: it leaves you feeling accomplished without completely exhausting you. After a long ride outdoors, food tastes better, cold beer tastes colder, and everything feels a little more earned.
Cycling across Canada Cycling trip from Winnipeg to Halifax Annik and Eric Wedding Family Cycling Trip in Minnesota
From a dump bike to an e-bike
For years, I did all my cycling trips on a 1970s Sekine bike that Eric and I literally pulled out of the dump. We fixed it up until it was roadworthy again, and it fit me perfectly. Over the years, it carried me through so many adventures.
Then one day, it was stolen.
I am not usually sentimental about things, but that bike held so many memories, and losing it still stings.
Around that same time, e-bikes were beginning to appear around Onanole and Clear Lake. To my own surprise, I wanted one badly. My reasoning was simple: if I had an e-bike, I would probably ride more often, replace more car trips with bike rides, and venture farther from home.
As it turns out, every one of those assumptions was true.
Back then, there were only a handful of e-bikes around Onanole and Clear Lake Country. Now they are everywhere, and I completely understand the hype.
E-bike rentals at Smokey Hollow
In 2024, we decided to splurge on two e-bikes and offer them as rentals at Smokey Hollow. Although we are not located directly inside Riding Mountain National Park, with its hundreds of kilometres of trails, e-bikes still felt like the perfect fit for our property.
Smokey Hollow is directly across from the beautiful Elk Link Trail. Ride north and it connects you with Riding Mountain National Park and Clear Lake. Head south and it connects with the Trans Canada Trail.
Our two e-bikes are perfect for a day out with a friend, your partner, or your favourite adventure buddy. Rentals include helmets, bike bags for carrying water and personal belongings, and a bike lock. We can also give you a simple map to help you find your way toward Riding Mountain National Park and Clear Lake, although the route is well marked.
If you know how to ride a bike, you will know how to ride an e-bike. Before you leave, we will give you a quick tutorial, let you take a test ride around our parking lot, and make sure you feel comfortable. Then you are off!
Here are three of our favourite ways to explore the area.
E-bikes at Smokey Hollow Resort Smokey Hollow E-bikes
A perfect half-day e-bike adventure
Hop on your bikes, cross the road, and connect with the Elk Link Trail. This well-marked trail is so pretty. It winds through cottage country, crosses open farm fields, and travels through forested parkland filled with towering trembling aspens.
Follow the trail for about 3 km before crossing into Riding Mountain National Park. From there, make your way through the Wasagaming townsite and toward Clear Lake, where you can connect with the recently upgraded Lakeshore Trail. This wide, easy trail hugs the shoreline and is perfect for a leisurely ride with beautiful lake views along the way.
Continue along the shore until you reach the Wishing Well. Built in the 1930s during the early development of Riding Mountain National Park, this charming garden stop sits around Bogey Creek and features walkways, small bridges, and a peaceful natural setting. It is a lovely place to stop for a picnic before making your way back.
On the return trip, I highly recommend stopping in the townsite for ice cream or a drink on a patio. From there, take the Elk Link Trail back to Smokey Hollow. If you would prefer a quicker route, you can use the wide shoulder along Highway 10 between the national park and Smokey Hollow.
Cycling Lakeshore trail along Clear Lake Cycling along Elk Link Trail
Turn it into a full-day Clear Lake adventure
You can easily turn the route above into a full-day adventure by stopping for a leisurely lunch in the townsite or at Clear Lake Golf Course.
After riding along the lake, take some time to explore historic Wasagaming. Wind through the townsite streets and admire the mix of simple, classic cottages and beautiful lake homes along Wasagaming Drive and Ta-wa-pit Drive.
For something a little more unexpected, head just west of the townsite and explore the Old Campground. It is one of those easily missed places that is so much fun to wander through.
Established in 1931, this was Clear Lake’s original public campground. During the 1930s, it was a large and social summer destination with campsites, cook shelters, washrooms, communal ice buildings used for refrigeration, and Jamboree Hall, which was built in 1933.
Over time, the area evolved into a charming collection of a couple hundreds tiny and unique cabins. It is a worthwhile detour if you enjoy exploring places filled with history and character.
Another full-day option: Ride to Erickson, MB
For something a little more off the beaten path, take the Elk Link Trail south toward the rural community of Erickson, Manitoba.
It is a beautiful ride through classic Manitoba countryside, with wide-open views, farmland, and plenty of fresh air. I have done this ride many times and once even saw a herd of elk crossing the road!
You will eventually connect with the Trans Canada Trail before reaching Erickson. This small farming community is a great place to stop for lunch. Kamminga’s Kitchen serves some of the best sandwiches and soup I have ever had. You can also stop at McMunny’s Restaurant, located in an old hotel, for a classic small-town menu. Be sure to check their opening hours when planning a lunch stop on this trip.
Give yourself approximately three to four hours to complete the round-trip route. With potentially half a day remaining in your rental, return to Smokey Hollow for a dip in the pool, a sauna session, or a quick rest. Then head north toward Wasagaming to make the most of the rest of your e-bike adventure.
Cycling along Trans Canada Trail Lunch stop at Kamminga's Kitchen
See more without worrying about the ride back
Our e-bike rentals are becoming increasingly popular among guests at Smokey Hollow. I especially love hearing from people who would normally stick to shorter walks or spend most of their trip exploring only the Wasagaming townsite. With e-bikes, they suddenly have the freedom to venture farther, see more of the area, and enjoy the journey without worrying about the distance back.
It is such a fun and easy way to turn an ordinary day into an adventure. I always warn our guests about the biggest risk: you might go home and immediately start shopping for an e-bike of your own. They really are the best!
See this link for more details and pricing on our e-bike rentals!
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