Smokey Hollow: From Hidden Gem to Clear Lake Getaway

annikadam
Aug 21
3 min read

Updated: Oct 21

In 2021, our team, which includes two couples—Erica and Rob, along with Annik and Eric—began considering the purchase of Smokey Hollow Resort. Captivated by the unexpected beauty of the property, we envisioned not only welcoming guests to enjoy their stays here but also our families relaxing by the pool and enjoying bonfires. A few months later, we took ownership and have strived ever since to build on the vision and legacy of the previous owners, who had poured their hearts into making this place special.

How It All Began

While none of us are originally from the area. Erica grew up spending summers here with her family, while Annik first arrived in 2006 to work seasonally for Parks Canada. Over time, both of us and our partners felt the pull to settle here year-round, drawn by small-town life and a shared love of the Riding Mountain area.

When we first came across the Smokey Hollow property, it was already a long-standing part of the community. What immediately caught our eye were the special features tucked away on-site: a pool, tall trees, and a spacious yard. It was easy to picture guests gathering here, creating memories, and using this place as the perfect home base for adventures around Clear Lake.

Taking the Leap

In September of 2021, we officially took ownership. From day one, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work refreshing, strategizing, organizing, and preparing for guests. Between us, we brought together a mix of backgrounds in tourism, sales, construction, and food service, all of which helped us shape a vision for what Smokey Hollow could become.

At the heart of it all we simply wanted to create a welcoming, family-friendly place to stay in Onanole, just steps away from Riding Mountain National Park.

The Rebuild and Reality Check

One of our first steps was rebranding. We kept the name but introduced a new logo, signage, and website, and shifted from paper bookings to an online system.

Running a hotel brought plenty of lessons, especially that first quiet winter. We quickly realized the importance of pacing ourselves, building strong systems, and keeping perspective. Through it all, we’ve stayed committed to offering genuine hospitality and reliable service. That approach has shaped our reputation and helped establish us as one of Clear Lake’s top rated places to stay.

Building Momentum

As new guests started to discover Smokey Hollow, the excitement built. With each season, we’ve been able to reinvest and expand what we offer:

New cabins and suites, including Archie’s Cabin, Kippan’s Cabin, the Tiny Cabin, and the Cottage Suite
Room upgrades with new beds, linens, towels, high speed Wi-Fi, and air conditioning
A new pool heater, sauna, and cozy fire pit area
E-bike rentals for exploring the Onanole trail to the park.
A true year-round experience, with spa-and-stay packages in partnership with the Klar So Nordic Spa

We’ve also been fortunate to grow our team, bringing on full-time staff, which allows us to balance our time between running the business and raising our families.

Where We Are Now

Smokey Hollow has grown into a place where families gather, friends reconnect, and travelers feel at home during their Manitoba getaway.

Today, our focus is shifting from hustle to sustainability. We’re working on stepping back from the day-to-day, letting our team take the lead, and fine-tuning systems to keep things running smoothly.

Looking Ahead

We continue to ask ourselves important questions:

How do we keep our values front and center?
How do we balance growth with family life?
Are we building something to pass on, or something we’ll enjoy into our old age?

For now, we’re grateful. What began with a simple Father’s Day text—“Smokey Hollow?”—has grown into the life we live today, and we’re glad to be able to share it with every guest who visits - one of the best places to stay in Riding Mountain.