My Top 5 Favorite Hikes in Clear Lake Country

If you’re hiking in Clear Lake Country in July or August…well, in my opinion, you’re doing it all wrong. Those two short months for our family are hyper-focused on Clear Lake. Nothing quite brings me instant joy like diving off the dock at Deep Bay into that clear, perfectly cold water of Clear Lake. July and August are for floating, swimming, and soaking in the sun (not sweating up a trail).

Hiking, for me, belongs to spring and fall. Those are the perfect months: temperatures that aren’t too hot, not too many mosquitoes, and nature at its most striking. Spring hikes feel like the comeback tour after months in sweatpants. Everything bursting back to life, fresh and green. Fall hikes, on the other hand, are all about the colors and smells, the crisp air that makes every breath feel amazing.

The hikes I love most are mostly short and sweet. Between family, work, and the rest of life, I often just need a quick hit of nature. And if you’re hiking with me? You can expect lots of stops... for snacking, chatting, and soaking in the views. I like hikes that give you time to look around, and not just checking another trail off the list

I used to be a park interpreter and guide for Parks Canada, so I’ve got to know the trails in Riding Mountain National Park quite well. And I’m picky when it comes to a good trail. I prefer shorter over long, it must be interesting and can’t just be a flat forested path. Lookouts, creeks, lakes, structural features like bridges or boardwalks, and not too far of a drive? You’ve got me. And if you’re long, you better be worth it.

Here are my top five favorite hikes:

1. Clear Lake South Shore Trail

Distance: About 4 km return

Difficulty: Easy peasy

Only a 5-minute drive from Smokey Hollow Resort, this trail winds through the forest and along the natural shoreline of Clear Lake. You’ll weave back and forth until you reach a thin ridge of land that separates South Lake and Clear Lake. In spring, you may even need to remove your shoes and lift your pants to cross this magical little connector. Nerdy moment: this isthmus is ecologically significant. Fish often cross here from the clear, cold waters of Clear Lake to the shallower, warmer South Lake to lay their eggs. Short, scenic, and full of fascinating little moments if you stop to look.

2. Boreal Trail

Distance: 1 km loop

Difficulty: Easy peasy

Recently reopened after years of repairs, Boreal Trail is a must-see. About 25 minutes from Smokey Hollow, this trail immerses you in a true boreal ecosystem. Short but spectacular, it features bridges, boardwalks, and areas full of thick mats of moss. You’ll hear the deafening chorus of birds and insects as you wander through. This is a trail to really slow down on, and notice the details.

3. Onanole Trail to Wasagaming

Distance: 8 km return (Little long, but hot tip below!)

Difficulty: Easy - medium

Perhaps a little biased since you can start this trail directly from Smokey Hollow Resort. But I LOVE this trail, for so many reasons. It’s diverse: it wanders through cottage country, farmland, and forests before ending in Wasagaming. Yes, it’s a little on the longer side, but this girl almost always does it by bike! And Smokey Hollow has e-bikes for rent, so you can grab one, take the trail to Wasagaming, get a bite to eat or a hot coffee, and either ride back along the trail or rip down the wide paved shoulder along Highway #10.

4. Reeve’s Ravine to Bald Hill

Distance: About 11 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

This trail offers a mix of dense forests, ravines, and ridges, with a few steep sections that get your heart pumping. It’s a longer 50 minute drive to get there from Smokey Hollow and the hike itself is definitely a bit of a trek. The payoff? An epic 360-degree view from the Bald Hill peak. Along the way, you’ll cross creeks, walk over roots and rocks, and get a real feel for Riding Mountain’s rugged landscape. Start early to savor the views, stop for snacks, and don’t forget your camera. This hike is absolutely worth it. This hike is also bike and e-bike friendly!

5. Kinosao Lake Trail (with Brûlé Trail on the way back)

Distance: 7 km loop depending on route

Difficulty: Easy

Kinosao Lake Trail is a peaceful, forested hike that leads you to the tranquil Kinosao Lake. On your way back, take the Brûlé Trail loop to add variety and see more of the park’s meadows and forests. It’s a great combination of scenery, solitude, and just enough challenge to make the hike feel satisfying.

Sometimes the best hikes aren’t the longest or the most challenging. For me, the perfect hike is one where I can step out of daily life, breathe in the forest, snack when I want, chat with my buddies, and feel a little more grounded by the end of it. In Clear Lake Country, those moments are never far away.