Clear Lake businesses expect busy summer

WASAGAMING — Business owners in the Clear Lake area are heading into the peak summer season with cautious optimism, as warmer weather returns and the recent lifting of boat restrictions is expected to draw more visitors back to the popular resort destination.

Across restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail operators, expectations are higher for the coming weeks as tourism activity increases.

At the Whitehouse Bakery and Restaurant, co-owner Karlin Krieger said business has continued to grow year over year, even with weather fluctuations affecting early summer traffic.

“Things have been good,” Krieger said. “It’s been getting busier and busier every year. There seem to be more people coming to Clear Lake and more people enjoying it, and we’ve been fortunate that we’ve seen that and we’ve been busier as well.”

While he said business so far this year is tracking similarly to last summer, he noted that weather conditions have played a role in slowing some early-season traffic.

“The weather this year has not been as good, but I would say comparatively similar busyness at this time of year,” he said.

Krieger said warmer weather and the return of boats to the lake will likely increase activity significantly throughout the rest of the summer.

“Once we get some summer weather, people will be out,” he said. “And also the boat ban has been lifted, so yeah, likely gonna happen.”

Earlier this month, Parks Canada announced that motorboats could return to Clear Lake under certain conditions, effectively lifting a ban of personal boats in 2024 and 2025 that was intended to thwart the spread of invasive zebra mussels.

Krieger added that regardless of where people stood on the boating debate, the news itself has generated positive momentum for the area.

“I think good news travels,” Krieger said. “No matter what side of the debate you’re on, I think people are excited that boats are back, and I think that’s good news. When there’s good news for Clear Lake, that’s a good thing, and it generally makes things busier.”

The bakery completed renovations to the front of the building in recent years, something Krieger said the owners are still happy they pursued. However, customers should not expect dramatic menu changes this year, as the business continues to focus on consistency and familiarity.

“We’re known for being pretty classic and keeping things very similar,” he said. “What you got five or 10 years ago, hopefully you’re still getting now.”

Krieger said the energy that comes with a busy summer season is something the business welcomes.

“That’s the goal in business,” he said. “You want to be busy, and you want to make people happy and serve people as best you can. We love being busy. It’s a good energy; it’s lots of fun.”

At The Park Theatre and related family businesses, co-owner Kent Gowler said he expects tourism numbers to rise this year as more Manitobans and Saskatchewan residents choose regional travel options.

“We’re thinking it’s going to be a good year,” Gowler said. “Clear Lake remains a strong destination spot for prairie residents.”

He said challenges such as smoke during portions of last summer did not significantly reduce tourism overall, and visitor numbers ultimately remained close to previous years by season’s end.

“This year we have the lake open now for boats, which I think will improve it a little bit,” he said.

Gowler believes the return of boating will add another important layer to the visitor experience, particularly for families who regularly vacation in the park.

“This is really a family destination,” he said. “Where people bring their boats, it’s just one more thing to add to the experience of being in the park.”

Alongside outdoor recreation, Gowler said the area’s shopping, hiking trails, golf courses and entertainment venues continue to make Clear Lake attractive to tourists. He also expressed excitement about this year’s lineup of movies expected at the theatre.

“I think overall it’s going to be a very positive year,” he said.

Gowler added that renewed optimism surrounding the lake could eventually influence local property values as well.

“There were quite a few properties that were on the market the last couple of years,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see them creeping a little higher.”

At Lakehouse, a restaurant and boutique hotel, head chef Blake Anderson said business has remained strong even through inconsistent weather, with guests continuing to arrive in large numbers.

“People still show up … whether it’s cold or not,” Anderson said. “All our rooms were booked.”

Manager Arman Laureano said the broader Clear Lake ecosystem of events, restaurants, and entertainment continues to drive repeat visits.

“We all know each other … It’s like family,” he said, noting that collaboration between businesses strengthens the overall tourism experience.

Both pointed to the lifting of boat restrictions as a major factor expected to push business higher in the weeks ahead.

“I expect it to be like 15 per cent to 20 per cent up,” Anderson said. “We’re stocking up on staff so we can accommodate everyone.”

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